Application Support

HR Access Helpline

Not sure who to contact? We are here for you!

The HR Access Helpline offers human resources support services for job applicants and current employees. Whether you have questions about navigating job postings, applying for a job, payroll, scheduling or another general employment question, we are here for you. Customer Service Representatives will assist you with your query or connect you to the appropriate specialist or department.

  • Job postings
  • Navigating VI Hire
  • Indigenous-specific recruitment provisions
  • General employment / HR questions
  • Benefits
  • Scheduling queries
  • Retirement and pension
  • Types of learning and development opportunities
  • Registering for a course
  • Anything else HR, Payroll or Timekeeping related
  1. It is important when applying for job postings at Island Health to first create a VI Hire account and complete your profile in order to apply for jobs.
  2. If you are an ISLH employee, you must log in to VI Hire using your Island Health email address ([email protected]) to view all available jobs for employees.
  3. When searching:
    • Avoid acronyms (e.g. use Licensed Practical Nurse instead of LPN).
    • Use broad criteria and don’t be too specific or you might filter out postings you’re interested in.
    • Titles of jobs may not be what you think so search for categories of jobs rather than titles (e.g. you search for HR/Human Resources jobs but a job title is Records Associate).
  4. Select multiple options in “Location” or “Site Categories” by holding down the Control key on a PC or the Command key on a MAC computer.
  5. You can choose to set up Job Search Agent(s) to receive automatic alerts about jobs that you are interested in:
    • We encourage you to set up multiple job search agents with only 2 criteria per job search.  If you set up a Job Search Agent that doesn’t include the exact criteria for a posted job, you will not receive a Job Search Agent email for that job and might miss out on a posting.
    • We recommend that applicants use job search agents in conjunction with manual searches in VI Hire and not rely solely on the Job Search Agents. This will help ensure you do not miss out on a job posting as some of our postings may only be open/accepting applications for a short period of time (e.g. RN postings are only posted for 3 days with many other postings only being up for a week on average).
  6. Applying for more than one job?
    • Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job posting in your profile first, save your profile info for that specific job and then apply for the posting.
    • Note: Once you have applied for a specific posting you are not able to change your resume and/or cover letter for that submitted application as the system takes a snapshot of your profile when you apply and that snapshot is what is received for your job application.
  7. In your Profile, the Resume Text box is a ‘required field’ and you will need to copy and paste or type your resume into the resume text box in your profile.
  8. You are encouraged to include attachments in your VI Hire account to help support your application.  Attachments can be seen by all Hiring Managers and the Recruitment team so should be generic in nature (e.g. typing test results, certificates, general resumes).  Specific resumes and/or cover letters for a certain posting should be saved in your profile before you apply for a job – refer to tip above.
  9. Stuck and need help? Reach out to the HR Access Helpline for application support.

Contact Us:

Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm

Toll free: 1-888-296-3963​​

Email: [email protected]

Student Job Support

Visit the links below to learn more about different programs available at Island Health for students.

The Island Health Student Practice supports the coordination of all non-medical student placements. Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions are invited to reach out for more information on coordinating healthcare-related placements.  

Island Health is thrilled to welcome nursing students to apply for either an Employed Student Nurse or Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse position. Island Health hopes to expand our program to include other healthcare disciplines. Learn more at Sponsored Programs.

The NGTP provides new graduates from a post-secondary program with the opportunity to enhance clinical preparation as well as consolidate theory with clinical skills. 

Island Health offers paid co-op work terms for students.  Learn more at Sponsored Programs. 

In affiliation with the University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Island Health Pharmacy department is proud to offer a 52-week post-graduate residency program that offers experiential training specifically focused on the development and refinement of skills required for clinical pharmacy practice.  Learn more at Sponsored Programs.

International Applicant Support

Island Health welcomes applications from experienced and qualified internationally trained health care professionals.

Visit BC HealthCareers.ca for more information on how to obtain your provisional license, receive tailored recruitment supports, streamlined immigration processes, and transitional education programs.

Learn about job opportunities for international applicants at Physician Jobs BC, Nursing Jobs BC, or Allied Heath Jobs BC. Bursaries and financial supports may be available.

Learn about immigrating to Canada on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website: Citizenship and Immigration Canada

This Government of Canada office provides assessments for professional foreign credentials: Foreign Credentials Referral Office

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is for individuals with a job offer in a high-demand occupation (or students with a post-graduate degree from a B.C. post-secondary institution in the natural, applied or health sciences). Learn more about the BC PNP at: British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

A job offer from a Canadian employer is required to apply for a Work Permit. The job offer must be approved by the Government of Canada and is called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA demonstrates that a “significant” effort has been made to hire a Canadian for the position. The procedure for obtaining a LMIA is often demanding and time-consuming. Learn more about LMIAs at: Labour Market Impact Assessment

Foreign individuals seeking work temporarily in Canada require a Work Permit. A Work Permit is a document issued by Canadian immigration officials which allows a foreign individual to work in Canada, generally at a specific job for a limited time – usually one to two years. A work permit is not a contract. You or the employer can end a job at any time.

Do you need a work permit?

Extend a work permit

Under CUSMA (and other Free Trade Agreements), citizens in certain identified professional occupations, may be permitted to enter and work in Canada. Under these agreement, Labour Market Opinions are not required.

If you qualify and you have a letter confirming your job offer from a Canadian employer, you must have approved medical clearance by an IRCC designated medical practitioner prior to going to the Port of Entry. Clearance is required before a valid temporary work permit can be obtained.

Temporary Foreign Workers & Free Trade Agreements

Are you new to British Columbia? The BC Newcomers Guide provides valuable information to help you and your family settle in quickly and easily. BC Newcomers Guide

Once you are employed, Island Health’s New Entrant Practice and Recruitment Services teams will work together to support your transition into Canadian practice. Welcome to Island Health!

male nurse in scrubs

Federal and BC Government Student Loan Forgiveness

Recent graduates of select in-demand occupations may be eligible to have their student loans forgiven by agreeing to work in underserved communities. Learn more about student loan forgiveness programs: 

BC Loan Forgiveness Program

Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Apply Now

Join Island Health and help us create healthier, stronger communities.

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Territorial Acknowledgement

Island Health occupies the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations who have lived here since time immemorial and who continue to hold rights and titles on these lands. Island Health acknowledges and recognizes these homelands and the stewardship of Indigenous Peoples of this land.

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