From your first days in Canada to building a career and community, VIRCS offers holistic services across five areas — helping immigrants and refugees settle, learn, work, and belong in Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island.
Free settlement services for newcomers not eligible for federally funded support — delivered with confidentiality and cultural sensitivity to help you settle successfully.
Affordable, practical English classes from beginner to intermediate in a welcoming community environment. Build confidence for daily life, work, and connection in Victoria.
Paid employment skills training for youth aged 18–30 facing barriers to work — classroom learning, career exploration, and real work experience.
Urban community gardens where newcomers and neighbours grow affordable, culturally-preferred food together — reducing food insecurity and building belonging.
VIRCS proudly welcomes and serves people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. We affirm and respect our 2SLGBTQIA+ clients, staff, volunteers, and community members.
We are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
VIRCS acknowledges that our work takes place on the unceded territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, and the T’Sou-ke and Sc’ianew Nations across the Greater Victoria region. As an organization supporting immigrants and refugees, we recognize that we do this work as guests on these lands and commit to respect, ongoing learning, and trauma-informed practice that honours Indigenous presence, knowledge, and resilience.
