Finding a Job

Photo by Katie Moum on Unsplash

Vancouver Public Library provides information to skilled immigrants who qualified in a trade or profession in their home country and would like to find the same type of work in BC. The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre has produced guides for over 150 trades and professions that contain information about professional associations, employment outlook, upgrading information, and much more. We also have resources to explore other careers.

The Library also offers 1.5 hour free, drop-in Career and Job Search Tours that can assist you with your path to employment, and 1.5 hour free, drop-in Small Business Tours.

If you are a newcomer and are interested in researching career options, you may want to attend the Career Explorer program.

Employment Services

Services available to everyone include:

Resource Center with computers, fax and copiers.
Resource person to help with cover letters & resumes – first come first serve.

Services for citizens and Permanent Residents can include training and financial support.

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Program

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants connects immigrants to jobs in B.C. Career Paths is a practical and unique program customized to participant needs. You can get help to build an action plan, get your credentials assessed and receive financial support to help you upgrade.

In Greater Vancouver the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program is offered by:

Archway Community Services

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS)

WorkBC

Useful Websites

Employment Standards

Help to find answers to questions about issues like workplace safety, wages and contracts.

Get your credentials assessed

Outlines the most important steps to get foreign credentials recognized to work in Canada.

Immigrant Services in Your Area

Includes maps showing organizations in each province that will help newcomers find a job.

Settlement Online Pre-Arrival

Free online courses you can take before you come to Canada to help you find a job when you arrive.

BC JobConnect

Brings together immigrants ready to work with employers looking for workers

BC Settlement & Integration Services (BCSIS)

Provides employment assistance for temporary residents, refugee claimants and international students.

Active Career Connect and Engagement Project

Skilled immigrants advance their careers in Canada through our innovative services that bridge them to paid Canadian work experience opportunities.

Recommended Catalogue Titles

Fight Back: Workplace Justice for Immigrants

Choudry, Aziz; Stiegman, Martha; Hanley, Jill; Jordan, Steve;Shragge, Eric

331.6 F47c

2009

Explores the policies regarding immigrants as well as presents an account of an advocacy group who constantly strives to improve their rights.

How to Find A Job in Canada Common Problems and Effective Solutions

Cheinis, Efim

650.142 C51h

2008

Covers all aspects of the Canadian job hunt as it relates to newcomers.

No Canadian Experience, Eh?

Wright, Daisy

650.142 W94n1

2011

Short guide on job searching written for newcomers to Canada.

Planning to Work in Canada? An Essential Workbook for Newcomers

650.142 P71c 2012

2012

Introduces the process of moving to Canada and finding a job. Also available on the web

You're Hired... Now What?

Goldman, Lynda

650.13 G61y

2010

Guide to understanding of Canadian workplace culture and norms.

Program Spotlight

Workshops & Events

The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre offers various free job search and small business workshops and events, which are open to all audiences unless otherwise noted. See all of our upcoming programs here.