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Immigrants, refugees and newcomers are welcome in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Alberta, Canada. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is an inclusive community. Here, you can experience limitless career opportunities and a high quality of life.

Your settlement process can be stressful, but we can help with that. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has many organizations that support newcomers before and after arrival.

Let us be the first to welcome you to live, work and play in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­. This page has some resources to get started.

Want to learn more about the people and culture here?
Meet Calgarians, your future neighbours
  • 2024 07 LIC Icons Blue inclusive city v2

    150 countries

    Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has welcomed immigrants from over 150 countries in the past ten years.

  • 2024 07 LIC Icons Blue 165 languages

    165 languages

    Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is multicultural, with over 165 languages spoken in the city.

  • 2024 07 LIC Icons Blue 45 growth

    445% growth

    Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ saw a 445 per cent increase in year-over-year population growth from net migration in 2022, welcoming 42,160 net new migrants.

Types of immigrant pathways to Canada

There are a few immigration programs or pathways you can take to immigrate to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Alberta, Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is the federal department responsible for processing applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship. The Government of Canada identifies immigration as a key solution to build a strong, future-proofed economy.  While immigration falls under federal (Government of Canada) jurisdiction, each province can have additional resources and programming to support newcomers.

You and your family can immigrate to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ and be a vital part of our economic growth.

As a first step, read an overview of immigration statuses in Canada.

As a second step, read how to immigrate to Alberta. Download the guide in one of 15 languages.

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Immigrate to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ as a skilled worker

Express entry is an option for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently and work in our economy – where there are limitless opportunities.

There are three immigration programs managed through Express Entry. If you’re eligible for one of the programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. In Alberta, the program is called the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. If you’re nominated, you’ll receive extra points that will help your application go quicker.

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Immigrate to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ as a business owner or entrepreneur

If you are an entrepreneur or visionary, the Start-up Visa Program is an option if you plan to start a business and create jobs in Canada.

To be eligible for a start-up visa, you must have a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization, meet the language requirements and bring enough money to settle.

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Immigrate through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

If you are a skilled refugee, the EMPP helps you immigrate to Canada through existing programs. The program combines refugee resettlement and economic migration.

Before you apply for the EMPP, you need to apply through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program - the Provincial Nominee Program.

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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

The AAIP is the corresponding Provincial Nominee Program for newcomers interested in settling in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Alberta. Provincial Nominee Programs are designed to support and expedite eligible applications for immigration.

If you are interested in settling in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program nominates people for permanent residence in Alberta. Nominees must have the skills to fill job shortages or be planning to buy or start a business in the province. Explore the eight immigration streams to find which is the best fit for you.

Before arriving in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

After you receive approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) to immigrate to Canada and before arriving in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, there are Pre-Arrival Services to help you with next steps.

Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is a free Pre-Arrival service that will help identify your needs and build connections with your new community.  This free service is designed to help ease your transition to life in Canada.

Newcomers resources 

You can build the life you envision for yourself and your loved ones. There are many organizations that can support you in your move to call Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ home. We encourage you to connect with them before and after you arrive in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ since they can provide you specialized advice.

Arriving in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

From the moment you arrive in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, we want you to be set up for success in your new home. The Immigrant Arrival Centre is a booth between the international and domestic arrival terminals of the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ International Airport that offers services to support and connect newcomers.

It is operated in partnership with the airport authority and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Newcomers Collaborative.

After arriving in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

So, you’ve arrived in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ - welcome to your new home!

 

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Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ is the perfect place to live, work and play. But before you do, you may need support settling in. We have advice on how to find schools, find a doctor and get around town.

Settle in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­
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As you get settled, you will need to navigate services in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­. The CLIP Newcomer Guide provides an overview of services – children programs, education, employment, food security, health care, housing, language, law, LGBTQ2+, financial and senior services – available in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­.

Local tip:

Call or text if you are stuck, need social assistance or are confused about where to go. For any help which is non health related , 211 is Canada's primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services. The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages by phone, chat, text, and web.

Additional resources to call Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ home

Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has limitless career opportunities across sectors. From aerospace and life sciences, to agriculture, energy and technology, our economy is diversifying.

You feel ‘at home’ when you feel like you belong. With vibrant communities, niche arts and culture scenes, competitive sports, ample greenspace and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has something for everyone.

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Experience living in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Discover an affordable, vibrant and family-friendly lifestyle in one of the top 10 most livable cities in the world.