Moving to a new country where a different language is spoken can be very exciting and unsettling. For Ukrainians who have just arrived in Edmonton and do not speak English, communication can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. How do you call a doctor if you cannot explain your symptoms? How do you open a bank account? What do you do in an emergency? Where do you go for help? This article takes a detailed look at all the resources, services, and strategies available to non-English speakers in Edmonton, including free English classes, translation and interpretation services, support in various life situations, and practical tips for everyday life.
Free English courses for newcomers
Learning English is the most important first step toward successful integration into Canadian society. The good news is that Edmonton offers a wide range of free English language programs for adults, especially for permanent residents and refugees. These programs are funded by the federal and provincial governments of Canada, which means you can receive high-quality instruction without significant financial cost.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is the main free English language program for newcomers. LINC is specifically designed to help adult newcomers learn English and integrate into Canadian society. The program is available to permanent residents of Canada, refugees, caregivers living with their dependents, and persons in need of protection under section 95 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Benefits of LINC include instruction by qualified, experienced teachers; flexible locations (online or in classrooms at schools, colleges, or community organizations); flexible schedules (full- or part-time, during the day, evenings, or weekends), information on useful topics such as housing, banking, citizenship, and how to find a job, and in some locations, childcare during classes and transportation to classes.
Classes are based on the official national standards for measuring and recognizing the English and French language skills of adult immigrants—the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). When you complete a CLB level, you receive a certificate showing your language proficiency at that level. If you complete CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening, you can use this certificate as proof of meeting the language requirement for citizenship.
Before you start classes, you must first take an assessment to determine your current language skills. Visit an organization that helps newcomers in your area and let them know that you are interested in learning English. They can tell you where to take the assessment and tell you more about all the language training programs you can attend.
In Edmonton, several organizations offer LINC:
Language Assessment, Referral and Counselling Centre (LARCC) is the central place to start your English learning journey. To register for an assessment, you need to call LARCC at 780-424-3545 or send an email to [email protected]. LARCC is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The staff at the center speak many languages, so if you need help in a language other than English, don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
The Newcomer Centre is located at the Gupta Newcomer Resource Centre at 11713 82 ST NW, Edmonton. They offer both in-person and online classes for CLB levels 1–4. Their classes are divided into three time slots: 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. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday). Registration takes place directly at the center at the above address, where registrations are accepted on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., as well as on Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Solomon College offers the most flexible scheduling options of any LINC provider in Edmonton. They have two main locations. The first centre is located downtown at 10621–100 Avenue and offers a full-day program for CLB levels 1–4, with classes Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The second centre is located near the Mill Woods LRT station and offers a full-day program for CLB levels 5 and 6, also Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Solomon College also offers an evening program Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for CLB levels 4 and 5, as well as a Saturday program on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for all levels (CLB 3–6).
NorQuest College also provides a LINC program with numerous support services to help you learn basic English, understand life in Canada, and develop important skills. They recommend coming to an in-person help session, where they will walk you through the steps and help you apply. Register early, as space is limited.
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) offers LINC classes where newcomers can learn English. The service includes full- or part-time English classes during the day or in the evening, opportunities to practice English in a non-judgmental environment, information to help you adjust to life in Canada, and a certificate confirming your skills after completing each CLB level. Free childcare for children aged 6 months to 5 years is provided on site for some classes. For more information, call 780-945-2295 or visit their website at emcn.ab.ca.
In addition to formal LINC programs, the Edmonton Public Library offers free English conversation clubs, which are a great opportunity to practice speaking in an unstructured learning environment, which is often easier and more comfortable for people who are just beginning to learn the language. These classes are organized in partnership with the Project Adult Literacy Society (PALS). Classes are available for all language levels, from beginner to advanced. Registration is done upon arrival—you just need to show up when the class starts. Classes are limited to 20 participants, so it is recommended that you arrive a little early. For more information about class locations and times, you can contact the Project Adult Literacy Society at 780-424-5514.
