Welcome to Vancouver Island!
Helping newcomers settle successfully in the North Island since 1992.
Our Services
What We Do
Free English Classes
The Immigrant Welcome Center offers free English classes for immigrants and newcomers to Canada under its LINC* program.
Free Settlement Services
Let us help you through our settlement services, employment resources, and school system support.
Social Groups & Programs
Our free groups have been created so you can make friends, practice English, and build your support network.
ABOUT US
Our Vision
Add Us to your inbox
Stay informed and help us create diverse, inclusive, and welcoming communities in North Vancouver Island.
You’ll get emails – but not too many – with service updates, new projects and events, and educational resources from the Immigrant Welcome Centre and Welcoming Communities Coalition.
Mark your calendars
Upcoming Events
Event Type
All
Events
LINC Classes
Social Groups
Workshops
Event Location
All
Broadstreet Properties
Campbell River Art Gallery
Campbell River Community Centre
Community Futures Mount Waddington
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
Comox Valley Presbyterian Church
Comox Valley Sports Centre
Courtenay and District Museum
Crown Isle Resort
Crown Isle Resort, Courtenay
Glacier View Secondary
IWC - Campbell River
IWC - Courtenay
Kwa'lilas Hotel
Lewis Centre
Lewis Centre Courtenay
Museum at Campbell River
Native Sons Hall
NIC
NIC Courtenay
North Island Employment Foundations Society
Quality Food Courtenay
Radford Road
Robron Centre
Rosewall Crescent
Soroptimist Lounge at the Florence Filberg Centre
Sportsplex
Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex
Valley View Elementary School
Vancouver Island Regional Library Courtenay
Virtual Events
All
Virtual Events
Non Virtual Events
march
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office!
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, Save money at the grocery store
Thursday, March 21, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2 PM, Save money by making a budget
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 12:30 PM -2 PM, Save money with smart credit card use
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2 PM, Save money with Government benefits
All sessions will take place at the IWC office of Courtenay. Please call the Courtenay office at (250) 338-6359 to register.
Time
(Thursday) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
The Immigrant Welcome Centre invites newcomer families and Multicultural families in the community to the event. The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has generously offered the use of the
Event Details
The Immigrant Welcome Centre invites newcomer families and Multicultural families in the community to the event.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has generously offered the use of the pool for the evening to swim and make social connections.
The swim series is FREE but space is limited – registration is required! Register here.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
Time
(Thursday) 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
thu14mar8:15 pmthu9:30 pmWater Volleyball for ages 14+ Courtenay8:15 pm - 9:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings! The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings!
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in water volleyball passes to Immigrant Welcome Centre clients. To get free passes for your teen, call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359 and book an appointment with Tim, our SWIS worker (Settlement Worker in Schools).
The program starts Sept. 7 and runs until March 14, Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. For non-IWC clients, regular drop-in rates apply.
CVRD staff will introduce the basic skills and rules for the first 15 minutes and then set up a game with everyone on site that wants to give it a try!
Time
(Thursday) 8:15 pm - 9:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
We will have relaxed discussions about topics of interest. Meet others who also wish to practice their English in a safe environment. Everyone is welcome! This event is free but
Event Details
We will have relaxed discussions about topics of interest. Meet others who also wish to practice their English in a safe environment. Everyone is welcome!
This event is free but registration is required.
Please register here by clicking on this link or call our Campbell River office at 250-830-0181. (Space is limited)
This group takes place at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River, 200-1170 Shoppers Row, BC V9W 2C8
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
(Saturday) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
IWC - Campbell River
200-1170 Shoppers Row
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about taxes in Canada? We have several info sessions coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office! Topics covered:Why everyone needs
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about taxes in Canada? We have several info sessions coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office!
Topics covered:
- Why everyone needs to file taxes, even if you’re not working
- How to prepare to file your taxes
- Free tax filing programs (CVITP)
- Tax credits and refunds
All sessions will take place at the IWC office of Courtenay. Please call the Courtenay office at (250) 338-6359 to register to this session.
Time
(Monday) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
IWC - Courtenay
407A 5th Street
Event Details
This Conversation Group meets every month with Ann at the North Island College’s campus in Courtenay. The classroom is in the Village portable M, generously
Event Details
This Conversation Group meets every month with Ann at the North Island College’s campus in Courtenay. The classroom is in the Village portable M, generously donated by NIC.
Our social group provides an opportunity for newcomers to meet others and practice English in a safe and welcoming environment. We will talk about Canadian life and share our stories.
Everyone is welcome! Please register here by clicking on this link or call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
Time
(Wednesday) 11:30 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
NIC Courtenay
2300 Ryan Rd Courtenay, BC V9N 8N6
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office!
Thursday, March 21, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2 PM, Save money by making a budget
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 12:30 PM -2 PM, Save money with smart credit card use
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2 PM, Save money with Government benefits
All sessions will take place at the IWC office of Courtenay. Please call the Courtenay office at (250) 338-6359 to register.
Time
(Thursday) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
thu21mar3:00 pmthu5:00 pmEmployment Counsellor on site - Campbell River3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River! We are happy to announce that we’ll have Ashley Slade from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River!
