Summary

• Six printed languages in addition to English are available now
• Supports faster, easier access to key settlement information
• Machine translation remains available in more than 200 languages

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The B.C. government is publishing the 2025 B.C Newcomers’ Guide in six languages in addition to English, to help people coming from other countries access essential information more easily.

Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, French, Spanish, Arabic and Tagalog will be included in the refreshed 2025 English printed edition and available for order now. The guide will be available for download online, or printed copies can be ordered at https://www.welcomebc.ca/start-your-life-in-b-c/bc-newcomers-guide.

Expanding language access

With more language options, newcomers can more easily understand important information about health care, housing, education, employment, driver’s licences and other services that help them get settled in B.C.

Two hundred and forty-nine other languages are also available through online translation at https://www.welcomebc.ca/start-your-life-in-b-c/bc-newcomers-guide, including traditional Chinese, Dari, Farsi, Russian and Ukrainian.

Supporting newcomers, strengthening B.C.’s economy

• The updated guide is part of government’s work to support newcomers, strengthen B.C.’s workforce, and grow the economy.
• This includes improving international credential recognition, making systems more transparent and removing barriers that prevent skilled newcomers from accessing good jobs.
• B.C. has a long history of welcoming newcomers. People from around the world help fill labour market gaps, grow B.C.’s workforce and strengthen the province’s economy.
• Newcomers are a valuable addition to communities throughout B.C. They share their cultures, experiences and perspectives, helping to grow British Columbia and making it an even more vibrant place to live.

Learn More:

• Find information on programs and services here: https://www.welcomebc.ca/start-your-life-in-b-c/bc-newcomers-guide