Checklists

These checklists can help you plan and settle in Alberta.

Before you arrive

Once you have been accepted to immigrate to Alberta, there are some helpful things that you can do to prepare for your arrival and make it easier to adjust:

  1. Find a job. It is a good idea to explore job opportunities before you arrive in Alberta. There are many resources available to help you find work.
  2. Research your occupation in Alberta. As you received your education and training outside of Alberta, you may not be able to work in your occupation right away. Find out if you need to be certified, registered or have your credentials recognized.
  3. Find a place to live. It is important to know what your housing options are in Alberta.
  4. Improve your English language skills. English is the main language used in Alberta. There are English language classes available after you arrive in Alberta. However, if English is not your first language you may wish to begin improving your English skills before you arrive in Alberta.
  5. Find out about what documents you should bring to Canada, and what to expect when you arrive. Citizenship and Immigration Canada publishes Welcome to Canada which includes useful information.
  6. Learn about money and banking in Canada. It is a good idea to exchange some money at home before you leave so that you have some Canadian cash to use for immediate needs when you arrive.
  7. Find out what the weather will be like when you land. Depending on what time of year you arrive in Alberta, the temperature and weather conditions will vary.

After you arrive

There are a number of things you should do as soon as possible after you arrive in Alberta:

  1. Register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan so you will not have to pay for most health care services. You must register within three months of your arrival to Alberta.
  2. Apply for a Social Insurance Number. Employers will ask you for this number when they hire you. You also may need a Social Insurance Number to apply for certain government programs.
  3. Open an account at a financial institution such as a bank, credit union or Alberta Treasury Branch.
  4. Visit an immigrant-serving agency. Immigrant-serving agencies provide orientation services and information for immigrants. They also can provide information about where to meet people whose ethnic, cultural or religious background is similar to yours.
  5. If you will be applying for employment or training, you may need to have your qualifications assessed or documents translated. The International Qualification Assessment Service can help.
  6. If your work occupation is regulated in Alberta, moving may also require registering with the appropriate provincial regulatory organization.
  7. If you need to improve your English language skills, find out where English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered in your area and whether you qualify for government-funded language training programs.
  8. If you have children younger than 18 years of age, register them for school. You should also read the information about the Canada Child Tax Benefit program.
  9. Continue to search for suitable housing.
  10. Find out about the transportation system in your community. If you will be driving a vehicle, find out about how to get a driver's license in Alberta.
  11. Remember, you can reach Alberta government offices by telephone at no cost when you call from anywhere in the province.
    • You can call an Alberta government office outside your community for free. Dial 310-0000; then after the prompt, dial the area code and the seven digit office number.

Related Information

Government of Alberta

Welcome to Alberta

Government of Canada

Welcome to Canada (PDF)

Other Sources

Welcome to Alberta (available in English, French, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Mandarin, Amharic, Dinka and Punjabi)