Newcomers
Welcome to West Vancouver! Here are some resources that can help you get settled in your new community, prepare for citizenship, and more. If you are looking for information on learning English, please visit out Language Learning topic page.
- Last updated: August 12, 2021
Library Databases
Access these resources using your WVML card.
This site offers free driver training quizzes for people who are going to write their drivers licence test in British Columbia. Included are eight car practice tests; 11 commercial driving licence practice tests; three online driver’s manuals (car, motorcycle, commercial driving licence); and an FAQ section with detailed answers to over 70 questions.
ON THE SHELF
Check these out the next time you’re in the Library.
Guides to becoming a Canadian citizen.
What it means to be a newcomer.
on the web
These recommended websites are free and easily accessible! All you need is an internet connection.
AMSSA is a province wide association representing 70+ agencies serving new immigrants. Resources include a guide to health programs and resources that provide services in one or more languages other than English.
The Newcomers' Guide tells you how to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), register for the Medical Services Plan (MSP), open a bank account, get a driver's license, find housing, look for a job and much more!
Handouts and videos about COVID-19 from the BC Centre for Disease Control in multiple languages, including Chinese and Farsi.
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants provides occupation-specific resources and support to help immigrant job seekers move into careers that match their qualifications. Career Paths is a free service offered under the WelcomeBC umbrella, funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. Check the site to see if you are eligible, or click here for a list of service providers.
This is the only official study guide for the Canadian citizenship test.
Discover Canada Study Guide [pdf]
How much do you know about your Government? Answers compiled by West Vancouver Memorial Library (based on West Vancouver residence) to the questions on pages 34-35.
Other Study Questions Answers compiled by West Vancouver Memorial Library to the questions on page 53.
Visit the Government of Canada page where you can also read the study guide online, listen to notable Canadians read it, download it as an ebook, or order a copy.
The Government of Canada has pledged to work with Canadians, including private sponsors, non-governmental organizations, and provincial, territorial and municipal governments to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees. The official Refugees and Asylum page is a portal of information for both refugees and those looking to help out, with everything from information on applying for refugee status to helping welcome Syrian refugees through donations, sponsoring and volunteering. Read their Syrian Refugee Population Profile.
This non-profit organization has been offering support and settlement services to immigrants and refugees in BC since 1972. Their website is a key starting point for finding information both for immigrants and refugees.
Maintained by Mosaic, this is a searchable database of free programs and services to help refugees and their families settle in their new homes and communities . Search by topic (children, seniors, etc.), date, location, or agency.
A community based charitable organization in Surrey, BC that primarily serves refugees and new immigrant families, helping them integrate and settle into their new lives. Provides food assistance and advocates self-reliance through its Food Bank and the ASPIRE Community Services program.
Newcomers should visit this site to learn more about the services and programs public libraries offer recent immigrants.
A coalition of community agencies and institutions focused on improving the settlement outcomes of new immigrants.
Richmond Public Library has created a practice test consisting of over 100 multiple choice questions (with answers) derived from the book Discover Canada, on which the test is based.
New to Canada? Find out how to get accredited in your field. Check out the Employment Guides for detailed information by occupation.
The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre is an online and in-person centre that helps immigrants to find the information they need to explore careers and begin their job search. All of the InfoCentre’s services and resources are no cost and offered by the staff at Vancouver Public Library (VPL).
The West Vancouver Newcomers' Club is an organization women of all ages and from all walks of life who have moved to West Vancouver within the last two years.