ISSofBC

ISSofBC Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from ISSofBC, Nonprofit Organization, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC.

Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) welcomes and supports newcomers to settle in their communities, learn English, study and find work in British Columbia (BC).

“In December 2006, I felt safe and truly happy for the first time in my life. But very soon, my psychological problems s...
10/05/2026

“In December 2006, I felt safe and truly happy for the first time in my life. But very soon, my psychological problems started to surface.”

Content note: This post discusses war, trauma, abuse and child labour.

After arriving in Canada, the writer began experiencing panic attacks without understanding what was happening. It would take more than 17 years to receive a full assessment and appropriate support.

In Why Don’t You Go Home?, the writer reflects on surviving violence and displacement, how running became a way to cope, and the long journey towards understanding mental health.

The story is part of VOICES AGAINST TORTURE (VAT), a platform from the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture VAST_BC that shares the voices and experiences of survivors.

The writer’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, this story reminds us that reaching safety does not always end the effects of difficult experiences. Listening to lived experience can build understanding, reduce stigma and strengthen mental health support for people from all backgrounds.

Read the complete story:
🔗 https://buff.ly/JgEf6hI

Explore mental health services and resources from VAST:
🔗 https://buff.ly/WKrEuFS

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🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon to ISSofBC!Rosa recently moved to Canada when she received a text saying she owed...
10/01/2026

🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon to ISSofBC!

Rosa recently moved to Canada when she received a text saying she owed money to the CRA:

“I was scared and almost paid it. How can I recognize government impersonation scams?”

Messages like this can create fear and pressure you to act quickly.

Our upcoming free online Cyber Safety Training for newcomers to Canada will provide practical skills to recognize scams, protect personal information, and make safer choices online.

👉 While we get ready to launch, read our tips on recognizing and avoiding online scams: https://buff.ly/jd9y3oW

Cyber-Smart. Cyber-Safe.

Join ISSofBC’s free facilitation and leadership training for newcomer women. Build practical skills, gain experience lea...
10/01/2026

Join ISSofBC’s free facilitation and leadership training for newcomer women. Build practical skills, gain experience leading community groups and receive a certificate after completing the program.

📅 October 6 to November 12
🕙 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
🎓 Receive a Certificate of Facilitation upon completion

Register now: https://buff.ly/h3Ry8ip

September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day for all Can...
09/29/2026

September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day for all Canadians to commemorate and learn more about the history and legacy of the residential school system.

It’s a day to honour the strength, dignity and advocacy of survivors and intergenerational survivors, by learning and talking about Indian residential schools and remembering the children who never came home. It's a chance to engage and educate more British Columbians about the history of colonialism and how it has and continues to impact First Nations, Métis and Inuit today.

How can you take part?

🧡 Wear an orange shirt to show that Every Child Matters
🧡 Attend local events (see list below)
🧡 Reflect on and learn more about the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools
🧡 Read, watch and listen to Indigenous-created content
🧡 Support an Indigenous-owned business
🧡 Talk to family, friends and coworkers about reconciliation

Events taking place tomorrow:

📍 Vancouver

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Grandview Park
• Truth & Rec Pop-Up Market
• Free admission at the Bill Reid Gallery
• UBC Intergenerational March for Orange Shirt Day
• Film screening at the Vancouver Maritime Museum
• Free film screening at Trout Lake Community Centre

📍 North Vancouver

• Truth and Reconciliation Day at MONOVA
• Films for Truth and Reconciliation at The Polygon Gallery

📍 Langley, Surrey and Coquitlam

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Langley City
• Semiahmoo First Nation Walk in Remembrance
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Place des Arts

📍 Abbotsford

• Stetís ímexstowx: Walk Beside Us

Please visit each organizer’s page before attending for the latest schedules, registration requirements and accessibility information.

At ISSofBC, Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility. Our strategy guides our commitment to learning, respectful relationships, accountability and meaningful action.

Read ISSofBC’s Truth and Reconciliation Strategy:

🔗 https://buff.ly/zxWgrMc

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the sudden closure of ILAC — especially students, instructors, staff, familie...
09/24/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the sudden closure of ILAC — especially students, instructors, staff, families, and education partners facing an unexpected and difficult transition.

Languages Canada is currently coordinating support for students affected by the closure of ILAC’s language programs. If you are an affected student, please continue to follow the official Languages Canada guidance on placements and next steps.

