International Qualifications Program

"British Columbia is at a skills crossroads. The quality and creativity of the workforce has become the single most competitive factor in the industrialized nations. The degree to which skill shortages are averted by stakeholders will be a large determinant of BC’s economic prosperity and social health."

To achieve the BC Government’s New Era goal of a strong and vibrant economy, the International Qualifications Unit was designed as part of a BC human resource strategy to ensure the province has a skilled workforce to support British Columbia growth.

By providing leadership and support to employer’s regulatory bodies, professional and trade associations, unions, post-secondary institutions, and community service agencies, the International Qualifications Unit helps to fully utilize skilled immigrants in the BC labour market. This is accomplished through three core service activities.

In February 2004, the International Qualifications Unit, in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, funded 16 exploratory and developmental projects across the Province.

These projects explored the current capacity, interest and strategic opportunities related to the labour market attachment of skilled immigrants in BC. Additionally, some projects identified best practices and developed resources to assist in addressing barriers to employment.

Immigrants and the World of Work: Tips to Improve Your Job Search
A compilation of 12 short articles to assist readers in taking the first steps in building a meaningful and successful work life in Canada. These booklets, produced by the Immigrant Services Society of BC, are available for download in seven languages.

Your Roadmap to Recognition Fact Sheets

Your Roadmap to Recognition is a series of fact sheets that guide the new immigrants through the often challenging process of getting a job.

They reflect the voices and experiences of recent immigrants with professional qualifications who have immigrated to British Columbia.