Catholic Social Services also offers group conversation clubs in English through its Learning and Community Enrichment (LACE) program. Participants meet in groups with volunteers at various Edmonton Public Library locations throughout the city or online to improve their conversation skills and learn about library resources. You will have the chance to meet other newcomers who live in your area. Adult newcomers can start the program at any time. For more information, contact the Edmonton office at 8212 – 118 Avenue, T5B 0S3, or call 780-424-3545.
The Newcomer Centre also offers Community English for All (CEFA), a community-based English as a Second Language program for immigrants to Alberta whose first language is not English. The program provides a fun learning environment with activities and games, the opportunity to practice English in a caring, non-judgmental environment, improvement of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and speaking skills, information and access to community resources through field trips and guest speakers, the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, and individual support outside of class. The program is most suitable for beginners and intermediate English learners. EAL classes are held throughout the year at various locations in Edmonton. To register, you must complete an online language proficiency test and registration form. The Newcomer Centre aims to respond within two weeks to everyone who completes the test and form. For more information, call 780-945-2295 or email [email protected].
If you are not eligible for LINC but are still looking for affordable English programs, the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) offers English classes at a very low cost. EISA offers classes for adults at levels 2, 3, 4, and 5. Classes for 2025–2026 are held in person. The cost is $60 CAD for permanent residents or naturalized Canadian citizens and $100 CAD for students in other immigration categories. Classes are offered three times a year: fall (September–December), winter (January–March), and spring (April–June). Regardless of which schedule you choose, you will have six hours of classes per week. For more information, visit eisa-edmonton.org.
Especially for Ukrainians, Ukrainian Hub in Edmonton offers an 8-week in-person English language course. Start date: November 29, 2025. Schedule: every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to learn English in a Ukrainian-speaking environment where instructors understand your specific needs and challenges.
Translation and Interpretation Services
While you are learning English, you will need to communicate in a variety of situations—at the hospital, at government offices, at school, at work. Fortunately, Edmonton has numerous translation and interpretation services that can help.
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) provides translation and interpretation services free of charge to eligible clients. EISA provides certified translations of essential documents needed for immediate settlement, educational, and professional purposes, such as: diplomas or certificates/transcripts, birth/marriage/death/divorce certificates, and professional accreditation documents. EISA also provides interpretation in clients' native languages to assist with appointments at government and other organizations.
Interpreters are professionals who speak your language and English fluently, are present at your EISA service appointment in person or virtually, convey the meaning of words spoken by all parties at the appointment in another language to help all parties understand each other, and adhere to a Code of Ethics. EISA's interpreting services are free of charge.
To request an interpreter from EISA, call 780-474-8445 and make an appointment, and your call will be transferred accordingly, or send an email to [email protected].
For Ukrainians who need certified translation of documents from Ukrainian to English or vice versa, there are several specialized services:
Translation Agency of Alberta provides regular, certified, notarized, and ATIO translations in more than 50 languages, 365 days a year. Their offices in Calgary and Edmonton are open to visitors, or you can order online on their website. They provide certified Ukrainian ↔ English translation services in Calgary, Edmonton, and the rest of Alberta.
Igor Isaev is a certified Canadian translator and a member in good standing of all provincial translator associations in Canada. He is certified in the following language combinations: Ukrainian to English (ATIO, STIBC, ATIA, ATIS, ATIM, ATINS, CTINB, OTTIAQ). Igor provides translation services for documents required for immigration applications, as well as legal, academic, and corporate information. Clients from around the world can take advantage of his translation services by submitting requests online and making secure payments, ensuring fast delivery. He can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (416) 854-2420.
JR Language Translation Services provides professional translation and interpreting services from Ukrainian to English and English to Ukrainian in Edmonton and across Canada. Their team of qualified professional translators, all native Ukrainian speakers, brings a deep understanding of the language's complexities and cultural nuances to every project. They offer a wide range of services, including interpreting, website localization, legal translation, business translation, and document translation. To request services in Edmonton, call 647-952-2090 or send an email to [email protected].
