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
Event Type
All
Events
LINC Classes
Social Groups
Workshops
Event Location
All
Broadstreet Properties
Campbell River Art Gallery
Campbell River Community Centre
Community Futures Mount Waddington
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
Comox Valley Presbyterian Church
Comox Valley Sports Centre
Crown Isle Resort
Crown Isle Resort, Courtenay
Glacier View Secondary
IWC - Campbell River
IWC - Courtenay
Kwa'lilas Hotel
Lewis Centre
Lewis Centre Courtenay
Museum at Campbell River
Native Sons Hall
North Island Employment Foundations Society
Quality Food Courtenay
Radford Road
Robron Centre
Rosewall Crescent
Soroptimist Lounge at the Florence Filberg Centre
Sportsplex
Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex
Valley View Elementary School
Vancouver Island Regional Library Courtenay
Virtual Events
All
Virtual Events
Non Virtual Events
december
thu07dec8:15 pm9:30 pmWater Volleyball for ages 14+ Courtenay8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings! The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings!
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in water volleyball passes to Immigrant Welcome Centre clients. To get free passes for your teen, call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359 and book an appointment with Tim, our SWIS worker (Settlement Worker in Schools).
The program starts Sept. 7 and runs until March 14, Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. For non-IWC clients, regular drop-in rates apply.
CVRD staff will introduce the basic skills and rules for the first 15 minutes and then set up a game with everyone on site that wants to give it a try!
Time
(Thursday) 8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Event Details
Come and join us for our Winter Get Together at the Robron Centre, from 5 to 8pm on December 8th. We
Event Details
Come and join us for our Winter Get Together at the Robron Centre, from 5 to 8pm on December 8th.
We will have games, snacks, music, crafts, and childrens’ activities. You can also purchase a membership to be entered into our draw!
This is an open house for everyone – please register if you plan on attending: register here!
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
(Friday) 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Robron Centre
740 Robron Road
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! This event is free but
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!
This event is free but registration is required.
Please register here by clicking on this link or call our Campbell River office at 250-830-0181. (Space is limited)
This group takes place at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River, 200-1170 Shoppers Row, BC V9W 2C8
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
(Saturday) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
IWC - Campbell River
200-1170 Shoppers Row
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 the Soroptimist Lounge at the Florence Filberg Centre (411 Anderton Ave.)
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
(Wednesday) 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location
Soroptimist Lounge at the Florence Filberg Centre
411 Anderton Ave.
thu14dec3:00 pm5:00 pmEmployment Counsellor on site - Campbell River3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River! We are happy to announce that we’ll have Natasha Prosser from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River!
We are happy to announce that we’ll have Natasha Prosser from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC clients who need support in finding a job.
In November, Natasha will be at our Campbell River office on Thursday 2nd, 16th, and 30th from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Please call the Campbell River office at 250-830-0171 to book an appointment with Natasha.
Time
(Thursday) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
thu14dec8:15 pm9:30 pmWater Volleyball for ages 14+ Courtenay8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings! The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings!
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in water volleyball passes to Immigrant Welcome Centre clients. To get free passes for your teen, call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359 and book an appointment with Tim, our SWIS worker (Settlement Worker in Schools).
The program starts Sept. 7 and runs until March 14, Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. For non-IWC clients, regular drop-in rates apply.
CVRD staff will introduce the basic skills and rules for the first 15 minutes and then set up a game with everyone on site that wants to give it a try!
Time
(Thursday) 8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
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
(Friday) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Location
Quality Food Courtenay
2751 Cliffe Ave #1002, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8
Event Details
Come and join us for a winter celebration at the Immigrant Welcome Centre office in Courtenay from 3 to 6pm
Event Details
Come and join us for a winter celebration at the Immigrant Welcome Centre office in Courtenay from 3 to 6pm on December 15th.
We will have games, food, music, crafts, and childrens’ activities. You can also purchase a membership to be entered into our draw!
