Find services for newcomers
Moving to a new city or country comes with a lot of questions. The library is here to help you feel more connected, informed, and supported. At GVPL, you can find welcoming spaces, free resources, and trusted organizations that can help you navigate life in Greater Victoria.
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The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS)
VIRCS offers the BC Newcomer Services Program (BCNSP), a free program for temporary foreign workers and international students.
The BCNSP helps newcomers settle into life in B.C. Newcomers include those here on a work permit or study permit. New Canadian citizens can access these same services for up to 10 years after they receive citizenship. Through the BCNSP, you can get:
- Help finding jobs and volunteer opportunities
- Help with immigration
- Information on Income Assistance and other government services
- English conversation classes and formal classes (in-person and online)
- Resources in multiple languages
Find the BCNSP at the GVPL
Settlement workers from local non-profits host weekly information tables at the Bruce Hutchison Branch, Juan de Fuca Branch, and Saanich Centennial Branch. Drop by during these times to ask questions.
For the latest schedule, please check out our events calendar.
BCNSP language classes
Join free English conversation classes at the Esquimalt Branch and Juan de Fuca Branch, hosted by the BCNSP. For the latest schedule, please check out our events calendar.
VIRCS and GVPL are partners
Our staff are trained to help library users connect with trusted community partners like VIRCS. If you’re unsure where to start, ask any of our in-branch staff, or contact us to ask for help.
Check to see if you’re eligible for BCNSP services.
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA)
Non-profit supporting newcomer immigrants and refugees.
ICA has helped newcomer immigrants and refugees settle into life in Greater Victoria for more than 50 years. Since it started, the ICA has helped more than 70,000 people and families with settlement, employment, and community connections.
ICA and GVPL are partners
Library staff can help connect you with ICA programs and services. Visit any branch or contact us if you’d like help finding the right support.
What the ICA offers
The ICA offers a wide range of newcomer supports, including:
- Support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people
- Employment services
- Healthcare information
- Housing information
- Language assessment and training
- Supports for victims of gender-based violence
Racist Incident Helpline
If you experience or witness racism, support is available. Call 1-833-HLP-LINE (1-833-457-5463). This number connects you to the Racist Incident Helpline. A trained professional will listen to you and help you explore next steps. The service is free, confidential, and available in different languages.
Website: Racist Incident Helpline
Phone: 1-833-HLP-LINE (1-833-457-5463)
Supports by topic
Jobs, careers, and employment
- Inter-Cultural Association (ICA): Non-profit offering employment services for newcomer immigrants and refugees. Call: 250-388-4728
- Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS): Non-profit offering employment services for newcomer immigrants and refugees. Call: 250-361-9433
- WorkBC: A government website that helps people find jobs and career support. Library staff can connect you with resources at WorkBC. Visit us at any branch — we’re more than happy to help.
- Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants: A government-funded program that helps skilled immigrants continue working in their professional field in Canada. Our staff can connect you with this service.
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC): Free language classes for adult newcomers to Canada.
Immigration and citizenship
- Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria (ICA): Offers support with preparing for your citizenship test and interview. Through the ICA, you can access a private space and equipment for online oral exams. Book an appointment: 250-388-4728
- The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre (VIRCS): Non-profit supporting newcomers, refugees and new Canadian citizens with immigration and citizenship journeys. Call: 250-361-9433
- More citizenship resources: The Government of Canada recommends these resources as a great place to start when applying and practicing for your citizenship test:
Legal support
- Battered Women’s Support Society (BWSS): Offers crisis support for women who have experienced domestic violence. Check out its list of resources for immigrant women who need help navigating the legal system.
Counselling and mental health
- Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR): Lower-cost counselling for immigrants and refugees, with trained interpreters available when needed.
- Vancouver Island Crisis Line: If you’ve experienced sexual assault, please call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888. Call anytime, day or night, to connect with trained professionals at the Victoria Sexual Assault Response Team.
Refugee claimants
- Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA): Non-profit offering a wide range of services for newcomer immigrants and refugees. Call: 250-361-9433
- Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS): Non-profit offering support with settlement and employment, as well as language classes, for newcomer immigrants and refugees. Call: 250-361-9433
More websites for newcomers
Check out these websites for more helpful information about living in B.C.:
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