Languages In Motion is a Canadian federal government-approved company that provides certified translation and interpreting services in Edmonton. They have qualified professionals available in over 200 languages. Their certified translators in Edmonton can assist with any scenario involving government or court applications. When you use Languages In Motion's translation service in Edmonton to translate your documents, you will be working with a company that guarantees that your document will be accepted without question. Call 1-888-556-5541.
Global Translation Services (GTS Translation) provides certified Ukrainian translation services in Alberta. They have reliable Ukrainian interpreters in Edmonton for accurate results.
The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) is a provincial association in Alberta, Canada, that provides certified translator status for specific language pairs. ATIA's mission is to elevate the professions of translation and interpretation in the province of Alberta by applying high standards of national certification, protecting clients, professionals, and the general public through the implementation of a Code of Ethics. For a limited time during certain periods of the year, ATIA will provide free translation and interpreting services to non-profit organizations throughout Alberta. You can find a certified interpreter through their website atia.ab.ca or by calling 1-888-434-2842 or 780-434-8384.
For a list of translation and interpretation services, you can also visit 211 Alberta, which provides a directory of translators and interpreters.
Medical Services and Language Support
When it comes to medical care, language barriers can be particularly stressful. Fortunately, Alberta Health Services (AHS) and many hospitals and clinics in Edmonton have access to interpreting services.
LanguageLine Solutions is an interpreting service used by AHS facilities and many primary care networks. It provides live, 24/7 medical interpretation over the phone for over 200 different languages. Ask your facility or primary care network for your dedicated LanguageLine phone number and access code. This service is free for patients—doctors and healthcare providers simply call the line, and an interpreter joins the conversation.
When you go to a doctor's appointment, always let the reception staff know that you need an interpreter. Many hospitals and clinics have procedures in place to request interpreters for patients who have limited English proficiency. Interpretation services are free for patients.
Some clinics in Edmonton also have multilingual staff. Parsons Park Walk-In Medical Clinic is proud to have a team of the best multilingual doctors and dedicated healthcare professionals. If you are looking for a clinic with Ukrainian-speaking staff or doctors who understand your culture, ask the Ukrainian community in Edmonton for recommendations.
Bloom Healthcare Solutions offers personalized, culturally sensitive home care with experienced caregivers and multilingual support. This can be helpful for seniors or people with disabilities who need assistance at home.
Alberta Health Services also has mental health and transition resources that include services for newcomers to Edmonton. If you have mental health needs, don't hesitate to seek help—interpreters are available to support you.
Emergency Assistance
In a real emergency, it is important to know how to get help, even if you do not speak English.
When you call 911, dispatchers have immediate access to live interpreters to assist in emergencies. 911 operators can request interpreters to assist with communication. Languages In Motion provides a network of over 7,000 interpreters and 911 interpreters, giving access to over 200 languages 24/7. This means that even if you don't speak English, you can get help in an emergency.
When you call 911 and do not speak English, say the name of your language (“Ukrainian” or “Українська”), and the dispatcher will connect an interpreter to the call. This may take a few minutes, so please be patient. The interpreter will help you explain your emergency and your location.
For non-emergencies, when you need information about city services, you can call 311 (non-emergency contact for information and services from the City of Edmonton). The interpreter service offers assistance in more than 180 languages. 311's phone hours are currently 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., six days a week (closed on Sundays and holidays). For life-threatening emergencies, fire, ambulance, or police, please call 911.
The Edmonton Police Service also has language support services. 911 operators have immediate access to live interpreters to assist in emergencies, and officers can request interpreters for coordination.
Settlement and Support Services for Newcomers
Edmonton has numerous organizations that provide settlement services specifically for newcomers, many of which have multilingual staff or access to interpreters.
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is a registered non-profit organization founded in 1976. EISA provides comprehensive support and assistance for your settlement journey at their office. They are ready to start the journey with you and help you along the way by assessing your needs and building an adaptation plan with you, providing you with information and orientation seminars on various topics such as education, employment, housing, health, social services, the legal system, financial literacy, and much more.
