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Free job search help in Metro Vancouver

Where to get free job search help in Metro Vancouver: WorkBC Centres, newcomer agencies with help in Chinese and Punjabi, public libraries, and youth programs.

  • Applies to: British Columbia

You don't have to look for work alone. Across Metro Vancouver, free services can help you write a resume, practise for interviews, and find job openings. Many offer help in languages other than English.

This guide lists official, free places to start. We checked these facts on October 12, 2026. Programs, dates, and rules change often, so call or check the website before you go.

WorkBC Centres

WorkBC Centres are BC's free employment service (WorkBC Centre services). They offer:

  • one-on-one help from an employment specialist
  • free workshops, plus resume and interview information
  • computers, copiers, scanners, and job boards you can use yourself
  • for people who qualify, money for things like transportation, work clothing, or training

Anyone looking for work can use the self-serve area at a WorkBC Centre (who should visit). Staff can help you use the tools. Service in a language other than English may be available when needed.

For one-on-one employment services, you must be legally allowed to work in BC and be unemployed or underemployed (eligibility). For example, you can count as unemployed if you work less than 20 hours a week on average and are looking for full-time work. For temporary residents, it depends on your status and documents. Staff can check your situation.

Use the map on the WorkBC Centre services page to find the centre nearest you. Each centre has its own phone number.

Newcomer agencies

Free settlement agencies help newcomers with jobs, English, and daily life. Which program you can use depends on your status.

Permanent residents can get free services funded by the federal government (IRCC eligibility). Canadian citizens can't use these federal services. Since April 1, 2026, economic class permanent residents can use them for up to 6 years after becoming a permanent resident. If you become an economic class permanent resident on or after April 1, 2027, the limit is 5 years. To find services, enter your postal code or city in IRCC's search tool and choose "Help finding a job."

Temporary workers, international students, and new citizens can use the BC Newcomer Services Program (WelcomeBC). The province funds it, so the services are free. You may be eligible if you are (BC Newcomer Services Program):

  • a temporary worker with a valid work permit
  • an international post-secondary student on a study permit, if your school doesn't offer these services
  • a provincial nominee waiting for a decision on permanent residence
  • a naturalized Canadian citizen
  • a refugee claimant (BC Safe Haven offers more support)

WelcomeBC says staff can often help in your preferred language. The best way to check if you are eligible is to contact the agency.

Here are some agencies on WelcomeBC's provider list, and what they say they offer:

  • DIVERSEcity (Surrey, Delta, Langley, White Rock): free newcomer settlement services, including job search help and links to employment programs. Its staff languages include Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi, as well as Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and more (DIVERSEcity).
  • PICS, Progressive Intercultural Community Services (Surrey): runs employment programs, including WorkBC services (PICS). It also offers free weekly settlement sessions at Surrey Libraries' Semiahmoo branch, with employment support, in Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, and Konkani. The library's list also shows other agencies' sessions around Surrey, including in Mandarin and Cantonese. Call ahead, because times change (Surrey Libraries).
  • S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and the Tri-Cities): offers programs and services in more than 50 languages (about S.U.C.C.E.S.S.). Its employment programs include WorkBC Centres in Richmond and a Surrey employment centre (employment, locations). Ask which programs are offered in Chinese or Punjabi.
  • MOSAIC (Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and more): one of Canada's largest settlement and employment organizations (about MOSAIC), with job search programs for newcomers (MOSAIC jobs). Each program has its own eligibility.
  • ISSofBC (Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, and online): free settlement, employment, and language services for newcomers (ISSofBC, find work).

Public libraries

Public libraries offer more than books. Some have help just for job seekers.

  • Vancouver Public Library runs drop-in resume clinics for one-on-one help, and has a guide to finding a job for newcomers (VPL). Check its events calendar for dates.
  • Surrey Libraries has a Newcomer Welcome Centre on the 4th floor of the City Centre branch. Staff speak various languages and can help you search for jobs and connect with settlement agencies. Call 604-590-7847 (Newcomer Welcome Centre).

Ask at your own local library what job search help it offers.

Programs for youth

  • WorkBC: Youth aged 16 to 30 may qualify for employment services if they have finished high school or post-secondary and don't plan to go back, or are moving from school to work (eligibility).
  • B-Hired (ISSofBC): A free online program for young newcomers aged 16 to 29. It includes job skills workshops, up to $500 for short certificate training, job search help, and coaching. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person, be unemployed or in unstable work, live in an area it serves (such as Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, or Surrey), and have English at CLB 5 or higher (B-Hired).
  • Future Leaders (DIVERSEcity): A free six-week program in Surrey for citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons aged 15 to 30 who are not working or in school. It covers resumes, interviews, and job placement, and participants can earn a living allowance (Future Leaders).
  • Canada Summer Jobs: Paid summer jobs for youth aged 15 to 30 who are citizens, permanent residents, or have refugee protection. International students are not eligible (Canada Summer Jobs). Postings go live on Job Bank's youth page each spring.

Before you go

  • Call or email first. Ask if you are eligible, whether you need an appointment, and which languages they offer.
  • Bring what you have: your resume (even a rough draft), your ID, and your work or study permit if you have one.
  • Never pay to get a job. WorkBC and the settlement programs in this guide are free. Be careful with anyone who asks for money to get you hired. Read Job scams that target first-time job seekers.

Next steps

Sources

Rules and wages change. These are the official sources we checked.

  1. WorkBC: WorkBC Centre services
  2. WorkBC: Who should visit a WorkBC Centre
  3. WorkBC: Employment services eligibility
  4. IRCC: Find free newcomer services near you
  5. IRCC: Eligibility for newcomer services
  6. WelcomeBC: Find newcomer services
  7. WelcomeBC: The BC Newcomer Services Program
  8. DIVERSEcity: Settlement services
  9. DIVERSEcity: Future Leaders Program
  10. S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: Learn about us
  11. S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: Employment services
  12. S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: Locations
  13. MOSAIC: About MOSAIC
  14. MOSAIC: Find a job
  15. ISSofBC: Home
  16. ISSofBC: Find work
  17. ISSofBC: B-Hired
  18. PICS: Programs and services
  19. Surrey Libraries: Free settlement services for newcomers
  20. Surrey Libraries: Newcomer Welcome Centre
  21. Vancouver Public Library: Finding a job
  22. Government of Canada: Canada Summer Jobs, plan your summer job
  23. Job Bank: Youth