English is the official language in British Columbia. Good English language skills will help you work, study, go about daily activities, and find success in B.C. You can take some English courses to learn English for everyday use.
Some jobs in B.C. are regulated. This means people need special education and training to do these jobs. They may need to prove that they have the required skills and training. This process is different than the process for immigration purposes. It is sometimes called Foreign Credentials Recognition (FCR), or Foreign Qualifications Recognition (FQR).
For more information on FCR, please visit the Getting Certified to Work in B.C. section.
You can also watch translated Newcomers' videos that cover many of the topics in the Newcomers' Guide. You can learn about government services and get tips on money management and banking, health care, public transportation and more.
The BC Seniors’ Guide has information about benefits, health, lifestyle, housing, transportation, finances, safety, and security for older adults. There is also a list of resources, services, and programs. The guide is available in English, French, Punjabi, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Farsi.