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
May
wed08may3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
May 8, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
wed15may3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
May 15, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 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
May 16, 2024 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
Event Details
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
Event Details
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.
This group takes place at A Step Above Cafe, generously donated by Quality Foods (2751 Cliffe Ave.).
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
May 17, 2024 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Quality Food Courtenay
2751 Cliffe Ave #1002, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8
wed22may3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
May 22, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 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! 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
May 23, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
wed29may3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
May 29, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
June
wed05jun3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
June 5, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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.
This group takes place at A Step Above Cafe, generously donated by Quality Foods (2751 Cliffe Ave.).
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
June 7, 2024 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Quality Food Courtenay
2751 Cliffe Ave #1002, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8
Event Details
Join us for a family night at the Campbell River Community Centre! From 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Sports in the Gym, Games/Snacks/Social in the Lounge. The event is free but registration
Event Details
Join us for a family night at the Campbell River Community Centre! From 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Sports in the Gym, Games/Snacks/Social in the Lounge.
The event is free but registration is required, please register by clicking this link.
Thank you to the City of Campbell River for donating the space.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
June 7, 2024 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Campbell River Community Centre
401 11 Ave, Campbell River, BC V9W 4G2
wed12jun3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
June 12, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
wed19jun3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
June 19, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
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
Event Details
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.
This group takes place at A Step Above Cafe, generously donated by Quality Foods (2751 Cliffe Ave.).
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
June 21, 2024 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Quality Food Courtenay
2751 Cliffe Ave #1002, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8
wed26jun3:30 pmwed4:30 pmSWIS Buddy Program - Campbell River3:30 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-07:00)
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either
Event Details
NEW! After-school Buddy Program in Campbell River
This program is designed for students who are newcomers to English and are currently in grades 6-12. It offers additional English language support from either fellow students or adults. The after-school buddy program will take place every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, starting on April 10 and ending on June 26, 2024. The program will be held at the Timberline Secondary School library. Please note that registration is required in order to participate in the program.
If interested, please contact:
Settlement Worker In School – Lily Kuo
Tel: 250-830-0171, Cell: 250-201-2481, Email: lily.kuo@immigrantwelcome.ca
Time
June 26, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:30 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! 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
June 26, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-07:00)
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
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.