Jobs for Newcomers in Vancouver
Tech hub meets ocean living — your career starts on the West Coast
Living & Working in Vancouver
Vancouver is a stunning coastal city that consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities. It's a major hub for technology, film production, and natural resources, with a large and diverse immigrant population.
The city's tech sector has exploded in recent years, with major offices from Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and hundreds of startups. The film industry ("Hollywood North") employs thousands, and the port of Vancouver is Canada's largest.
Vancouver has a large Chinese, South Asian, Filipino, and Korean community. While housing costs are Canada's highest, the mild climate, outdoor lifestyle, and strong economy make it a top choice for newcomers.
Cost of Living
Top Employers
Amazon (Vancouver)
Technology
TELUS
Telecommunications
BC Hydro
Energy
Electronic Arts (EA)
Gaming
Lululemon
Retail/Apparel
Settlement Resources
Immigrant Services Society of BC — settlement, language, employment, and community services.
Multilingual services for immigrants and refugees including employment and language training.
Social services for immigrants and visible minorities, with strong ties to the Chinese community.
Newcomer-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Surrey
Large South Asian community. More affordable than Vancouver proper with its own growing economy and good transit via SkyTrain.
Avg. rent: $2,100/mo
Burnaby
Central location between Vancouver and the suburbs. Major tech employers (EA, Ballard Power) and diverse communities.
Avg. rent: $2,300/mo
Richmond
Strong Chinese community with excellent Asian food scene. Close to the airport with good transit connections.
Avg. rent: $2,200/mo
Browse by Category in Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver good for tech workers immigrating to Canada?
Absolutely. Vancouver has one of Canada's largest tech ecosystems with the BC PNP Tech stream offering fast-track immigration for 29 tech occupations. Amazon, Microsoft, and hundreds of startups are actively hiring.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver for newcomers?
Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city for housing, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $2,700 CAD. However, nearby Surrey and Burnaby offer more affordable options while remaining well-connected by transit.
What languages are commonly spoken in Vancouver?
English is the primary language, but Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Korean are widely spoken. Many services are available in multiple languages.