Newcomers

At the Library

Newcomer Programs & Events

Find programs and events for newcomers at the library.

ESL Books & DVDs

Books and DVDs for English language learners.

Online Practice: Citizenship Test

Prepare for the Canadian citizenship test with RPL’s Online Practice Citizenship Test.

Job Search Guides

Full collection of RPL’s job search guides.

Online Practice: BC Driving Test

This RPL practice test helps you prepare for the BC Learners license application’s written test.

Pronunciator

Learn a new language with self-directed lessons, movies, music and more! Over 80 languages are available with instruction available in over 50 different languages.

Inter-Faith Prayer and Meditation Space

A quiet area for prayer and reflection in the library.

Mauril

Upgrade your French and English language comprehension skills with Mauril from CBC/Radio-Canada! Test your language skills and learn about the rich cultural diversity of Canada by watching and listening to stimulating and entertaining video and audio clips.

Multilingual Collection

Books and DVDs in 11 languages including French, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog and others.

Local Resources

Chimo Community Services

Offers free counselling and support groups for adults, youth, children and families.

City of Richmond

Free Resources for new arrivals to Richmond.

Family Services of Greater Vancouver

Offer programs and community connections for newcomer families in Richmond

Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives

Find Richmond community services directory here!

Richmond Family Place

Committed to removing barriers for families accessing early childhood development programs. Host an early years refugee program

Richmond Food Bank

Give healthy and nutritionally-balanced food to more than 2200 people in a typical week.

Richmond Multicultural Community Services

Provide settlement services for immigrants and refugees.

School District 38

Sign up your kids for school in Richmond!

Touchstone Family Association

Provide support and outreach to newcomers through parenting and family programs

Provincial Resources

BC Medical Services Plan – How to Apply

Individuals from Ukraine who have arrived through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) can apply for MSP (Medical Services Plan) coverage.

ICBC Driver Licensing – Moving to BC from Outside Canada

How to get a BC driver’s license: information for newcomers.

WelcomeBC – Start Your Life in BC

All the necessary information that newcomers to BC need on their “first few days” of arrival.

WelcomeBC – Settlement Services for Temporary Residents

Comprehensive overview of BC’s settlement programs and services such as: help to find a job, make new friends, or learn English.

Back in Motion

Offer specialized employment services to help newcomers reach their full employment potential

BC 211

Dial or text 2-1-1 for support services for all of life’s challenges. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7 in over 150 languages.

BC CHARMS – BC’s Refugee Claimant Housing Referral System

Connects refugee claimants to timely legal services, housing opportunities, health & emergency resources, Wi-Fi & connectivity, and food & clothing in the province.

BC Housing

BC Housing works in partnership to develop a range of housing options.

BC Newcomer’s Guide

The British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services has information to help you in your first few months living here.

BC Provincial Nominee Program

BC PNP offers a great opportunity for foreign workers, international students and entrepreneurs who are already in BC to become a permanent resident of Canada.

BC Refugee Hub

Provides users information about refugees that are arriving to British Columbia, the latest reports and publications, statistics and factsheets, and a resource centre with a variety of information.

BC School District Contacts Map

Contact information for public school districts and Independent School authorities in BC.

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program

Helps you get jobs that match your experience and background.

Immigrant Services Society of BC

ISSofBC provides free immigrant services including settlement support, employment programs, English classes, and more.

Migrant Workers Centre

MWC facilitates access to justice for migrant workers through the provision of legal education, advice and full representation.

MOSAIC

A variety of settlement services to support permanent residents, international students, migrant workers, and refugees

NewtoBC

NewToBC helps to connect newcomers with services in their community

Rainbow Refugee

Support and advocacy for LGBTQI+ refugees

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Programs and services for individuals and families who are preparing for Canada, temporary residents, permanent residents, or who are already Canadian citizens.

Translated Resources – HealthLinkBC

Provides health resources in 8 languages most common to B.C. residents.

WorkBC

WorkBC helps people find jobs and explore career options.

Federal Resources

Before Your Arrival

Prepare before you arrive. Learn about free pre-arrival services.

After Your Arrival

Learn about important things to do after you arrive.

Find free newcomer services near you

Free services near you can help you look for a job, get a language assessment, register for language classes, find a place to live, sign up your kids for school, and learn about community services.

Housing for Newcomers to Canada

Offers information in 8 languages on renting and buying apartments and houses in Canada.

Health care – Refugees

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited health care to protected persons, including resettled refugees; refugee claimants; and certain other groups.

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

(IRB) is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law.

Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

CCVT aids survivors in overcoming the lasting effects of torture and war.

Refugee Help Centre

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) gives government-assisted refugees immediate and essential supports for their most basic needs.

Newcomers' Stories

Hotline

Nasrallah, Dimitri

Son of Elsewhere

Abdelmahmoud, Elamin

We Measure the Earth With Our Bodies

Lama, Tsering Yangzom

Dandelion

Liew, Jamie Chai Yun

The Foghorn Echoes

Ramadan, Ahmad Danny

Em

Thúy, Kim

Newcomers' ESL Resources

English Made Easy

Crichton, Jonathan

Easy English Step-by-step for ESL Learners

Pelletier, Danielle

Barron's IELTS Essential Words

Lougheed, Lin

Listening for IELTS

Aish, Fiona

Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners

Torres-Gouzerh, Robin

Basic English

Lachance, Julie

Recommended Reads

The Displaced

Unknown Author

Carry on

Unknown Author

Stormy Seas

Leatherdale, Mary Beth

Hold on to your Music

Golabek, Mona

Wishes

Van, Muon

The Paper Boat

Lam, Thao

 

A History of Eastern Europe

Unknown Author

Chernobyl

Unknown Author

Secondhand Time

Aleksievich, Svetlana

Voices From Chernobyl

Aleksievich, Svetlana

Red Famine

Applebaum, Anne

The Future Is History

Gessen, Masha