EISA also supports and assists new immigrants, adults and children, in dozens of public schools in Edmonton and more than 10 library branches. They provide services to landed immigrants (permanent residents) and refugees. Their services are free of charge.
The Library Settlement Program (LSP) is a partnership between the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA), the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), the St. Albert Public Library, the Strathcona County Library, and the Fort Saskatchewan Library. The program offers a wide range of services and learning opportunities. Its main goal is to promote the well-being of newcomers and their successful participation in all aspects of Canadian life.
Settlement workers in libraries can help with orientation (learning about life in Canada and the new community), information (teaching about resources for newcomers—individual and group information sessions), housing information, help with registering for language classes, career and employment information, education information, connections with established immigrants and Canadians, and supportive counselling.
Each library location has a Community Librarian who can help you find the answers you are looking for. EPL has many free services, resources, and materials available in 30 world languages to help you transition to and enjoy life in the city. In addition, the EPL has Ukrainian content for newcomers.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a school settlement services program designed to help newcomer students and families settle into their assigned elementary or secondary school in their community. Working with public schools, settlement providers, and community organizations, EISA's SWIS meets the settlement needs of newly arrived students and their families. They provide settlement services in a culturally competent manner, in languages specific to each family's needs.
Catholic Social Services provides settlement and employment services for immigrants. Programs include citizenship classes, computer classes, employment readiness, employment services, educational counseling, and youth services. Immigration documents are required to access services, as driver's licenses are not accepted.
ASSIST Community Services Centre provides settlement and referral services. Their adaptation team is here to help you with your adaptation and integration needs in Canada. Their services include information/orientation and referrals for adaptation and employment, interpretation and translation, assistance with filling out forms, orientation, information or referrals for settlement information, guidance and support with settlement challenges and issues, needs assessments to help immigrants identify their options, developing strategies for adapting to life in Canada, advocacy for immigrants through language and cultural barriers, information sessions and workshops on topics such as understanding the Canadian tax system, an overview of benefits for seniors in Canada, driving in Alberta, the school system, and permanent resident of Canada: what you need to know, etc.
You can find a complete list of organizations that serve immigrants in the Edmonton region on the ERIEC (Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council) website. These organizations can help you access support services, educational programs, interpretation services, employment programs, and more.
To find free services for newcomers near you, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website at ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp. You can search for settlement organizations across Canada (except Quebec) and access services for newcomers that can help you adjust to life in Canada. You are eligible for these services if you are a permanent resident (PR), including a resettled refugee, a successful permanent residence applicant (approved in principle), or a person in protection who has received a positive decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
Banking and financial services
Opening a bank account is one of the first steps after arriving in Canada. Many large banks in Edmonton have multilingual services or can arrange interpreters for you.
When you go to the bank, take a friend or family member who speaks English with you, if possible. If you don't have anyone who can help, call the bank in advance and ask if they can arrange an interpreter for your visit. Many banks have telephone lines with interpreters for customers who do not speak English.
You can also bring written questions in English (use Google Translate or ask someone to help you translate) and show them to the bank employee. Many bank employees are used to working with newcomers and will be patient and helpful.
Some settlement organizations, such as EISA or Catholic Social Services, can accompany you to the bank with an interpreter or can help you understand the banking system through workshops and information sessions.
Government services
When it comes to accessing government services—such as filing taxes, applying for an Alberta Health Card, registering children for school, or obtaining a driver's license—the language barrier can seem insurmountable. But help is available.
Alberta Supports is the central contact point for accessing various provincial programs and services. You can call 1-877-644-9992 for information and referrals. They can connect you with interpretation services or refer you to organizations that can help you in your native language.
Many government forms and documents are available online, giving you time to use Google Translate or ask someone to help you understand them before submitting. Settlement organizations can also provide assistance with filling out forms.
The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) accepts certified translations from an objective and reliable source. If you need to find a translator for your educational documents, you can contact one of the following organizations: Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA), Edmonton Immigration Services Association, or Immigrant Services Calgary.
