Official source · WelcomeBC
Services for refugee claimants: BC Safe Haven
Find organizations in British Columbia that support refugee claimants with immediate needs, settlement, language, work, housing and community connections.
WelcomeBCRefugee and newcomer resources
Refugee and newcomer help in British Columbia.
If you are a refugee claimant, refugee or newcomer in British Columbia, start with the official services below. BC Safe Haven supports refugee claimants, IRCC lists settlement services, and Legal Aid BC helps with refugee and immigration legal matters.
Start with the right place
- Call 911 if life or safety is in immediate danger.
- Call or visit 211 for community, health and social-service information in British Columbia.
- For refugee-claim deadlines, forms or representation, contact Legal Aid BC as soon as possible.
- You can also send Be Water a short support request for practical information and help finding an appropriate service.
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Refugee and settlement services
Use these official directories to find support that matches your location and immigration situation.
Official source · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Find services for refugees in Canada
Government of Canada information about health care, settlement, financial help, rights and fraud prevention.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaOfficial source · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Find free newcomer services near you
Search by city or postal code for eligible settlement, language, employment and community services.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada02
Refugee claims and legal help
Refugee claims can involve strict steps and deadlines. Use current official information and speak with a qualified legal service.
Official source · Legal Aid BC
Free legal help for refugee or immigration issues
Learn about legal advice and possible representation for refugee claims, detention, removal and related matters in British Columbia.
Legal Aid BCOfficial source · Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
The refugee protection claim process
Read the official steps for making a claim, submitting documents, preparing for a hearing and receiving a decision.
Immigration and Refugee Board of CanadaOfficial source · UNHCR Canada
Help for refugees and asylum-seekers in Canada
Plain-language information about asylum, rights, safety, fraud and resources across Canada.
UNHCR Canada03
Daily life and community support
Settlement also includes housing, food, health, language, work, transportation and learning how local systems work.
Official source · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Newcomer services
Government information on settlement, housing, work, health care, language, education, benefits and taxes.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaOfficial source · 211 British Columbia
Dial or search 211 British Columbia
Find community, government and social services, including newcomer supports, food, housing and crisis resources.
211 British ColumbiaBe Water
How Be Water can help
Be Water offers a simple starting point for settlement information, service referrals, everyday and digital skills, translation, community connection and practical support. Tell us the general kind of help you need. A preferred name and at least one safe way for us to reach you are enough to begin.
Last reviewed: August 20, 2026Reviewed by Be Water Settlement Services Society