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Newcomer resources and useful links for Vancouver

New to Vancouver or helping family settle in? Here are the official links you need: your British Columbia health card, SIN and driver's licence, government benefits, free newcomer services in Vancouver, schools, transit and city services, all checked by our team.

Government benefits in Vancouver and British Columbia

Families, workers and people with low incomes can get regular payments from the Government of Canada and British Columbia. Most start once you file your first tax return.

Health care and health cards in British Columbia

Public health care is free at the doctor and hospital once you have a British Columbia health card. Apply as soon as you arrive.

ID, SIN and driver's licence in British Columbia

You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work, and photo ID for almost everything else. In British Columbia you can exchange a driver's licence from many countries.

Immigration, PR and citizenship

Check processing times, renew your PR card, apply for citizenship or bring family to Canada, from the official government pages.

Free help for newcomers in Vancouver

Government-funded organisations in Vancouver help newcomers for free with jobs, English classes, housing and paperwork.

Jobs and work rights in British Columbia

Find work, get your foreign education and licences recognised, and know your rights on pay, hours and overtime.

Taxes and the CRA

File a tax return every year, even with little or no income: it is how you get the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit and other payments.

Renting and buying a home in British Columbia

Know your rights as a renter in British Columbia, and save tax-free for your first home.

Schools and student aid in Vancouver

Register your children at a public or Catholic school in Vancouver, and find loans and grants for college and university.

Child care and family support in British Columbia

Help paying for child care, and payments while you are at home with a new baby.

Pensions and benefits for seniors

Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Canada Pension Plan, and how to apply.

City of Vancouver services

Transit, libraries, recreation and 311 for everything else the City of Vancouver does.

Safety, scams and emergencies

Call 911 in an emergency. Report scam calls pretending to be the CRA, immigration or the police.

Common questions about living in Vancouver

What government benefits can I get in Vancouver?

Federal benefits include the Canada Child Benefit, the GST/HST credit, the Canada Workers Benefit, Employment Insurance and the Canadian Dental Care Plan. British Columbia adds BC Family Benefit, Income assistance and Renter's tax credit. In Vancouver, Leisure Access Program can lower costs for people with low incomes. The Government of Canada's Benefits Finder shows what you may qualify for.

How do I get a health card in British Columbia?

Apply to the Medical Services Plan (MSP) as soon as you arrive, with your immigration documents and proof that you live in British Columbia. Some provinces have a short waiting period before coverage starts, so apply early and check the official page.

How do I get a driver's licence in British Columbia?

Apply through Driver's licence (ICBC). Depending on the country your licence is from, you may be able to exchange it, or you may need to take a knowledge and road test.

Where can newcomers get free help in Vancouver?

ISSofBC, MOSAIC and PICS (Surrey and the Lower Mainland) offer free settlement help in Vancouver: finding work, English classes, housing and filling in forms. You can also call or text 211 to find local services.

How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

Apply online, by mail or in person at a Service Canada office, with your permanent resident or work permit documents. You need a SIN to work in Canada and to get government benefits.

Do newcomers need to file taxes in their first year?

Yes. File a tax return for your first year in Canada, even with little or no income. It is how the CRA works out your Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit and other payments. Free tax clinics can file it for you if your income is modest.

Is Desi Network part of the government?

No. Desi Network is a community directory for the South Asian community. These links go to official government websites and well-known community organisations, so always check the official page before you apply.