NEW TO CANADA HUB

Welcome to Canada

Moving to a new country is a big step, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. The New to Canada Hub is NCAE’s practical guide to settling in Edmonton, written for Nigerians by people who have walked the same path. Find step-by-step help with your first weeks, from getting your SIN and health card to opening a bank account, plus clear guidance on housing, jobs, healthcare, taxes and benefits, schools, transit and immigration. Each section links to trusted official sources and local organizations, so you always know where to turn next. Wherever you are in your journey, NCAE is here to help you settle in, find your feet and feel at home.

Settlement Checklist

  1. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN). You need it to work and to access government programs. → Service Canada
  2. Register for Alberta Health Care. Get your health card so you can see doctors and use hospitals. → See Healthcare Guide
  3. Find temporary housing. Secure a safe place to stay while you search for something long-term. → See Housing
  4. Open a bank account. Most major banks have newcomer packages. → See Banking Guide
  5. Enroll your children in school. Register with Edmonton Public or Edmonton Catholic Schools. → See Education Guide
  6. Learn the transit system. Get around the city with ETS buses and the LRT. → See Transportation Guide
  7. Connect with NCAE. Meet people who have walked the same path. → Become a Member

Housing Resources

Renting in a new country can feel overwhelming. These resources will help you find safe, affordable housing and understand your rights as a tenant.

How to rent in Edmonton

Most rentals in Edmonton are listed online, on sites like Rentals.ca, liv.rent, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, and through property management companies. Before you sign, landlords usually ask for photo ID, proof of income or employment, and references. Newcomers without Canadian credit history can offer a bank statement, a job offer letter or a reference from a previous landlord. Always view a unit in person, or by live video call, before paying anything, and never send money to someone you haven’t met who can’t show you the property. That’s the most common rental scam. If something feels wrong, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Helpful links: Rentals.ca · Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Your lease, also called a tenancy agreement, is a legal contract, so read every line before signing. Check the monthly rent and its due date, whether utilities (power, gas, water, internet) are included, the length of the lease, rules on pets, smoking and guests, and how much notice you must give to move out. A fixed-term lease ends on a set date, while a periodic lease (month-to-month) continues until either side gives proper notice. Alberta law requires a written inspection report, and both landlord and tenant must inspect the unit within one week before or after you move in and move out, with the landlord giving you a copy right after. Take dated photos too. They protect your deposit.

Helpful links: Alberta.ca – Starting a tenancy · Alberta.ca – Ending a tenancy

Renting in Alberta is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, which protects both tenants and landlords. A security deposit can’t be more than one month’s rent, it can’t be raised later, and the landlord must hold it in a trust account and return it with interest within 10 days of move-out if nothing is deducted. If a landlord skips the move-in inspection report, they lose the right to deduct for damages from your deposit when you leave. Alberta has no rent control, but landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months and generally not during a fixed-term lease, and month-to-month tenants must get three full tenancy months’ written notice. If you can’t settle a problem with your landlord, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service offers a way to resolve disputes without going to court, and fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.

Helpful links: Alberta.ca – During a tenancy · Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service · Alberta.ca tenant information

The right neighbourhood depends on your daily life. Think about your commute to work or school, access to buses and the LRT, nearby schools and childcare, grocery stores (including African food stores), places of worship, and community centres. Living near an LRT line can save you the cost of a car in your first months. To check safety, the Edmonton Police Service’s Community Safety Map shows reported incidents from the previous 90 days and can be searched by neighbourhood. Visit an area at different times of day before deciding, and ask NCAE members where they live. Community advice is often the most honest you’ll get.

Helpful links: EPS Neighbourhood Crime Mapping · ETS Trip Planner

Finding a long-term place can take time, so many newcomers start in a short-term furnished rental, a room in a shared home, or with family or friends while they search. Settlement agencies can help you find temporary options and explain the next steps. If you have a low income, you may qualify for subsidized housing. Civida is the largest provider of community and affordable housing in Edmonton, managing over 5,300 homes and administering rent subsidies for over 3,200 households each month. Waitlists can be long, so apply as early as you can. 

Helpful links: Civida – affordable housing · Homeward Trust Edmonton

Edmonton is one of the more affordable major cities in Canada for renters. According to Rentals.ca data, the average rent in Edmonton was $1,610 in June 2026, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,292 and two-bedrooms averaging $1,632. Prices vary by neighbourhood, building age and whether utilities are included, so budget for power, gas and internet on top of rent if they’re not covered. Expect to pay a security deposit of up to one month’s rent upfront as well.