We encourage everyone to dress up as your favourite winter character. Win prizes for best costume!
This is an open house for everyone – please register if you plan on attending: bit.ly/winteropenhousecv2023
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Time
(Friday) 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
IWC - Courtenay
407A 5th Street
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. (Space is limited)
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
(Wednesday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
Event Details
Join us at the Comox Valley Sportsplex for our Winter Wonderland Skate! The Immigrant Welcome Centre invites all families located in the Comox Valley to this event. The Comox Valley
Event Details
Join us at the Comox Valley Sportsplex for our Winter Wonderland Skate!
The Immigrant Welcome Centre invites all families located in the Comox Valley to this event.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has generously offered the use of the rink for the evening to skate and make social connections.
Helmets, skates and adaptive skating equipment will all be available on a first come first serve basis. Please note all skaters must wear helmets. This skating series is FREE but space is limited – registration is required, register here.
Refreshments and snacks will be provided afterwards!
W e acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
Time
(Thursday) 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Comox Valley Sports Centre
3001 Vanier Drive
thu21dec8:15 pm9:30 pmWater Volleyball for ages 14+ Courtenay8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings! The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings!
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in water volleyball passes to Immigrant Welcome Centre clients. To get free passes for your teen, call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359 and book an appointment with Tim, our SWIS worker (Settlement Worker in Schools).
The program starts Sept. 7 and runs until March 14, Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. For non-IWC clients, regular drop-in rates apply.
CVRD staff will introduce the basic skills and rules for the first 15 minutes and then set up a game with everyone on site that wants to give it a try!
Time
(Thursday) 8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
thu28dec8:15 pm9:30 pmWater Volleyball for ages 14+ Courtenay8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings! The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in
Event Details
Do you have children who are in their teens? Teenagers can meet each other and try water volleyball on Thursday evenings!
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is offering FREE drop-in water volleyball passes to Immigrant Welcome Centre clients. To get free passes for your teen, call our Courtenay office at 250-338-6359 and book an appointment with Tim, our SWIS worker (Settlement Worker in Schools).
The program starts Sept. 7 and runs until March 14, Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. For non-IWC clients, regular drop-in rates apply.
CVRD staff will introduce the basic skills and rules for the first 15 minutes and then set up a game with everyone on site that wants to give it a try!
Time
(Thursday) 8:15 pm - 9:30 pm
january
thu11jan3:00 pm5:00 pmEmployment Counsellor on site - Campbell River3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River! We are happy to announce that we’ll have Natasha Prosser from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC
Event Details
Good news at the Immigrant Welcome Centre of Campbell River!
We are happy to announce that we’ll have Natasha Prosser from NIEFS coming to our office to meet with IWC clients who need support in finding a job.
In November, Natasha will be at our Campbell River office on Thursday 2nd, 16th, and 30th from 3 PM to 5 PM.
Please call the Campbell River office at 250-830-0171 to book an appointment with Natasha.
Time
(Thursday) 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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
(Friday) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Location
Quality Food Courtenay
2751 Cliffe Ave #1002, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8
Event Details
Join us at the Comox Valley Sportsplex for our International Family Recreation Skate! The Immigrant Welcome Centre invites all families located in the Comox Valley to this event. The Comox
Event Details
Join us at the Comox Valley Sportsplex for our International Family Recreation Skate!
The Immigrant Welcome Centre invites all families located in the Comox Valley to this event.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has generously offered the use of the rink for the evening to skate and make social connections.
Helmets, skates and adaptive skating equipment will all be available on a first come first serve basis. Please note all skaters must wear helmets. This skating series is FREE but space is limited – registration is required. Register here!
Refreshments and snacks will be provided afterwards!
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
Time
(Monday) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Comox Valley Sports Centre
3001 Vanier Drive
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. (Space is limited)
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
(Wednesday) 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
377 Lerwick Road
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
(Thursday) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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.