Moving to a new country, especially one like Canada, often comes with numerous challenges that can seem insurmountable without the right support and information. Fortunately, the city of Edmonton has developed a comprehensive system of services and programs specifically designed to help new immigrants, refugees, and families adapt to life in Canada. These services cover virtually every aspect of settlement and integration—from English language training to job search, from childcare to cultural orientation and social integration. Understanding what resources are available and how to use them is critical to successfully starting your new life in Edmonton.
Key organizations providing services to newcomers
There are several key organizations in Edmonton that specialize in helping newcomers. The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is one of the oldest and most respected organizations in this field, founded in 1976. EISA provides comprehensive settlement and integration services for permanent residents, refugees, and protected persons. The organization has branches in various parts of the city, including its main office in the North Rim Square area, and works in partnership with local schools and libraries to deliver services directly to the communities where newcomers live.
The Edmonton Newcomer Centre is another powerful organization that has been working with newcomers for over 40 years. Unlike EISA, the Newcomer Centre does not provide immigration services, but instead focuses on helping people after they arrive in Canada. The organization offers language training programs, job search assistance, cultural orientation, and specialized programs for women newcomers. The centre is located in the city centre and serves as a hub for many other services.
The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers is also an important player in the newcomer support ecosystem. This organization offers language classes through the federal LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program, as well as a variety of settlement services, including orientation and information about Canadian society.
In addition, there are organizations that specialize in specific types of support. The Citadel Multicultural Centre provides services for newcomers from various cultures, including the distribution of essential items, food kits, and clothing, as well as weekly information sessions. ASSIST Community Services Centre offers settlement and counseling services available in several languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, and others.
Language classes and English language training
One of the most critical needs for new immigrants is learning English, as language proficiency significantly impacts the ability to find work, integrate into the community, and even understand important information about services and rights. Edmonton offers several options for learning English, many of which are completely free for individuals who have permanent resident or refugee status.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a federal program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and offered by various organizations throughout Edmonton. LINC classes cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking English at the basic and intermediate levels, as well as teaching about everyday life in Canada and job skills. Classes can be found in several locations, including the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers at 11713 82 Street NW, which offers morning classes from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., afternoon classes from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and evening classes from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition, Metro Continuing Education and the Newcomer Centre also offer free LINC classes with experienced instructors.
There are specialized programs for people with specific needs. Community English for All (CEFA) is a program that offers English classes at several locations in Edmonton for new immigrants who are beginners or intermediate students. For older adults, the Newcomer Centre offers English for Seniors, a program designed specifically for adults aged 55 and older, with a more flexible schedule and a focus on the needs of this population.
It is important to note that when you enroll in LINC programs, you will need to take an English language proficiency test administered by the Catholic Social Services Language Assessment, Referral, and Counseling Center (CSS LARCC). This test helps determine your level of communicative proficiency (CLB) so that you can be placed in the appropriate class.
An important bonus for parents studying in LINC programs: the Community-Based Care for Newcomer Children (CBCNC) program offers free childcare services in licensed daycare centers or day homes for children under the age of 5 while their parents attend classes. This removes one of the biggest barriers for parents who want to improve their English.
Settlement and Orientation Services
Even if you speak English well, getting used to the Canadian system, laws, work, and social norms takes time and information. This is where settlement and orientation services, offered by several organizations, come in.
EISA Settlement and Integration Services is the most comprehensive service of its kind. EISA settlement workers conduct an initial assessment of your needs and work with you to develop a personalized settlement plan that addresses all aspects of your adjustment: housing, employment, education, health, the legal system, financial literacy, and social integration. EISA offers these services at three convenient locations: its main office (client service center), school assignments, and Edmonton Public Library branches. All services are free for permanent residents and refugees.
The Library Settlement Program (LSP) is a partnership between EISA and the Edmonton Public Library that offers settlement services directly in libraries. Program staff will help you with orientation to Canadian life, information about resources for newcomers, housing, registration for language classes, career and education information, connections with established immigrants and Canadians, and supportive counselling. The advantage of this service is that it is located at your local library, which is often in close proximity to your home, making access easier, especially during the harsh winter months.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a program that offers settlement services directly in schools. If you have children who have just moved to Canada, SWIS will help them register for school, orient them to the learning environment, and teach them and their parents about the Canadian education system and their rights and responsibilities as students. SWIS mediators will also coordinate communication between parents and the school, helping to bridge the gap between cultures and education systems.
