Resources for International Students

This page includes support for international students and healthy student living resources.

If you need immediate crisis support please see Crisis Lines & Resources.

If you require resources specific for racialised people, please see Racialized Resources.

welcome bc resources for international students

• Welcome BC Support and Help List
  • Arrival Advisor
    • Download the app to your smartphone. Use it to find settlement information and community resources.
    • Service is available in these languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Punjabi, and Tagalog.
  • BC 211
    • Can help you find government and community services, including: counselling, employment, childcare, financial assistance, food, senior services, housing, legal services, immigrant services, education, arts and culture, recreation, health services, and support groups.
  • Support and Help List Resources
    • Crisis centres
    • Abuse
    • Alcohol, drugs and gambling
    • Income assistance
    • Homelessness
    • Food banks
    • Help for families
    • Support for 2SLGBTQI+
    • The police
    • The courts and using a lawyer
• Law Students' Legal Advice Program: UBC: 604-822-5791

  • Available Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Closed on all public holidays.​

  • Provides free legal advice and representation to clients in the Lower Mainland who would otherwise be unable to afford legal assistance.

• Welcome BC: Resources for International Students
  • Resources for Postsecondary Students
    • Education in British Columbia
    • EducationPlannerBC
    • Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
    • LearnLiveBC
    • Employment Standards & Workplace Safety
    • Work as a student
    • Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada
    • Extending your study permit
    • Post-graduation work permits (PGWP)
      • For information on continuing adult education, see Education (Welcome BC).
    • BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
    • IRCC’s Express Entry
• Daily Living Tips in British Columbia
  • Offers information on the following topics:
    • Healthcare
      • Includes information on: finding a family doctor and accessing healthcare and mental health supports.
    • Education
    • Learn English
    • Driving
    • Public transportation
    • Managing your money
    • Child care
    • Mail

healthcare and mental health resources

24 hour mental health crisis support

• BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (No area code required).
  • Emotional support and resources for mental health & substance misuse.
• BC Suicide Line: 1-800-784-2433
• Here2Talk BC: 1-877-857-3397 (toll free), 604-642-5212 (direct)
  • Offers mental health support and free, confidential counselling to postsecondary students in BC.
  • Text chat is also available through the Here2Talk app.
• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24 hours, toll free)
  • Text: 45645 (Available 4 pm-midnight ET, standard text messaging rates apply)
  • 24 hour support line for anyone thinking of or affected by suicide.

non-emergency healthcare and mental health support

• HealthLink BC
  • Provides 24/7 health advice, including mental health advice, that is given by trained professionals.
  • Speak to an RN (24 hours) or a pharmacist, exercise professional, or dietician (during select hours) about your health-related concerns.
  • Health service navigators can guide you to local supports.
  • Services is available in many languages.
• Here to Help:
  • Offers mental health and substance misuse information, helpful coping strategies, and connects you to resources in BC.
  • Includes resources specific to racialised and cross-cultural communities.

employment resources

• WorkBC
  • Provides assistance with job searching, resumes, interview preparation, and career planning.
  • Find a location near you using the WorkBC Centres List.
    • WorkBC New Westminster: 604-522-9701 

      • 2nd Floor, 519 Seventh Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 6A7

      • Email: centre-newwestminster@workbc.ca

    • WorkBC Surrey Whalley: 604-584-0003

      • 160, 210, 300 - 10362 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC, V3T 2W5

      • Email: centre-surreywhalley@workbc.ca

    • WorkBC Burnaby Metrotown: 778-357-0566

      • 601 -  4211 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 1Z6

      • Email: centre-burnaby-metrotown@workbc.ca

• DiverseCity: 604-597-0205

  • Offers employment programs and assistance with job searching, training, and experience.

  • DiverseCity Surrey Community Campus

    • 13455 76 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3W 2W3

    • Email: info@dcrs.ca

    • Fax: 604-597-4299

healthy student living resources

• Foundry
  • Provides information about different areas of student living that are helpful in creating a balanced student life.
• Transitions
  • Includes a chapter on mental health and a wealth of information on living a healthy student life.