Helpful links: Rentals.ca National Rent Report · liv.rent Edmonton Rent Report · Rentals.ca Edmonton rent report.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice.

Healthcare Guide

Alberta Health Care

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers medically necessary doctor visits and hospital care, so you won’t pay at the clinic or hospital for most essential services. Register as soon as you arrive. Alberta requires you to apply within 3 months of establishing residency, along with all the required documents, and if you apply late, your coverage start date is decided when you register. You’ll need proof of identity, proof of your Alberta address, and your immigration documents, such as a PR card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or a work or study permit. Applications by mail take about 6 weeks to process, so if there’s a gap before your coverage begins, consider buying private health insurance to protect your family in the meantime.

Helpful links: Apply for AHCIP – Alberta.ca · What AHCIP covers

A family doctor is your main point of contact for ongoing health care, check-ups, prescriptions and referrals to specialists. The best place to start is the Alberta Find a Doctor website, run by Alberta’s Primary Care Networks, where you can search for doctors and clinics accepting new patients and filter by location, gender and language. Be prepared for a wait. Alberta has a limited supply of family doctors accepting new patients, so register on the waitlist, check back often, and ask friends, NCAE members or any specialist you see if they know a doctor taking patients. Nurse practitioners are also a good option and can provide much of the same care.

Helpful links: Alberta Find a Doctor · MyHealth Alberta

Walk-in clinics are for non-emergency health problems such as colds, infections, minor injuries or prescription refills, especially while you’re still waiting for a family doctor. You usually don’t need an appointment, but waits can be long, so arrive early or check whether the clinic offers online check-in. Bring your Alberta Health Care card each time. If you’re not sure whether to go to a clinic or the emergency room, call Health Link 811 first.

Helpful links: Find health services near you – MyHealth Alberta · Alberta Find a Doctor (clinics)

Health Link is Alberta’s free health advice line. Call 811 any time, 24 hours a day, to speak with a registered nurse. They can help you decide whether you need a clinic, the emergency room or care at home, and help you find services near you. You can also now chat live online with a nurse or request a callback through the Primary Care Alberta website, which is convenient if you prefer not to call. Health Link is for non-urgent concerns. For emergencies, always call 911.

Helpful links: Primary Care Alberta – Health Link · MyHealth Alberta

For life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or a serious injury, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Emergency rooms treat the most urgent cases first, so waits for less serious problems can be several hours. For non-urgent concerns, Health Link 811 or a walk-in clinic is usually faster. Ambulance trips may come with a bill, so private or workplace insurance is worth having. Carry your Alberta Health Care card with you at all times.

Helpful links: Alberta Health Services – hospitals and emergency departments · Health Link 811

Dental and eye care work differently from regular health care in Alberta. AHCIP covers only some specialized dental and oral surgery services, so routine check-ups and cleanings are usually paid out of pocket or through workplace insurance. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan helps lower-income residents without dental insurance, but you must have filed your most recent Canadian tax return to qualify. Many newcomers become eligible only after their first tax season. For eyes, children 18 and under and seniors 65 and over get one complete routine eye exam per benefit year covered, but routine exams for adults aged 19 to 64 are generally not covered. Low-income families can apply for the Alberta Child Health Benefit, which helps cover eyeglasses, prescription drugs and dental care for children.

Helpful links: Canadian Dental Care Plan · Alberta Child Health Benefit · Alberta Adult Health Benefit

Disclaimer: This is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.

Employment Resources

Finding work is one of the biggest steps in settling. Learn how the Canadian job market works and where to find support.

Canadian-Style Resumes

A Canadian resume is usually different from a Nigerian CV. Keep it to one or two pages, and focus on achievements rather than duties, for example “reduced processing time by 30%” instead of “responsible for processing”. Leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status, religion and state of origin. Canadian employers don’t expect them, and they can lead to unfair bias. List your most recent experience first, include volunteer work (it counts in Canada), and adjust your resume for each job you apply to. If you need help with formatting, the Government of Canada’s Job Bank offers a free Resume Builder that formats your resume as you fill it in, one section at a time. Always include a short cover letter unless the posting says not to.