We are happy to announce that we’ll have Ashley Slade from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC clients who need support in finding a job.
In March, Ashley will be at our Campbell River office on Thursday 7th and 21st from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Please call the Campbell River office at 250-830-0171 to book an appointment with Ashley.
Time
(Thursday) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about taxes in Canada? We have several info sessions coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office! Topics covered:Why everyone needs
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about taxes in Canada? We have several info sessions coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office!
Topics covered:
- Why everyone needs to file taxes, even if you’re not working
- How to prepare to file your taxes
- Free tax filing programs (CVITP)
- Tax credits and refunds
All sessions will take place at the IWC office of Courtenay. Please call the Courtenay office at (250) 338-6359 to register to this session.
Time
(Monday) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
IWC - Courtenay
407A 5th Street
Event Details
We will have relaxed discussions about topics of interest. Meet others who also wish to practice their English in a safe environment. Everyone is welcome! Please register here
Event Details
We will have relaxed discussions about topics of interest. Meet others who also wish to practice their English in a safe environment.
Everyone is welcome! Please register here by clicking on this link or call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359.
This group takes place at The Wave Room at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre (377 Lerwick Rd.), generously donated by the Comox Valley Regional District.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
(Wednesday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office!
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 12:30 PM -2 PM, Save money with smart credit card use
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2 PM, Save money with Government benefits
All sessions will take place at the IWC office of Courtenay. Please call the Courtenay office at (250) 338-6359 to register.
Time
(Thursday) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
april
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the
Event Details
Are you a newcomer wanting to learn more about making life in Canada more affordable? We have several info sessions about affordability coming in the next weeks in the Courtenay office!
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2 PM, Save money with Government benefits
All sessions will take place at the IWC office of Courtenay. Please call the Courtenay office at (250) 338-6359 to register.
Time
(Thursday) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
thu04apr2:00 pmthu4:00 pmWCC Partnership Council meeting - Courtenay2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
You’re invited to our bi-annual Welcoming Communities Coalition Partnership Council meeting. This is an opportunity to share experiences and learn about collaboration and partnership building so that we as a community
Event Details
You’re invited to our bi-annual Welcoming Communities Coalition Partnership Council meeting. This is an opportunity to share experiences and learn about collaboration and partnership building so that we as a community can be more welcoming to immigrants and refugees.
We want to ask you: What would you like the Coalition to achieve in the next 5 years?
We will look back at the past 5 years, and we will discuss where we as community organizations can collaborate and have an impact on the successful settlement of newcomers around the themes of belonging, affordability, English language learning, employment barriers, and accessibility of services.
Join us on April 4, 2024! Register here.
Meeting: 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Comox Valley Sports Centre – upstairs Mezzanine Room (3001 Vanier Dr.)
Time
(Thursday) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
thu04apr3:00 pmthu5:00 pmEmployment Counsellor on site - Campbell River3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River! We are happy to announce that we’ll have Ashley Slade from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River!
We are happy to announce that we’ll have Ashley Slade from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC clients who need support in finding a job.
In April, Ashley will be at our Campbell River office on Thursday 4th and 18th from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Please call the Campbell River office at 250-830-0171 to book an appointment with Ashley.
Time
(Thursday) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
You’re invited to our bi-annual Welcoming Communities Coalition Partnership Council meeting. This is an opportunity to share experiences and learn about collaboration and partnership building so that we as a community
Event Details
You’re invited to our bi-annual Welcoming Communities Coalition Partnership Council meeting. This is an opportunity to share experiences and learn about collaboration and partnership building so that we as a community can be more welcoming to immigrants and refugees.
We want to ask you: What would you like the Coalition to achieve in the next 5 years?
We will look back at the past 5 years, and we will discuss where we as community organizations can collaborate and have an impact on the successful settlement of newcomers around the themes of belonging, affordability, English language learning, employment barriers, and accessibility of services.
Join us on April 17, 2024! Register here.
Meeting: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Robron Centre (740 Robron Rd.)
Time
(Wednesday) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
thu18apr3:00 pmthu5:00 pmEmployment Counsellor on site - Campbell River3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River! We are happy to announce that we’ll have Ashley Slade from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River!
We are happy to announce that we’ll have Ashley Slade from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC clients who need support in finding a job.
In April, Ashley will be at our Campbell River office on Thursday 4th and 18th from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Please call the Campbell River office at 250-830-0171 to book an appointment with Ashley.
Time
(Thursday) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
I’m so thankful to the Immigrant Welcome Centre for helping me with all my paperwork since the beginning. You guys are awesome! Helping me with my work permit, my permanent residence card, and now with getting my Canadian citizenship.
I was much less stressed and uncertain as I navigated the different steps and felt much more comfortable and confident. Without a doubt I highly recommend the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Thank you for all you do!
After I moved here I found IWC and that made me feel good because I felt somebody was here for me when I needed support and help with anything. Even if they can’t help with everything they will tell me where to go. Also, I felt I can trust them and that made me comfortable and confident to settle down and make this my home.
TESTIMONIALS
What our happy clients have to say
Our mission is to help our clients settle successfully in our beautiful region. Read what they have to say about us.