For new students entering high school, there is the Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program, a three-day orientation program held in early August, one week before the official start of the school year. During the NOW program, new students are introduced to their new school by peer leaders (peers who were themselves newcomers) who help them adapt and familiarize themselves with the school culture and procedures.
City of Edmonton 311 Services is also an important resource for newcomers. When you call 311 (you can also call 780-442-5311 from outside the city), you can get information about Edmonton city services and programs for newcomers. The service provides translation in more than 180 languages, so language barriers should not be an obstacle.
Job search assistance and professional integration
Finding a job is often the first priority for newcomers, as it provides not only income but also a sense of purpose and opportunities for social integration. However, finding a job in a new country with different hiring norms, resume systems, and cultural expectations in the workplace can be challenging without the right support.
The Newcomer Centre Job Ready Program provides comprehensive job search assistance. The program offers a series of career consultations that help you understand your strengths, assess your skills, develop realistic career plans, and identify employment opportunities. In addition, the program offers assistance with writing resumes and cover letters tailored to the Canadian job market, training in interview techniques, understanding hiring practices in Alberta, and your rights and responsibilities in the workplace. The program also organizes job fairs and information sessions where newcomers can meet employers and learn about employment opportunities. The Job Ready Program is free for permanent residents, convention refugees, live-in caregivers, and protected persons.
The Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) is another organization focused on helping newcomers integrate into the labor market. ERIEC provides resources and guidance on career development, job search skills, understanding the labor market, and information on educational opportunities.
For people with higher education who need to have their internationally obtained qualifications recognized, there is the Immigrant Access Fund, an organization that provides micro-loans to immigrants who are trying to have their qualifications recognized and further their careers in Canada.
Bredin is an organization that provides 1-Step Employment services for newcomers, including one-on-one job search assistance, job search skills workshops, connections to employers, and participation in career fairs, all at no cost.
In addition, Cultural Advantage, a social enterprise of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, works with employers in Alberta to help them create more welcoming work environments for newcomers by increasing the intercultural competence of managers and employees. This partnership helps both newcomers and employers understand each other better.
Housing Assistance and Material Support
Finding suitable housing is one of the first needs of newcomers, but it can also be one of the most difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Canadian rental market, your rights as a tenant, or how to navigate the rental process. In addition, many newcomers arrive with limited resources and need assistance with material needs in the beginning.
EISA Settlement Services include orientation and information about housing, including understanding your rights as a tenant, how to find housing, understanding leases and the rental process in Edmonton, and information about available housing assistance programs. Settlement workers will help you determine a reasonable rent based on your income, advise you on safe neighbourhoods that may be of interest to you, and refer you to organizations that provide housing assistance for low-income individuals.
The Citadel Multicultural Centre provides material assistance to newcomers, including kits of essential items, food, household items, and clothing, depending on available resources. If you are a newcomer facing material hardship, the centre recommends that you complete a newcomer assessment form to access these resources.
The City of Edmonton Recreation Access Program provides low-income Edmontonians with free access to all city health and recreation facilities, including pools, gyms, classes, and cultural events. This is an important benefit for families with limited resources.
Services for Children and Families
If you have children, moving to a new country can be especially challenging, as you not only have to adapt yourself, but also help your children adjust to a new educational system, social environment, and culture. Edmonton offers several services specifically designed to support the children of newcomers and their families.
Children and Youth Settlement Services (CYSS) from EISA provides support to newly arrived schoolchildren and their families. After School Program Tutors and Mentors at CYSS help children with their education, socialization, and emotional adjustment to their new environment. These services consider the child's needs holistically, taking into account not only academic requirements but also cultural adaptation challenges.
Community-Based Care for Newcomer Children (CBCNC) is another important service for parents with young children. The program offers free childcare services in licensed daycares and day homes for children under the age of 5 while their parents are studying or engaged in other activities. This allows parents to focus on their adaptation and career development without worrying about childcare.