Helpful links: Job Bank Resume Builder · alis – Look for Work in Alberta 

Search widely: Job Bank, LinkedIn, Indeed, company career pages, and the City of Edmonton and Government of Alberta job boards. Many jobs in Canada are never advertised, so networking matters. Tell people you’re looking, attend community and industry events, join professional associations, and connect with NCAE members working in your field. Your first job in Alberta may not be in the role you trained for, and that’s normal. Plan ahead for references too, especially if you haven’t worked in Canada before. Volunteering is a good way to gain Canadian references and experience. Apply only through official company websites or trusted job boards, and never pay anyone for a job offer.

Helpful links: Job Bank · alis – Newcomers: How to Find Work in Alberta

In Alberta, job interviews are treated like a business meeting, so arrive 10 minutes early, dress one level more formally than the job’s daily dress code, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Many employers use behavioural questions such as “Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work.” Answer them with the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task, the Action you took and the Result. Research the company beforehand, prepare two or three questions to ask at the end, and talk confidently about your international experience, explaining how it applies to the role. Send a short thank-you email within a day. Video interviews are common now, so test your camera, lighting and internet connection beforehand.

Helpful links: alis – Get the Job · alis – Newcomers’ Guide to Working in Alberta

In Alberta, workplace culture includes practical things like work hours and dress codes, and also how people work together, behave at work, your rights on the job, and the employer’s values. Punctuality is taken seriously. Communication is usually direct but polite, and people often address managers by their first name. Teamwork, asking questions when you’re unsure, and respecting diversity are highly valued. You also have rights: Alberta’s employment standards set minimum rules for wages, hours of work, overtime, vacations, holidays, leaves and termination, and you can file a complaint if your employer doesn’t follow them. Laws also protect you from discrimination and unsafe working conditions.

Helpful links: Alberta Employment Standards · alis – Newcomers’ Guide to Working in Alberta

If you studied or trained outside Canada, start by finding out whether your occupation is regulated in Alberta. More than 70 regulatory bodies oversee licensing for over 170 professions, occupations and trades, including nursing, engineering, teaching, accounting and many trades. If yours is regulated, you must apply to that body for a licence before you can practise, and the process may include exams, extra training or supervised work. For unregulated jobs, Alberta’s International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) can compare your foreign education to Canadian standards, although IQAS assessments are advisory only. Before applying, check with your employer, school or regulatory body whether they require an IQAS assessment and which type. Start early, because this process can take months.

Helpful links: IQAS – Alberta.ca · Is your occupation regulated? – alis · Workers moving to Alberta

You don’t have to job-hunt alone. Edmonton has several free employment programs for newcomers. The Edmonton Newcomer Centre (formerly EMCN) serves all newcomers free of charge, with services that include pre-employment and essential skills training alongside settlement and language support. Other agencies, such as Catholic Social Services, also offer employment help. The Government of Alberta’s alis website also offers FutureConnect, a free service where you can book virtual appointments with career coaches to explore jobs, training and next steps. Most settlement agencies offer resume reviews, interview practice, job clubs and connections to employers, at no cost to you.

Helpful links: Find free newcomer services near you – IRCC · alis – FutureConnect career coaching · Catholic Social Services

Immigration and Legal Information

Permanent Residency Pathways

Permanent residence (PR) lets you live, work and study anywhere in Canada, and after enough time it leads to citizenship. The main routes are:

  • Express Entry: the federal system for skilled workers. Candidates are ranked by age, education, language test scores and work experience, and the highest-ranked are invited to apply.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs: Alberta’s version is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). In 2026 the AAIP is prioritizing occupations in health care, technology, construction, manufacturing, aviation and agriculture, plus communities in its Rural Renewal Stream.
  • Family sponsorship: a Canadian citizen or PR can sponsor a spouse, partner, dependent child, or in some cases parents and grandparents.

Requirements and selection criteria change often, so always check the official IRCC and Alberta pages before planning your next step.

Helpful links: Express Entry – IRCC · Alberta Advantage Immigration Program · Family sponsorship – IRCC

Most temporary residents need a work permit to work in Canada. There are two main types. An employer-specific permit lets you work only for the employer, job and location named on it, and often requires your employer to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer and is available to certain groups, such as some spouses of students and workers, and eligible graduates of Canadian schools. Always follow the conditions printed on your permit, and know its expiry date. Working without authorization, or outside your permit’s conditions, can affect your future applications.

Helpful links: Work in Canada – IRCC · Check IRCC processing times

To study in Canada for more than six months, you’ll need a study permit and an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Canada now caps the number of study permit applications it accepts each year, and most applicants must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) confirming a place within that province’s allocation. As of January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need an attestation letter. Study permit holders can usually work a limited number of hours during school terms, but these limits have changed several times recently, so check your permit conditions and IRCC’s current guidance.

