Who can participate in the IMMPowerBC program?

Eligible participants are immigrants who have arrived in Canada within the past 5 years, and who have at least 3 years pre-arrival experience in a profession, trade, or high skill occupation. Participants must also demonstrate sufficient English language skills.

I’m currently working. Can I participate in IMMPowerBC?

Yes. The IMMPowerBC program is open to immigrants who are unemployed, or are working in jobs that require less skill or training than they already have.

How can this program help me find work in my area of expertise?

IMMPowerBC will help you identify an appropriate work target based on your skills, experience and credentials. We will assist you in acquiring the certification and skills-upgrading you need to be competitive in BC’s labour market. We will provide you with direct job leads and help make connections with local employers, and we will help you fine-tune your self-marketing and presentation skills so that you can confidently promote your abilities to an employer.

How can this program help me find skilled employees?

If you are an employer in the Lower Mainland, we can help you connect with potential candidates in a variety of ways. Take advantage of our free job posting service and ask us to pre-screen candidates on your behalf. We can also assist with interview scheduling, and will coordinate hiring fairs or other recruiting events as needed. Contact us to discuss your specific hiring needs!

Do you charge a fee for this program?

No. The Ministry of Economic Development pays for the majority of the program. However if you plan to participate in external skills training, you are required to contribute 1/3 of the cost of training. IMMPowerBC is free to employers who hire or provide work experience and mentorship opportunities to participants.

Why is there a cost for training?

Research conducted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada demonstrates that immigrants expect to upgrade their skills and are prepared to invest in training when coming to Canada. The Ministry of Economic Development will contribute up to 2/3 of the cost of training and expects that participants contribute the remaining 1/3.

How do I register?

Contact us at 604-298-4720 or toll-free at 1-866-298-4757, ext. 278 to schedule an initial meeting with our program facilitator. There is no cost for the initial meeting; it is simply an information meeting to determine if IMMPowerBC is the right program for you.