At ISS Language & Career College of BC (LCC), we believe students deserve a supportive, welcoming place to keep working toward their education and career goals.

For almost 30 years, LCC has supported students from Canada and around the world in Vancouver.

Our study options include:

• English-language programs from literacy to advanced levels
• Career-focused certificate and diploma programs
• Co-op programs with classroom learning and a work component
• TESOL training
• Flexible full-time and part-time study options

If you are exploring study options in Vancouver, our team is happy to introduce you to our programs, admission requirements, and available pathways.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/zn5UfL4

🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon to ISSofBC!Have scam calls ever made you think twice about answering an unknown n...
09/23/2026

🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon to ISSofBC!

Have scam calls ever made you think twice about answering an unknown number?

Scams can affect more than our money. They can make it harder to know which calls, messages, job opportunities, and online interactions we can trust.

ISSofBC will soon launch Cyber Safety Training, a new free online training program for newcomers to Canada.

Learn practical ways to recognize scams, protect your personal information, and make safer choices online.

👉 In the meantime, read our tips on recognizing and avoiding online scams in Canada: https://buff.ly/cWY4UNL

Cyber-Smart. Cyber-Safe.

“Before LINC, even simple conversations felt stressful. Now I feel much more confident speaking English in daily life.”—...
09/22/2026

“Before LINC, even simple conversations felt stressful. Now I feel much more confident speaking English in daily life.”
— QI, LINC Student

Want to improve your English from home?

ISSofBC has free online CLB 4 LINC spaces available now for eligible newcomers across the Lower Mainland. 💻

CLB 4 can help you build confidence speaking English in everyday situations, at work and in your community.

It can also be an important step toward Canadian citizenship. Applicants aged 18–54 need CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening, and an eligible LINC certificate can serve as proof of language proficiency.

✅ Free for eligible newcomers
🏠 Learn online
📍 Available across the Lower Mainland
🗣 Improve practical English skills

Learn more and find out how to register: https://buff.ly/W1v3WOQ

Are you interested in building your nursing career in BC? 🩺Join our **FREE online webinar with Care4Nurses** to learn mo...
09/18/2026

Are you interested in building your nursing career in BC? 🩺

Join our **FREE online webinar with Care4Nurses** to learn more about nursing licensure, career opportunities, nursing roles and scope of practice, career tips, and available supports.

📅 September 22
🕠 5:30 p.m.
💻 Online
💲 Free

Whether you're exploring the licensure process or planning your next career step, this webinar can help you better understand your options in British Columbia.

👉 Learn more and register:
https://buff.ly/rGHpgEr

Looking for work? Meet employers who are hiring! 👋Join us at the Pitt Meadows Hiring Expo and explore opportunities in h...
09/17/2026

Looking for work? Meet employers who are hiring! 👋

Join us at the Pitt Meadows Hiring Expo and explore opportunities in healthcare, construction and trades, warehousing, manufacturing, food service, retail, and more.

You can:
✅ Meet employers face-to-face
✅ Learn about current job openings
✅ Submit your resume directly to hiring representatives
✅ Explore different career opportunities
✅ Potentially participate in an on-the-spot interview

📅 September 29, 2026
⏰ 12:30–4:30 p.m.
📍 Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall, 12460 Harris Road
🎟️ FREE

Employers include the City of Pitt Meadows, Save-On-Foods, Fraser Health, GFR Pharma, Aerotek, EMBERS Staffing, and more.

📄 Bring copies of your resume and come ready to connect!

👉 Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/7eLGsNl

We were pleased to welcome MLA Lawrence Mok and Chris Logie to our ISSofBC Maple Ridge office!The visit followed a recen...
09/11/2026

We were pleased to welcome MLA Lawrence Mok and Chris Logie to our ISSofBC Maple Ridge office!

The visit followed a recent conversation at a local community event, where we shared more about ISSofBC’s work supporting newcomers. During their visit, our team introduced the programs and services available in Maple Ridge and discussed how we can continue strengthening support for newcomers in the community.

Thank you to MLA Mok and Chris Logie for taking the time to visit, learn more about our work, and connect with our team.

A special thank you to Ricardo Reyes Lao, BC NSP Program Manager, and the Maple Ridge team for creating this opportunity and continuing to build meaningful community connections.

📍 ISSofBC Maple Ridge offers settlement, employment, and English language services to help newcomers build their lives in Canada.

Address

2610 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5N4L2

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16046842561

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