Open weekdays 9:30am—4:30pm
CFA Nanaimo

Welcome to your welcoming French-speaking community

Who are we?

The CFA in Nanaimo is a vibrant community where every Francophone feels at home.

We welcome newcomers with warmth, support, and access to services in French.

Here, we build connections, help one another, and fully participate in local life. The CFA is more than just a service: it’s a family where everyone is welcomed, listened to, and supported.

Our goals

  • To provide personalized support and assistance to French speakers who have recently arrived in the region.
  • Facilitate their social, cultural, and professional integration through tailored services.
  • Promote exchanges and gatherings to build strong ties within the community.

We do not provide assistance with immigration paperwork (visa applications, work permits, etc.). For assistance with your immigration process, please contact Le Relais Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique.

The CFA Nanaimo: Who is it for? Is it for me?

To access our CFA services, you must speak French and have valid status with IRCC.

The following are eligible:

Permanent residents

People with permanent resident status

Refugees

People with refugee status

For everyone else: the Nanaimo Francophone Association is taking over!

To help you: 3 key areas of focus

Installation

A new city, a new life... we know it can be overwhelming! We’re here to help you get settled in Nanaimo and assist with all your needs to make things easier.

Learn more

Access to employment

Successful immigration starts with employment. Here, discover the keys to your professional success with our step-by-step guidance and advice on finding a job, starting a business, or pursuing further education.

Learn more

Community

Welcome to our wonderful community! We organize lots of events to help you meet others so you never feel alone here!

Learn more

Information Guides

Nanaimo: Is it the right choice for you?

The climate

Nanaimo enjoys a mild climate year-round, with frequent rain in the winter.

The situation

Conveniently located, Nanaimo is just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver and Victoria, and is close to ski resorts and the ocean.

The city

Nanaimo is a city on a human scale, offering all the essential services and much more! Be aware, however, that public transportation is limited.

Nature

Nanaimo is a city for outdoor enthusiasts, offering the ocean, beaches, forests, mountains, and marine life.

Our Community Partners

We are grateful to these organizations who generously support CFA Nanaimo. They share their time, ideas, and experience to help guide the project, work through challenges, and lend a hand when needed.

Their ongoing support and commitment make a real difference, and we sincerely thank them for being such an important part of our community.