Settling in a new country is a big step, exciting, but also overwhelming. If you’re beginning your life in Edmonton, you’re not alone. Thousands of newcomers arrive every year, looking for safe housing, stable work, and a welcoming community.
This guide brings together the essential steps, helpful resources, and local supports you need to start strong.
1. Apply for Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need a SIN to work, pay taxes, or access benefits.
Apply online or in person through Service Canada:
👉 Apply for SIN: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html
👉 Find a Service Canada Location: https://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-hme.jsp
2. Get Your Alberta Health Care Card
All Alberta residents must register for health coverage.
👉 Apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-how-to-apply
👉 ID requirements: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-eligibility
If you need help, PASS Canada can guide you.
3. Open a Bank Account (Newcomer Packages Available)
All major banks offer newcomer packages with fee-free accounts:
- RBC Newcomers: https://www.rbc.com/newcomers
- Scotiabank StartRight: https://startright.scotiabank.com
- TD New to Canada: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/new-to-canada
- CIBC Newcomers: https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/newcomers.html
- BMO NewStart: https://www.bmo.com/main/personal/newcomers
Bring passport + immigration documents.
4. Apply for Child Benefits & Family Support
You may qualify for the Canada Child Benefit.
👉 CCB Application: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.html
5. Get Your Alberta ID or Driver’s Licence
If you don’t drive
Apply for an Alberta Identification Card:
https://www.alberta.ca/get-id-card
If you drive
- Driver’s licence requirements for newcomers:
https://www.alberta.ca/exchange-out-of-province-licence - Alberta Driver’s Guide:
https://www.alberta.ca/drivers-guides - Book knowledge/road tests:
https://www.alberta.ca/driving-tests
6. Find Affordable Housing
Helpful local resources:
- City of Edmonton Housing Programs:
https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/housing - RentFaster (most used rental site): https://www.rentfaster.ca
- Find settlement housing help: https://www.immigration.ca/housing
PASS Canada also supports housing navigation.
7. Register for School or Childcare
Edmonton has two school boards:
- Edmonton Public Schools: https://epsb.ca
- Edmonton Catholic Schools: https://www.ecsd.net
- Childcare Subsidy: https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy
8. Learn English (Free Government Classes)
You can take free LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes.
- Find LINC Classes: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/newcomers/linc.html
- NorQuest College ESL: https://www.norquest.ca/programs/esl.aspx
PASS Canada offers English for Life classes as well.
9. Find a Job in Edmonton
- Government Job Bank: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca
- Alberta Jobs Now: https://www.alberta.ca/jobsnow
- Alberta Supports Centres (career help): https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports
- Newcomer employment programs: https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/jobs
PASS Canada provides resume help, interview preparation, and job referrals.
10. Set Up Utilities, Internet & Phone
Internet providers
- TELUS: https://www.telus.com
- Shaw/Freedom: https://www.shaw.ca
Electricity & Gas
- EPCOR: https://www.epcor.com
- Direct Energy: https://www.directenergy.ca
- ENMAX: https://www.enmax.com
11. Get Around in Edmonton
- ETS Transit Map & Schedules: https://www.edmonton.ca/ets
- Arc Card (public transit payment): https://myarc.ca
12. Connect With Community Resources
- City of Edmonton Newcomer Guide:
https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_organization/newcomers-guide - 211 Alberta (community services hotline): https://ab.211.ca
- Immigration, Refugees & Settlement Supports:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/newcomers.html
PASS Canada can help you navigate all of these.
Need Support? PASS Canada Is Here for You
PASS is here to help you every step of the way. You don’t have to do it alone.
Our team provides:
✔ Settlement support
✔ Housing navigation
✔ Employment readiness
✔ English classes
✔ Help for seniors, families, and newcomers from all backgrounds
👉 Book a free appointment: https://passcanada.org/contact
👉 Visit our offices: 9424 & 9556 – 111 Ave NW, Edmonton
➡️ Contact PASS today to get started.
