New to B.c

Welcome to British Columbia! If you are new to B.C. – whether you’ve just arrived from Albania, Kosovo, or elsewhere – this page is here to guide you through the essentials of settling in. We know that starting fresh in a new place can be both exciting and challenging. This resource is designed to be practical, informative, and easy to follow, so you can get on your feet and feel at home in no time.

(We’ve organized this information in clear stages – from things to do before you arrive to steps for your first weeks in B.C.. You’ll also find useful checklists and downloadable guides at the end. If you need more personalized help, ACSEP’s Newcomer Assistance Program is just a call away!)

Before You Arrive in B.C.

Preparation is key! Here are important steps to take before you move to British Columbia:

01.

Research Your New City/Area

Learn about the city or town in B.C. where you’ll be living. Check housing costs, weather, public transportation, job market, and community resources. Websites like WelcomeBC and local city portals have newcomer info. (Knowing what to expect will reduce surprises when you land.)

02.

Arrange Temporary Accommodation

If you don’t have permanent housing lined up, book some temporary accommodation for your arrival (such as a short-term rental or hotel) while you search for a long-term place. Popular sites include Airbnb and Booking.com, or ask our community if someone can host you for a few days.

03.

Prepare Important Documents

Gather all the documents you’ll need to bring: passports, birth/marriage certificates, educational diplomas and transcripts, immunization records, driver’s license, reference letters, etc. Get English translations of any document that isn’t in English (or French) – it’ll save you time later. Also, make photocopies or digital scans to have backups.

04.

Financial Prep

Plan your finances. Notify your bank that you’re moving to Canada (to avoid credit card blocks). It’s wise to have some Canadian currency (or easily convertible funds) on hand for immediate expenses when you arrive. Research how to transfer money or access your funds in Canada.

05.

Learn About What You Can Bring

Be aware of customs regulations. Certain food, plants, or products can’t be brought into Canada. Check the official Canadian Border Services Agency guidelines for newcomers. This helps avoid issues at the airport.

06.

Travel Insurance

If you’re moving as a permanent resident, your provincial health insurance (MSP in B.C.) will kick in only about 2-3 months after you apply. For the interim, consider buying travel health insurance for those first few months. This is crucial in case you need medical care before your MSP is active. (International students and temporary workers often have mandatory private insurance for initial months – check your institution or employer’s requirements.)

A printable checklist of things to do before departing for Canada

Congratulations

You’ve arrived! Here are the first steps to take in your initial days and weeks in B.C.:

01.

Get a Local SIM Card

Communication is important. Purchase a Canadian SIM card or mobile phone plan so you have a local number and data.

Major providers (Telus, Rogers, Bell) have kiosks in the airport and city, as do cheaper prepaid options (Freedom Mobile, Chatr). Having a phone plan will help with navigation and contacting employers/landlords.

02.

Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

This is a must. A SIN is required to work in Canada and access many services. You can apply for a SIN online or in person at a Service Canada Centre.

For in-person in Greater Vancouver, find the nearest Service Canada office (no appointment needed; bring your passport and work permit or PR card). You will receive the SIN on the spot or by mail soon after.

03.

Apply for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Healthcare is essential. As soon as you have an address in B.C., apply for MSP (the provincial health coverage).

You can apply online on the government website or via a paper form. It takes up to 3 months to take effect, but don’t delay applying.

Each family member needs to be enrolled. If you have children, this will also cover their healthcare. (Tip: keep any private travel insurance until MSP coverage starts.)

04.

Find Permanent Accommodation

If you haven’t already secured long-term housing, start your search early. Popular rental search methods include: online listings (Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace), local community bulletin boards, and rental agencies.

Consider reaching out to the Albanian community – someone may know of available suites or rooms.

Ensure you understand tenant rights and read the rental agreement carefully. Expect to pay a damage deposit (usually half a month’s rent) when you sign a lease.

05.

Open a Bank Account

Visit a local bank to open a chequing/savings account. Most banks (RBC, CIBC, TD, Scotiabank, etc.) have special “Newcomer” packages with perks like no fees for the first year.

Bring your passport and SIN (sometimes they ask). Having a Canadian bank account allows you to deposit paycheques, build credit, and pay bills.

Pro tip: also apply for a credit card to start building your credit history (even a secured credit card is fine to begin with).

06.

Register for a Family Doctor (GP)

 In B.C., each person ideally has a family doctor for primary health care. It can take time to find one accepting new patients. Use the government “Find a Doctor” registry or ask community members for recommendations. If you have immediate health concerns and no doctor yet, walk-in clinics are available. Also register children with a pediatrician if needed. Don’t forget to locate the nearest hospital and walk-in clinic to your home for emergencies.

07.

Enroll Children in School

If you moved with school-age children, contact the local school board to register them for school. Public schools in B.C. are generally based on catchment (your residential area). You will need documents like proof of address, child’s passport or birth certificate, immunization records, and school records from your home country. Schools often have ESL support for newcomers. Starting school will help kids adapt and make friends quickly.

09.

Find Local Groceries and Essentials

One comfort as you settle is finding familiar foods! In Greater Vancouver, there are European or Mediterranean grocery stores that may carry Albanian or similar products (like feta cheese, ajvar, Turkish coffee, etc.). Explore your neighborhood for supermarkets and produce stores. Also, check out community recommendations for where to buy Halal meats (if needed) or other specialty items. Knowing where to shop will make you feel more at home.

