British Columbia is the third largest province in Canada & houses one million newcomers. BC is often renowned as among Canada’s most naturally beautiful, wherein residents, as well as visitors, can find over 40 provincial parks & 6 of Canada’s national parks. In addition, the province is also known for its milder weather patterns. Well, that’s because this region of Canada provides four distinct seasons without the extreme frigid temperatures. Well, here’s all you need to know about moving to British Columbia.  

Housing 

BC has one of the nation’s largest housing markets. 

Note: In this province & other Canadian provinces, housing prices & available property types will depend on factors like your desired settlement location, family size, etc.

According to the latest National Rent Report, the following numbers represent the average rent for one-bedroom & two-bedroom housing units in BC’s largest CMA by population, i.e., Vancouver, Victoria, & Kelowna. 

One-Bedroom: Vancouver ($3,013), Victoria ($2,054), & Kelowna ($1,947) 

Two-Bedroom: Vancouver ($3,918), Kelowna ($2,790), & Victoria ($2,753)

Commuting 

While moving to British Columbia, one must also know about commuting as well. In the province’s three largest CMAs, a minimum of 73% of residents live less than 500 meters from a public transit point.  

In Victoria & Vancouver, that number is at least 90%, while in Kelowna, it is 73.7%.

Moreover, public transportation alternatives in BC vary by city. However, many cities across the province have public transportation options, like buses, i.e., the SkyTrain, SeaBus, etc. 

Still, many of British Columbia’s residents use a car, van, or truck as their main mode of commuting. Thus, immigrants to the province must understand the following about driving: 

  • For the first 90 days as the new resident, individuals above the legal driving age might use their home country-issued driver’s license in this province. 
  • At the end of this 90-day period, newcomers should obtain a British Columbia driving license from the provincial government. 

Employment 

When it comes to major industries in British Columbia, this province is known for its diverse economic sectors. Here are the primary contributors: 

  • Natural Resources 
  • Film/ Television Production 
  • Tourism & Hospitality 
  • Technology & Innovation
  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture & Food Production 
  • Construction & Real Estate

The Immigrant Employment Council of BC is a British Columbia-based organization that connects employers with immigrant talent, offering programs, resources, & tools to support newcomers in their job search. 

Healthcare 

Canadian public healthcare is funded through a universal healthcare model. In simpler terms, resident taxes are combined to pay for healthcare services that Canadians enjoy free of cost at the point of sale in the province & across Canada. 

In this province, residents have to wait two months along with the remainder of the month after residence in the province is established to be eligible for public healthcare via MSP, i.e., Medical Services Plan. 

After they become eligible for public healthcare, all newcomers to the province can access designated medical services as long as they have a valid health card. 

Usually, a health card offers the residents of the province access to certain public health services for free. However, specific treatments, as well as medications, will require the recipient to pay out of pocket. This is where private health insurance becomes integral for the residents. 

Education 

From the age of six until they graduate high school, children in the province must be a part of the province’s education system. The province takes pride in its outstanding public education system, with K-12 students consistently achieving top rankings worldwide in assessments. 

Moreover, along with the public system, this province provides a network of independent schools which provide a network of independent school which provide both day & boarding programs. In order to enroll their children in private education, parents will be required to pay tuition out of pocket. 

For post-secondary education seekers, BC has over 275 different DLIs. In addition, it is vital to note that only a DLI in BC can accept international students & offer programs eligible for a PGWP upon completion. It is possible to obtain a Post Graduation Work Permit after completing specific programs from many DLIs in this province. 

A PGWP, upon completing one year of work experience in Canada, enables the holder to broaden the number of Canadian PR immigration pathways they could be eligible for. This is because many of these programs reward applicants with Canadian work experience. 

Taxation 

Sales tax in British Columbia includes both a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) & Goods & Services Tax (GST). Presently, the PST is 7%, while GST stands at 5%. In addition, income taxes in this province vary between 20% to 53% depending upon one’s tax bracket, with a marginal tax rate increasing as your income & corresponding tax bracket increases.    

Newcomers Services In British Columbia 

People moving to British Columbia must know about the newcomer’s services which they can avail. These services encompass everything from employment help, language training, & daycare to community & cultural events, legal help, etc. 

In British Columbia, settlement services are managed under the BCSIS (British Columbia Settlement & Integration Services) program.
Note: Eligibility for newcomer services depends largely on the service provider. Depending on your location of residence & legal status in Canada, you might be eligible for some services & not others.