Resources
Welcome to Canada: Publications for newcomers
Welcome to Canada: What You Should Know is a publication put out by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that provides information about the settlement process for newcomers to Canada. It explains the steps needed to settle in Canada, including the rights and responsibilities of newcomers, the services and programs available to help newcomers and how to contribute to Canadian society. It also covers topics such as language and culture, education, work, health care, housing, money and financial services, and how to contact the government. The publication is available online in multiple languages and can be used as a resource to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/publication-welcome-canada-what-you-should-know.html
For new immigrants
Apply for a permanent resident card or Canadian citizenship and find out about how to start your life in Canada. Also find out what services are near you to help and what to expect for your first tax year.
ttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants.html
Refugees and asylum
Apply for refugee status from within Canada, find out how to come to Canada as a refugee, sponsor a refugee or find refugee services in Canada.
Canada's website for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship provides a variety of services for refugees. These services include:
- Information about the process for refugees to apply for permanent residence in Canada
- Refugee protection and resettlement programs
- Eligibility criteria for different types of refugees
- How to apply for the Interim Federal Health Program
- Information about government-assisted refugees
- Information about privately sponsored refugees
- Refugee travel documents
- Programs and services to help refugees settle in Canada
- Information about the Permanent Residence Card and other documents
- Assistance for refugees to find housing, learn English or French, and find a job
- Information about the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement
- Guidance on how to make a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) application
- Tools and resources to help refugees adjust to life in Canada
- Information about Canadian citizenship
Services:
- Apply for refugee protection
- Refugee protection for adults
- Refugee protection for children
- Refugee travel document
- Resettlement of Government-Assisted Refugees
- Private Sponsorship of Refugees
- Blended Visa Office-Referred Program
- In-Canada Asylum Program
- Healthcare for refugees
- Income support for refugees
- Settlement services for refugees
- Learn more about refugees and asylum in Canada
- Refugee Appeals Division
- Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees.html
Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents: The Lifeboat Scheme
The Canadian government is offering a pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents. Eligible applicants must have a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport, have lived in Hong Kong for at least one year, and demonstrate an intention to live in Canada. The permanent resident status will be granted through an expedited process and will include access to healthcare and social services. This program is part of Canada’s commitment to provide safe haven and stability to those affected by the situation in Hong Kong.
- Stream A of Canada's Immigration Program for Hong Kong Residents provides permanent residence to international graduates in Canada who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution. To be eligible, applicants must have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a degree, diploma, or certificate within the last three years, have a valid postgraduate work permit for the same program of study, and demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in either English or French. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for six months after arrival in Canada. Applicants under Stream A must also have no serious criminal record and should not have any pending proceedings in Canada.
- Stream B: Canadian Work Experience is an immigration pathway designed to help Hong Kong residents gain permanent residency in Canada. This stream is open to applicants who have at least 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in Canada in the last 3 years, and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Eligible applicants must have a post-secondary degree or diploma, and meet the language requirements for their job. Additionally, applicants must have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience for the position, and the job offer must meet the prevailing wage rate for the occupation.
Requirements for Applying for Permanent Residence for Hong Kong Residents:
1. Eligibility:
- Be a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holder
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience or the equivalent in part-time work experience in the past 3 years in a NOC 0, A or B occupation
2. Language Requirements:
- Have a minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French for all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing and listening)
3. Education:
- Have a Canadian post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an agency approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
4. Funds:
- Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada
5. Submit an Application:
- Submit an Express Entry profile and complete an online application for permanent residence
6. Additional Requirements:
- Health and character requirements
- Provide biometrics
- Pay the processing fee
- Participate in an IRCC interview (if required)
- Undergo medical examinations (if required)
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/hong-kong-residents-permanent-residence.html
Welcome to BC
This website provides information about British Columbia for newcomers, including information about living and working in the province, finding housing, learning English, and finding a job. It also provides information about the many different cultures and communities of British Columbia.
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC-PNP) is a program designed to help immigrants to British Columbia (BC) become permanent residents of Canada. The program is designed to meet the province's specific economic and labour market needs by inviting immigrants who have the skills and experience to contribute to BC's economy. The program is broken down into three main categories: skilled workers, international graduates, and entry-level and semi-skilled workers. Through the BC-PNP, eligible immigrants can apply for a provincial nomination, which will then speed up the process for gaining permanent residency in Canada. The program also includes a unique Entrepreneur Immigration stream, which is designed to help foreign entrepreneurs launch their own business in BC.
Settlement Services in BC
This website from WelcomeBC provides information and services for immigrants who are settling in British Columbia. It provides information about finding a job, learning English or French, connecting with community services, and other resources to help newcomers adjust to life in BC.
- Language Services: Welcome BC provides language services to help newcomers in British Columbia learn English or French. This includes free language classes, online language learning tools, and other resources to help immigrants develop their language skills.
- Employment Services: Welcome BC offers employment services to help newcomers find work in B.C. They provide job search assistance, job matching services, employment counselling, and access to job fairs and job search resources.
- Settlement Services: Welcome BC offers settlement services to help newcomers adjust to life in B.C. This includes counselling and support for newcomers, information about housing and community resources, and assistance with cultural integration.
- Education Services: Welcome BC provides education services to help newcomers find suitable educational opportunities in B.C. This includes assistance with applying to post-secondary institutions, support for English language learners, and access to employment and work experience programs.
- Immigration Services: Welcome BC provides immigration services to help newcomers understand the immigration process. This includes pre-arrival orientation, assistance with immigration applications and forms, and access to legal advice and information about immigration policies.
- Health Services: Welcome BC provides health services to help newcomers access healthcare in B.C. This includes information about health insurance, access to mental health services, and assistance with connecting to healthcare providers.
- Community Services: Welcome BC offers community services to help newcomers connect to their local community. This includes information about local resources, support in finding housing, and access to community services and programs.V
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Settlement-Services
Organizations
This page has links to information and organizations that can help once you've arrived in Canada, with a particular emphasis on services available in British Columbia and the Metro Vancouver region.
- Language Classes: English, French and other languages.
- Employment Services: Job search support, career guidance, labour market information and more.
- Housing Services: Assistance in finding and maintaining housing.
- Immigration Services: Information and support on applications and processes.
- Health Services: Medical and psychological support, health promotion and more.
- Community Connections: Programs and activities to build social connections.
- Financial Literacy: Assistance in understanding and managing money.
- Parenting and Child Development: Supports and resources for families.
- Legal Services: Guidance and support on legal matters.
- Education Services: Support and resources for children and adults.
https://www.vpl.ca/guide/immigration-and-settlement/settlement-services