Questions frequently asked by immigrants to Langley

School District 35 provides Kindergarten to Grade 12 education to Langley residents. The school your child will be assigned to is based on where you live in Langley. To learn more about the Langley School District and how to register, go to: https://www.sd35.bc.ca/students-parents/new-students/

It may be possible, but there are few things the School District needs to consider, such as the specific needs of your child, or whether the school has space for your child. Call the School District to arrange an assessment of your child’s school records as soon as you arrive. Call: 604-534-7891

The Langley School District has a few different programs depending on your child’s English language ability. To learn more about the District’s language programs, go to: https://www.sd35.bc.ca/programs-initiatives/english-language-learning/

n Langley your child can upgrade courses at the Langley Education Centre or Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).

New Directions English Language School offers free English language instruction called Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Langley Community Services Society and the Langley Literacy Network offer Conversation Circles. To learn more about the language services and programs offered in Langley and nearby communities, go to NewToBC.

The Langley libraries are part of the Fraser Valley regional Library system. You will find libraries in Langley here: City of Langley and the Township of Langley. You can also find a list of all libraries in the Lower Mainland here: NewToBC.

The Langley Division of Family Practice helps to connect Langley residents with the healthcare they need. The Division of Practice also has resources and information on walk-in clinics and practices, wait times and other community health resources.

You can search doctors by language here: College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Translink is Metro Vancouver’s public transportation network. You can plan your route, find schedules, maps, and fee information here: https://www.translink.ca/trip-planner

There are several Employment Services available to help newcomers. These services include career planning, job search tips, resume writing support, mentoring, internships, and more. You can find a detailed list of immigrant employment services in Langley using the NewToBC services inventory.

Also, newcomers living anywhere in the Lower Mainland can access the Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre. This centre provides immigrants the information they need to explore careers and begin their job search. The InfoCentre is based out of the Vancouver Public Library and offers free in-person and online help.

If you are looking for work you should contact the local WorkBC Centre to find out about the employment services they offer.  The Langley WorkBC Centres can be reached by phone at 604-360-4196, or email at info-langley-willowbrook@workbc.ca

Langley Community Services Society (LCSS),the Langley School District and ISSofBC, offer settlement supports. To learn about the settlement services and programs offered in Langley and nearby communities, go to: https://newtobc.ca/settlement/immigrant-and-refugee-service-providers/

You can learn about the different types of childcare available, find a childcare provider, and apply for funding through this Government of British Columbia website.

There are many different types of financial assistance available in British Columbia and Canada.  Typically government financial assistance programs have defined eligibility criteria specific to the type of assistance you are seeking:

• Income Assistance – If you are in need of day to day financial support and have no other resources, you may be eligible for provincial income assistance.
• Unemployment – If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for Federal Employment Insurance.
• Rental Assistance – The BC Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income, working families with financial support to help with their monthly rent payments.
• Disability Benefits – Persons with Disability (PWD) benefits in BC are for people who have a disability that prevents them from working.
• Education – Student Aid BC can help with the cost of post-secondary education through student loans, grants, and scholarships.

There are a range of free mental health assessment and treatment options for children and youth (0-18 years of age) and their families. The Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) team clinics are staffed by mental health clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

You may also find additional supports through the Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre.

You can find a variety of support groups for parents with Special Needs Children.

• The BC Children’s Hospital has compiled a list of support groups for parents based on the needs of their child.
• Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society offers Parent Networking Groups. Support Meetings are hosted by parents of children with Down Syndrome and are designed to provide a welcoming, open environment to discuss experiences, challenges, concerns, and celebrations.
• The Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) provides information and support to families with children with developmental disabilities. Family support workers assist you to learn about and access services available at DDA and in the community.
• Inclusion BC provides information and support to those with intellectual disabilities providing advocacy, education and support where and when it’s needed.
• OptionsBC offers one-on-one support for children and youth (ages 18 and under), living in Surrey or Langley, with developmental and/or physical disabilities and/or autism.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is the only agency that issues drivers’ licenses, vehicle registration and automobile insurance. Details on how to prepare for and take your road test and obtain your license can be found on their website: https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/Pages/default.aspx . ICBC offers  interpreter services at select driver licensing locations.

You will find all ICBC licensed driving schools here: https://www.dtcbc.com/resources/ds-locations/all-schools.asp

There are five major banks in Canada that provide banking services to Canadians. The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, The Bank of Montreal (BMO), and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Most branches will provide services that allow you to send and / or receive money from your home country.  There are also many smaller banks and credit unions in Canada.  It is important to ask them about their services to find out if they can help you with banking or any financial transactions in your home country.

The City of Langley and the Township of Langley have many recreation programs for kids. Visit these websites to learn about these programs:

https://langleycity.ca/parks-recreation/recreation

https://www.tol.ca/recreation-culture/calendars/drop-in-activities-and-sports/

You can also find many sports teams and leagues for kids, such as soccer, or baseball, that are organized by community members and volunteers.  Try a  quick Google search of that activity in Langley, BC.

The City of Langley and the Township of Langley have many recreation programs for adults. Visit these web pages to learn about these programs:

https://langleycity.ca/parks-recreation/recreation

https://www.tol.ca/recreation-culture/calendars/drop-in-activities-and-sports/

Urban Rec is a large sport and social club. To learn about sports and leagues for adults in Langley, go to: https://vancouver.urbanrec.ca/regions/langley

The City of Langley and the Township of Langley have many parks. For information and the locations of these parks, go to: https://city.langley.bc.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails and https://www.tol.ca/at-your-service/how-can-we-help/Parks-Trails-Trees/

The City of Langley and the Township of Langley have several public swimming pools. You can find locations, admission information, and aquatics programs on these web pages: https://langleycity.ca/parks-recreation/recreation/aquatics-al-anderson-memorial-pool and https://www.tol.ca/recreation-culture/swimming-pools/

You can find affordable household goods and furniture in a variety of places.

• The Salvation Army Thrift Store sells gently-used clothing, housewares, and other items donated by the public as well as new products donated by local businesses. The Langley store is located at 19733 96th Avenue.
• Many people will join Facebook Groups to buy or sell household goods and furniture. If you search “Buy & Sell Langley” on Facebook, you will be able to join a group near you.
• Another online site that many people use to buy and sell household goods and furniture is Craigslist. Search Craigslist Surrey / Delta / Langley to find items in Langley and the surrounding communities.
• IKEA, locations in Coquitlam and Richmond, sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories.
• Walmart is known for selling household goods, and some furniture, at a low cost.
• More stores selling household goods and furniture can be found on Yellow Pages.

There are many affordable grocery stores located in Langley and the Township of Langley.

• T & T Supermarket is a Canadian supermarket chain that sells primarily Asian foods.
• Real Canadian Superstore has a large international foods section and is known for having low prices.
• Walmart is known for selling groceries at an affordable price.
• More options can be found on Yellow Pages and on the Tourism Langley website.