Helpful links: Study permits – IRCC · Find a Designated Learning Institution

Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months. If you want to stay longer, such as a parent visiting to help with a new baby, you must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. If you apply on time, you can legally stay in Canada while IRCC decides. This is called maintained status, formerly known as implied status. But if you leave Canada while your application is processing, you lose maintained status. If your status has already expired, you may still be able to apply to restore it within 90 days. Apply well before your expiry date, because processing can take many months.

Helpful links: Extend your stay in Canada – IRCC · Check IRCC processing times

Once you’re a permanent resident, you can work toward citizenship. You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years immediately before you apply. Days spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR count as half days, up to a maximum of 365 days. You must also have filed taxes for three of those five years if required, and applicants aged 18 to 54 must meet language and knowledge requirements, including a citizenship test. Use IRCC’s free online calculator to count your days, and apply with a few extra days as a buffer.

Helpful links: Check your citizenship eligibility – IRCC · Physical presence calculator

If you can’t afford a lawyer, help may still be available. Legal Aid Alberta may provide help with certain immigration and refugee matters for people who qualify financially. Free legal clinics in Edmonton, such as the Edmonton Community Legal Centre and Student Legal Services of Edmonton, offer free advice to eligible people on a range of issues. Many settlement agencies also run free information sessions on immigration, citizenship and family sponsorship. Contact each one to check what kinds of matters they can help with.

Helpful links: Legal Aid Alberta · Edmonton Community Legal Centre · Student Legal Services of Edmonton

Immigration scams target newcomers every year. Only authorized representatives can charge you for immigration help: lawyers who are members of a Canadian law society, and immigration consultants licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Before paying anyone, check the College’s public register to confirm the consultant is licensed and “active”, and use only the contact details listed on the register, since some fraudsters pretend to be real consultants. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a visa, job or approval, asks you to lie on an application, or demands payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. IRCC never asks for payment by phone, gift card or wire transfer.

Helpful links: Verify your immigration consultant – CICC · Protect yourself from fraud – IRCC

Disclaimer: This information is general and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm details on official Government of Canada and Government of Alberta websites, and consult a licensed immigration lawyer or regulated consultant (RCIC) about your specific situation.

Banking, Credit & Money

Learn how the finances work in Canada.

Opening a Bank Account

Open a Canadian bank account in your first week. You’ll need it for your pay, rent and government benefits. Most major banks offer newcomer packages, usually with no monthly fees for a period, a starter credit card, and help moving money from abroad. Bring your passport and immigration documents (PR confirmation, or work or study permit), plus your SIN if you have one. Choose a regulated bank or credit union. Some financial services providers look like banks but work quite differently from the institutions most Canadians use. Compare packages before you choose: look at monthly fees, what happens when the free period ends, and international transfer costs.

Helpful links: Canada.ca · Financial Consumer Agency of Canada – Banking

In Canada, your credit score affects whether you can rent an apartment, get a phone plan, lease a car or one day buy a home. Canada’s two credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, only record how you use credit inside Canada, so a perfect record in Nigeria looks the same as having no history at all. The fastest way to start is a secured credit card, where you put down a deposit as your credit limit. Use it for small purchases and pay the full balance on time every month. Never miss a payment, and try not to use more than about a third of your limit. You can check your credit report for free from both bureaus, and checking your own report does not affect your score.

Helpful links: FCAC – Credit reports and scores · Equifax Canada · TransUnion Canada

Many of us support family in Nigeria, so it pays to compare options. Banks, online transfer services and money transfer companies all charge different fees and exchange rates, and the exchange rate is often where the real cost hides. Compare the final amount your family will receive, not just the fee. Use only well-known, regulated providers. Money transfer businesses in Canada must be registered with FINTRAC, and you can check a company’s registration online. Never send money through informal agents you don’t know. 

Helpful links: FINTRAC – Check a money services business 

Newcomers are frequent targets. The most common scams are calls or texts pretending to be from the CRA, IRCC, police or your bank, threatening arrest or deportation unless you pay right away. Government agencies never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer, and they never threaten arrest over the phone. Other red flags: job offers that ask you to pay upfront or “deposit a cheque and send back the difference”, rental listings asking for a deposit before a viewing, and anyone pressuring you to act immediately. If in doubt, hang up and call the organization using the number on its official website.

Helpful links: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre · CRA – Scams and fraud