New to Greater Victoria? Start Here.
A practical first-90-days guide to healthcare, housing, work, school, transportation and Nigerian community life in Greater Victoria.
Free and open to everyone. No ANIV membership is required to use this guide.
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What Describes You?
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Your First 90 Days
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Gather passports and immigration-status documents.
Keep originals of your passport, PR card, and any work or study permits accessible during travel.
Bring original education, professional and employment records.
Carry original degrees, transcripts, professional certifications, and reference letters.
Obtain your original driver's licence and proof of driving history before leaving your country.
Request a driving experience letter or abstract from your licensing authority before departing.
Bring children's school, birth and immunization records.
Pack original birth certificates, school report cards, and immunization records for each child.
Bring prescriptions and important medical records.
Carry prescriptions, vaccination records, and any specialist referral letters.
Arrange temporary health insurance for any MSP waiting period.
Buy private visitor or interim health insurance to cover the MSP waiting period.
Confirm safe short-term accommodation before travelling.
Book a hotel or short-term rental, or arrange to stay with a friend for your first nights.
Keep secure digital copies of important documents.
Store encrypted scans of passports, permits, and records in cloud storage or on a USB drive.
Get Help From a Person
Free settlement services and community welcome support are available across Greater Victoria.
VIRCS
Settlement and integration help, including support for newcomers who may not qualify for federally funded services.
Visit WebsiteANIV Community Welcome
Community connection, Nigerian cultural support, local orientation and introductions to ANIV programs.
Ask ANIVANIV offers community guidance and referrals but does not provide legal, immigration, medical or financial advice.
Essential Topics
Select a topic to browse filtered resources in the library below.
Resource Library
70 resources found
BC Residential Tenancy Branch
Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant — deposits, rent increases, ending a tenancy, and dispute resolution.
HealthLink BC
Call 8-1-1 (free, 24/7) for non-emergency health information and advice from registered nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists.
Translation available in 130+ languages.
WorkBC
BC's official employment resource with thousands of job listings, career planning tools, resume help, and free employment services.
ChildCareBC
Provincial program making licensed child care more affordable, including $10-a-day ChildCareBC centres.
WelcomeBC
Provincial hub for newcomers, offering settlement information, language programs, and a step-by-step guide to living and working in BC.
BC Transit – Victoria
Public bus transit system serving Greater Victoria with routes across all municipalities. Plan trips and check schedules online.
Important Information
Corrected guidance on common newcomer questions. Always confirm details with the official source.
Housing
In BC, a security deposit can generally be no more than half of one month's rent. A pet damage deposit may be an additional half month. Do not pay “first and last month's rent.” Use written tenancy agreements, get receipts, and verify before sending money.
BC Residential Tenancy BranchHealthcare
Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive. Coverage may begin approximately three months after arrival. Register with the Health Connect Registry if you need a primary-care provider. Most Greater Victoria urgent and primary care centres require a same-day telephone appointment — check Island Health's current instructions before attending.
Island Health – Same-day careDriving
New BC residents generally have 90 days to change their driver's licence. A vehicle brought into BC generally must be registered, licensed and insured within 30 days. Requirements depend on the country that issued the licence.
ICBC – Moving to BCFraud
No person can guarantee a Canadian visa, job or faster immigration processing. Anyone charging for Canadian immigration advice must be an authorized representative. Be cautious of offers that sound too good to be true.
IRCC – Protect yourself from fraudGreater Victoria at a Glance
Four compact regional groups to help you orient yourself across 13 municipalities.
Core
Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, View Royal
West Shore
Langford, Colwood, Highlands, Metchosin
Peninsula
Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney
Sooke
Sooke, Nearby western communities
Housing costs vary widely and change often. ANIV does not publish fixed rent figures. Always check current listings and official sources before budgeting.
Nigerian Community Essentials
Stay connected to home while building your life in Greater Victoria.
Nigerian Cultural & Family Programs
Cultural, family, youth and professional programs in Greater Victoria.
Learn moreANIV is a community organization and does not provide consular or immigration services. For official matters, contact the Nigerian High Commission or IRCC directly.
Newcomer Questions, Answered
Short answers with one authoritative link per question.
You Don't Have to Settle In Alone
ANIV can help you find community, attend local events and connect with Nigerians who understand the newcomer journey.