The Translation Bureau is a federal agency within the Public Services and Procurement Canada portfolio. It supports the Government of Canada in its efforts to serve and communicate with you in both official languages, indigenous languages, foreign languages, and sign languages. The Translation Bureau's services are also available to private companies that have a contract with a federal department or agency.
Practical tips for everyday life
Living in a new country without knowing the language can be challenging, but there are many practical strategies that can help you cope with everyday situations.
Use technology. Download Google Translate to your phone—it has a camera feature that can translate written text in real time and a voice feature that can translate spoken language. While the translation isn't always perfect, it can help you understand basic information and communicate in simple situations.
Learn basic phrases. Even if you can't speak fluently, learning a few basic phrases in English can make your life much easier:
- “I don't speak English”
- “Do you speak Ukrainian/Russian?”
- “Can you help me?”
- “I need a translator”
- “Where is...?”
- “How much?”
- “Thank you”
Find a Ukrainian community. Edmonton has a large Ukrainian community with many churches, cultural centers, and organizations. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council, and other organizations can connect you with Ukrainian-speaking people who can help you navigate life in Edmonton. St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church even offers Ukrainian language courses for adults, which can be a place to meet other Ukrainians.
Carry a business card or piece of paper with your address, phone number, and other important information in English. In an emergency, you can show this to someone who can help.
Look for visual cues. In supermarkets, shops, and restaurants, rely on photos, symbols, and visual cues to understand what is available. Most supermarkets are organized logically, and you will quickly learn where things are located.
Be patient with yourself. Remember that adapting to a new country and learning a new language takes time. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't get discouraged when misunderstandings arise. Most Canadians are patient and willing to help newcomers.
Join volunteer programs. Many organizations, such as Catholic Social Services, EISA, and the Newcomer Centre, have volunteer programs where you can meet Canadians or established immigrants who can help you practice English and navigate life in Edmonton. These programs can also help you build social connections and feel less isolated.
Use library resources. The Edmonton Public Library has not only books, but also free internet access, programs for newcomers, materials in many languages, including Ukrainian, and settlement workers who can help you. The library is a great place to learn English, meet other newcomers, and access free resources.
Education for children
If you have children, registering them for school is a priority. Edmonton Public Schools and Edmonton Catholic Schools have English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs for students who do not speak English. Schools also have Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) who can help you with registration, orientation, and communication with the school in your native language.
SWIS assesses the needs of immigrant students and families, their assets and barriers to successful integration, assists with school registration and provides orientation to the school, provide information and guidance about the education system to students and parents, facilitate communication between parents and school staff, provide practical, culturally sensitive guidance, referrals, and interventions, increase understanding of the rights and responsibilities of students and their families, refer students and their families to available programs and services in their community, increases parental involvement in their children's education and increases family involvement in the community, promotes respect for cultural diversity by providing orientation to newcomers on the challenges of adaptation, and facilitates access to community resources and government services.
Children typically learn English much faster than adults, and school provides them with a structured environment for practice and learning. Don't worry—schools are used to working with newcomer families and have the support to help your children adapt successfully.
Conclusion
Living in Edmonton without knowing English is certainly a challenge, but it is not impossible. The city has an extraordinary support network for newcomers — free English courses through LINC and other programs, free translation and interpretation services through organizations such as EISA, language support in medical facilities and emergency services, specialized adaptation workers in libraries and schools, and a vibrant Ukrainian community that can provide support and connections.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. Canadians are generally very patient and willing to help newcomers. Settlement organizations exist specifically to support you during this transition period, and their services are free for permanent residents and refugees.
Start by registering for free LINC classes—call LARCC at 780-424-3545 to schedule your language assessment. Contact EISA at 780-474-8445 or visit your local library, where settlement workers can connect you with services. Join the Ukrainian community and find support among people who understand your experience.
With time, patience, and the support available in Edmonton, you can learn English, adapt to Canadian life, and thrive in your new home. Language is a skill that can be learned, and each day of practice brings you closer to communicating confidently and participating fully in your new community.