Newcomer & Immigration Services
New to Canada and building a life in Silvermere, here's the map of settlement, language, employment, and community resources.
Welcome to Silvermere
New to Canada, new to Silvermere, or somewhere in between.
Settlement in a small city can be quieter than Vancouver or Toronto, which can be a gift, and can sometimes leave newcomers feeling isolated. The West Highlands Local Immigration Partnership (WHLIP) coordinates services across Millhaven, Brookvale, Silvermere, and Goldcreek.
This page gathers the settlement, immigration, and community-connection resources that newcomers most often need.
First calls
- WHLIP (West Highlands)
- West Highlands LIP
- Settlement coordination
- Service Canada (Silvermere)
- 1016 4th Street
- Second Friday of the month
Help is available regardless of immigration status. Reaching out for settlement, language, healthcare, education, or crisis support will not trigger immigration authorities. Some specific programs have eligibility rules (always ask), but the core services on this page are open to anyone living in Silvermere.
West Highlands Local Immigration Partnership
The West Highlands Local Immigration Partnership (WHLIP) is a funded partnership that coordinates research, planning, and services to make the region more welcoming and inclusive for newcomers. It works across Silvermere, Millhaven, Brookvale, and Goldcreek.
- Connects newcomers to local settlement providers.
- Runs community research on newcomer experiences (the 2024 PEERs report is publicly available).
- Coordinates volunteer friendship, youth peer support, and employment mentorship programs across partner organizations.
Settlement services
Settlement services typically include orientation to Canada, help with paperwork, language assessment, job search support, and community connection. In the Highlands, services are delivered by partnering organizations rather than a single large agency.
- WelcomeBC at welcomebc.ca/start-your-life-in-bc/settlement-services lists all provincially funded settlement providers and can connect you to the right one.
- Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) offers provincial services that reach the Highlands through partner referrals: issbc.org.
- NewToBC has a plain-language directory of settlement programs across the province: newtobc.ca.
Language learning
Language support in Canada typically falls under two categories:
- LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) , federally funded classes for adult permanent residents and refugees. Find LINC classes.
- ELSA (English Language Services for Adults) BC-funded for people who don't qualify for LINC.
- Highwater College in Silvermere offers English upgrading courses and International Student services.
- Silvermere Library has ESL-friendly books, audiobooks, and free computer time for self-directed learning. Library details.
Employment support
- WorkBC Employment Services has offices and online services across BC. Free help with resumes, job search, interview prep, and training funding. workbc.ca
- Credential recognition: many professions require BC or Canadian credentialing even for licensed foreign professionals. See WelcomeBC's guide at welcomebc.ca.
- Silvermere Chamber of Commerce directory for local employers.
Legal and immigration help
Canadian immigration is complex. Use a licensed consultant (RCIC) or lawyer, never an unauthorized representative.
- IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada): canada.ca/ircc for applications, status checks, and program details.
- College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC): verify a consultant's licence at college-ic.ca.
- Legal Aid BC may cover some immigration matters (refugee claims, humanitarian appeals): legalaid.bc.ca.
- Community Legal Assistance Society and Access Pro Bono offer free legal advice for eligible people.
Getting health care as a newcomer
- Apply for MSP (BC Medical Services Plan) as soon as you become a BC resident. There's a three-month waiting period; consider private interim insurance. gov.bc.ca/msp
- HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 has interpretation in 130+ languages, 24/7. Nurses, dietitians, pharmacists answer questions for free.
- Silvermere Public Health at 709 10th Street offers immunization, maternal health, and public-health services.
- Mental health , the Mental Health & Crisis Support hub has supports including the 310-MHSU line and crisis services.
Opening a bank account, SIN, and taxes
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) required for work. Apply at Service Canada, the Silvermere outreach at 1016 4th Street on the second Friday of each month, or online.
- Bank account , most Canadian banks open a basic account with passport and proof of address.
- Tax filing , you must file taxes each year even with zero income. Newcomers may qualify for GST Credit, Canada Child Benefit, and more. Free help at Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) clinics during tax season.
Finding housing
Silvermere's housing market is tight (as across BC). See the Housing & Tenant Support page for tenant rights, subsidized housing, BC Housing, and the Highlands Rent Bank.
Tip
Tenant rights apply to everyone
Making connections in Silvermere
- Silvermere Public Library , free card for residents, programs, tech help, ESL materials, meeting space. Library page.
- Silvermere & District Community Complex pool, fitness, drop-in classes, kids' programs.
- Lakelight, Lantern Bay Park, Cottonwood Point , free, walkable community touchpoints. See New to Silvermere for an orientation.
- Volunteer , fastest way to build community in a small city. See Volunteer for opportunities.
- Silvermere Chamber of Commerce for business networking.
Crisis support for newcomers
All the crisis lines on the Mental Health & Crisis Support page are available to newcomers regardless of status. Services are confidential and will not share information with immigration authorities simply because you reached out for help.
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline , 24/7, call or text
- VictimLink BC , 1-800-563-0808, 24/7, 150+ languages
- HealthLink BC , 8-1-1, 24/7, 130+ languages
Common questions
Is there a settlement agency in Silvermere specifically?
How do I apply for MSP?
Where do I learn English in Silvermere?
How do I get my foreign credentials recognized?
Is there legal aid for immigration matters?
Can I use public services if I'm undocumented?
Do I have to file taxes?
How do I open a bank account?
Are there newcomer groups in Silvermere?
Where can I get help in my language?
What to do next
West Highlands LIP
Regional settlement coordination hub.
WelcomeBC
Provincial newcomer portal.
New to Silvermere guide
City-specific orientation.
Housing & Tenant Support
Finding a place; tenant rights.
Mental Health & Crisis
Multilingual crisis lines; ongoing care.
Food, Income & Hardship
If you need food or financial help.
Still need help?
Talk to City Hall (general newcomer questions)
- Phone
- 250-555-0100
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- In person
- For federal immigration: 1-888-242-2100 (IRCC). For settlement: WHLIP (West Highlands Local Immigration Partnership).
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.
Verified against WHLIP, WelcomeBC, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Service Canada, HealthLink BC, Legal Aid BC, and Highwater College. Programs and eligibility change, confirm with each provider.