UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Alberta

Every year, people from all over the world choose Alberta, Canada as a great place to work and live for its high standard of living, diverse and welcoming communities, beautiful landscapes and much more.

Important documents

Ensure you have all the proper documentation you need before your arrival and understand what you will need after your arrival by visiting Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Before you arrive

You will need to have the following documents on arrival in Alberta:

• Canadian Immigrant Visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member travelling with you.

• Valid passport or other travel document for each family member travelling with you.

After you arrive

Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan cards are the two most important documents to get in your first few days in Alberta.

Education

Alberta has one of the world's best education systems. This section will provide you will the details you need for both your child's education and your own.

Children go to school for 12 years, completing both elementary and secondary school. When you arrive, you will need to enroll your children in school.

After Grade 12, post-secondary education is the next step. You may want to consider post-secondary school or look into upgrading your skills. Education can be costly, so there are a number of financial assistance programs that may be available to you.

Finally, you may want to consider taking programs for improving your English prior to beginning an educational program or entering the workforce.

Visit the Government of Alberta Education site for more information about elementary and secondary schooling.

For more information about post-secondary schooling, visit the Advanced Education and Technology website.

Date Updated: Oct 27, 2010

Elementary and secondary

What you need to know to enroll your children in school in Alberta

Post-secondary

Learn about your options for education after high school

Upgrading your skills

Develop your skills and experience to successfully participate in Alberta’s job market

Financial assistance

Find out about programs that can help you pay for post-secondary education

Improving your English

Improve your English language skills to help you settle in Alberta more easily

Finding a place to live

Finding a place to live is certainly one of your primary concerns when you arrive in Alberta.

Many new immigrants find that renting is a good option for their first home in Alberta. If you are considering renting, you will want to take a look at our renting checklist, as well as understand landlord and tenant rights in Alberta.

Another option you may want to explore is buying a house. Whether you rent or own, you will need to cover your residence with home and property insurance.

Finally, it is important to understand the costs of running a home in Alberta, including electricity, water, heat and communications.

Renting

Learn how you can find the right rental housing by using our helpful tips.

Buying a house

Find the right home for you and your family for the right price.

Home and property insurance

Find out how to purchase insurance to protect your property and personal belongings.

Electricity, water, heat, communications

Learn about paying your electricity, water and heat bills every month is a necessity.

Transportation

In Alberta, you have many transportation options. Some people choose to use public transportation, while others prefer buying a vehicle.

If you do purchase a vehicle, you will need to obtain registration and insurance as well as a driver's licence.

Before driving in Alberta, it is important that you have a full understanding of our traffic laws and safety measures. Keep in mind that Alberta winters can present challenging driving conditions – prepare for them with our winter driving tips.

Transportation options

Explore Alberta's public transportation options including taxis, airports, trains, and long-distance buses.

Buying a vehicle

Find out how to buy, register, insure and maintain your vehicle in Alberta.

Driver's licence

Learn how to get your driver's licence in order to drive your car, truck or motorcycle.

Traffic laws and safety

Get to know Alberta's traffic laws and rules before you drive in the province.

Winter driving tips

Get tips on safe winter driving tips including winter driving during blizzards and other extreme conditions.

Faculties & Departments

• Agricultural,

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