Week one: paperwork
Register for Alberta Health Care Insurance as soon as you arrive, then visit a registry agent to exchange your driver’s licence and register your vehicle. A library card is free and opens up a surprising number of City programs.
Finding your way
Calgary is laid out in four quadrants — NW, NE, SW and SE — with Centre Street and the Bow dividing them. Addresses tell you exactly which quadrant you’re heading to, so always check the two letters at the end.
Help is free
Settlement agencies offer free help with jobs, language classes and paperwork. If you are not sure where to start, 211 Alberta can point you to the right service.
Official sources
- AHCIP — moving to AlbertaRegister for Alberta Health Care Insurance when you arrive from another province.alberta.ca
- Alberta registry agentsDriver’s licences, vehicle registration and ID cards.alberta.ca
- Calgary Public LibraryFree library cards, branches and programs for every age.calgarylibrary.ca
- Centre for Newcomers — settlementSettlement help, language and employment support for newcomers.centrefornewcomers.ca
- CCIS — settlement servicesCalgary Catholic Immigration Society settlement and integration services.ccisab.ca
- CBE — new studentsHow to register a new student with the public board.cbe.ab.ca
- 211 AlbertaOne directory of community, government and social services.ab.211.ca