The Intercultural Child & Family Centre at NorQuest College offers high-quality, culturally sensitive childcare for children aged 12 months to 6 years. The centre is designed with the needs of immigrant and refugee families in mind, offering a culturally appropriate program that celebrates diversity and promotes intercultural understanding.
Health and Navigating the Health Care System
Understanding the Canadian health care system can be challenging for newcomers, especially if they come from countries where the health care system operates on different principles. While EISA services include information about health and the health care system, it is important to know that you have access to it as a permanent resident.
When you arrive in Alberta as a permanent resident, you are eligible for Alberta Health Services coverage after a three-month waiting period (with some exceptions for refugees). During this waiting period, you will need to purchase private health insurance or explore other options. EISA staff can help you understand these options and navigate the health care system.
Cultural Orientation and Social Integration
Beyond the material aspects of adjustment, social integration and understanding Canadian culture, norms, and expectations are critical to long-term successful settlement in a new country. Several organizations specialize in cultural orientation and facilitating social integration.
EISA Supporting Newcomer Integration (SNI), a program launched in 2018, focuses on promoting the social and economic integration of refugee claimants and naturalized Canadian citizens. SNI organizes educational and recreational excursions, social and cross-cultural events, including seasonal celebrations, information sessions, and allows newcomers to meet and interact with community members in a safe and enjoyable environment. The program also provides document translation services to support applications for access to programs and services.
The Edmonton Newcomer Centre also offers cultural orientation programs that teach newcomers about Canadian customs, norms, laws, and the education system. These seminars and information sessions help newcomers understand cultural nuances that may be very different from their country of origin.
The Citadel Multicultural Centre Newcomers Initiative hosts weekly information sessions on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., where newcomers can learn about resources available in Edmonton and meet others in similar situations. The centre also connects newcomers to a network of more than 50 culturally diverse communities ready to help in various ways, promoting inclusion and reducing isolation.
The Edmonton Public Library also plays an important role in cultural orientation.
The EPL has services in 30 world languages, including Ukrainian materials for newcomers, and offers programs and events focused on cultural integration and education.
Specialized Services for Women and Other Groups
Some organizations offer specialized services for specific groups of newcomers who may have unique needs. The Newcomer Centre offers Programs for Women, which are designed specifically to meet the needs of women newcomers, who often face unique challenges in integrating, including balancing work and family, accessing health care services, and understanding their rights as women in Canada.
In addition, many organizations provide services in multiple languages, which helps language minorities better access services. ASSIST, for example, provides services in Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, Hindi, Urdu, and other languages, ensuring equitable access for all newcomers, regardless of their linguistic background.
Volunteer Opportunities and Social Networks
Volunteering can be a great way for newcomers to meet people, build social networks, gain work experience in Canada, and feel part of the community. Many organizations, including EISA, the Newcomer Centre, and other community groups, are actively looking for volunteers.
Edmonton Welcome Place Associations provide volunteer opportunities for newcomers who want to participate in communities and help other newcomers. Through volunteering, you can participate in community events, help other newcomers adapt, and develop friendships and networks in the process.
Financial assistance and microloans
For certain newcomers, especially internationally educated immigrants who need to invest in the recognition of their qualifications or further education, financial assistance can be critical. The Immigrant Access Fund provides microloans to immigrants who are trying to achieve their educational and professional goals in Canada but do not have access to traditional financing through banks.
Final Thoughts
Successfully adapting to life in a new country is a multidimensional process that requires support in language learning, job search, understanding systems and culture, developing social networks, and psychosocial support. Fortunately, Edmonton has developed a comprehensive system of services and programs designed specifically for this purpose. From free language classes to orientation to Canadian society, from job search assistance to financial support, resources are available to those who know where to look.
The key to success is early engagement with these services. The best thing you can do as a newcomer is to call the Edmonton Public Library or EISA and ask about settlement services in your area. Both organizations have branches in different parts of the city, and the staff speak dozens of languages, making communication easier. If you're not sure which organization to start with, simply call 311, the municipal information line for newcomers, where you will be provided with basic information and directed to the appropriate resources.
Remember that adaptation takes time, patience, and persistence. However, with the support of these well-organized services and organizations, your transition to life in Edmonton can be much smoother and less stressful. Thousands of newcomers have successfully integrated into Edmonton before you, and you can do it too. Welcome to Edmonton!