08.

Transportation and Driving

Figure out how you’ll get around. If you live in an urban area like Metro Vancouver, the public transit (buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus) is reliable. Get a Compass Card for easy tap-on access. If you plan to drive, you can use an international driver’s license for a short period, but you’ll need to switch to a B.C. driver’s license typically within 90 days of moving (requirements vary based on which country’s license you hold – Albania’s license can usually be exchanged after a knowledge test + road test, since Albania is not a direct exchange country). Study for the knowledge test using ICBC’s driving guide. Owning a car? Research insurance costs (ICBC Basic Autoplan is mandatory in B.C.).

10.

Connect with the Community

Don’t isolate yourself – reach out! Contact ACSEP’s Newcomer Assistance (we can introduce you to a mentor or other families). Join our WhatsApp newcomer group (if available) or follow our Facebook page for updates on community gatherings. Often, local Albanian families host get-togethers or picnics especially in summer; these are great for meeting people who speak your language and can share tips. Building a social network early will give you emotional support and practical advice as you settle in.

Settling into Life in B.C. – Next Steps

Once you’ve tackled the immediate tasks, you’ll start to settle into your new life. Here are additional areas to work on in your first few months:

Improve Your English (or French)

Strong language skills will help you integrate faster. In B.C., many free or low-cost ESL (English as a Second Language) classes are available for newcomers. Check with local immigrant services or community centers. ACSEP can direct you to Albanian-speaking facilitators or programs if that’s more comfortable. Don’t be shy – practicing English at every opportunity (even if you make mistakes) is the best way to learn.

Employment and Credentials

If you haven’t found a job yet, use resources like WorkBC centers, newcomer employment programs, or online job boards. Attend ACSEP’s networking events to meet professionals in your field. For those with foreign credentials (e.g., lawyers, engineers, nurses), research the process for Canadian accreditation. It might involve additional courses or exams – organizations like IECBC (Immigrant Employment Council of BC) provide guidance on this.

Explore Education Opportunities

Canada values continuous learning. If you need to upgrade your skills or change careers, consider enrolling in courses or programs. British Columbia has excellent community colleges and universities. As a newcomer, you might be eligible for bridging programs or grants for education. Also, for younger newcomers, get to know the Canadian education system levels (elementary, secondary, post-secondary) and plan accordingly.

Healthcare for the Long Term

After getting MSP, you should also look into finding a dentist and possibly an optometrist (eye doctor) for routine check-ups. Dental and vision care aren’t covered by MSP but many jobs offer insurance that includes them. There are also community health centers and newcomer health services if needed. Mental health is important too – moving countries is stressful, so remember that counseling services are available and normal to use (some in your mother tongue via settlement agencies).

Community and Recreation

To truly feel at home, get involved in local life. British Columbia offers wonderful recreational activities – from parks and hiking (yes, even in the rain!) to sports leagues, libraries, and arts. Joining a local sports team or community class (painting, yoga, soccer, etc.) can help you meet people outside the Albanian community and practice English in a natural setting. Also consider volunteering for a cause you care about; volunteering is a big part of Canadian culture and can open doors socially and professionally.

Maintain Ties to Your Heritage

Encourage your family (and yourself) to keep Albanian traditions alive even as you integrate. Cook your favorite Albanian dishes (and share with new friends!), celebrate cultural holidays (you can even raise the Albanian flag on Nov 28 at home), and teach your children the Albanian language. ACSEP organizes cultural events where you can meet others to celebrate together. Integration doesn’t mean losing your identity – it means enriching the Canadian mosaic with your unique background.

Legal and Documentation Check

After a few months, do an audit: have you updated all necessary records? For instance, if you moved here on a visa, keep track of renewal dates or PR card application timelines. Update your address on all accounts and IDs. If you obtained a B.C. driver’s license, remember to get car insurance. If you’re a Permanent Resident, you might consider applying for a PR card (if you didn’t receive one on entry) and later, learn about the path to Canadian citizenship (usually after living 3+ years in Canada as PR). It’s a good idea to keep a folder of all important documents and correspondence so you stay organized.

Useful Resources for Newcomers

WelcomeBC Website

The provincial government’s official resource for newcomers (information on settlement services, guides in multiple languages, and community programs).

Immigrant Services Organizations

Look up organizations like ISSofBC (Immigrant Services Society of BC) or MOSAIC in your area. They offer free services: from language classes to job search help to community orientation.

ACSEP Newcomer Assistance

Of course, your ACSEP family is here for you. Contact us if you need help in Albanian or English with any of the above steps. We can connect you with a mentor or provide direct assistance for things like filling out forms or studying for the driver’s test. Don’t hesitate – we’ve been through it and are happy to help!

Welcome to our community and welcome to your new adventure in Canada!

Remember, you are not alone. Every Canadian was once new (even if generations back), and there are many resources and friendly people ready to assist. Take things step by step, celebrate small victories (like your first job, or first friend made here), and give yourself time to adjust. British Columbia is a wonderful place with a high quality of life, diverse cultures, and opportunities to grow. We’re excited that you’re here, and we know you’ll soon be thriving and calling B.C. your home.