Support for Ukrainian evacuees

• You can access temporary accommodations for up to 14 days while you find permanent accommodations if you have no other place to stay when arriving to Alberta and federally funded hotel rooms are unavailable. These 14 days do not need to be used consecutively.
• You may also receive transportation from the airport to the hotel.
• Immigrant serving organizations will provide information and support services when you arrive.

Find emergency accommodation

• Edmonton or Red Deer – Catholic Social Services
  • Phone: 780-293-5907 (Edmonton)
  • Phone: 403-396-3025 (Red Deer)
  • Website: https://www.cssalberta.ca
• Calgary – Centre for Newcomers
  • Phone: 587-832-5133
  • Email: emergencyaccommodation@centrefornewcomers
  • Website: https://www.centrefornewcomers.ca
• Lethbridge – Lethbridge Family Services
  • Phone: 403-320-1589
  • Website: https://www.lfsfamily.ca
• Medicine Hat – Saamis Immigration Services Association
  • Phone: 403-504-1188 ext. 101
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: https://www.saamisimmigration.ca

• If you are a Ukrainian in need of housing, visit Ukrainians in Alberta or email [email protected].
• Alberta Association of Immigrant-Serving Agencies (AAISA) and Catholic Social Services offer housing options.
• Ukrainian evacuees can apply for the same social housing and rent supplement programs as other Albertans. Go to Rent assistance and Affordable housing programs to learn how to apply.

There are many resources available to help understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter in Alberta:

• Residential tenancies provides information for landlords and tenants, and rent and rental properties.
• Information for landlords and tenants can help you find information related to specific topics about living in or operating a residential rental property.
• Starting a tenancy has information related to rental security deposits, sometimes called a damage deposit in Alberta.
• Learn what information a landlord can and cannot ask for of new tenants.
• In Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act applies to most people who rent the place where they live. This law sets out the rights and responsibilities that apply to tenants.
  • Read: Tip sheet for tenants covering all aspects of the Residential Tenancies Act
  • If you encounter a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act when trying to find a rental property, the Consumer Investigations Unit of Service Alberta is responsible for Alberta’s consumer protection and tenancy laws.
    • Consumer Tips Filing a Complaint explains how to file a consumer complaint with Service Alberta and when an investigation may be opened, as well as other options available to consumers.

One-time emergency benefits may be available to those with limited income and assets who are facing an emergency.

Benefits cover costs for:

• Replacement clothing
• Emergency food
• Accommodation
• Repairs to major appliances
• Repairs to home
• Damage deposit
• Eviction due to outstanding rental arrears
• Utility arrears, connection, deposit, reconnection
• Escaping abuse (while in Alberta)
• Other emergency goods and services

For more information:

1. Call Alberta Supports – Help is available in Ukrainian as well as more than 100 languages
   • Call between 7:30 am to 8 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
   • Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)
   • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports.
   • TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports
2. Call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre
   • Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
   • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 – ask to speak to Alberta Supports

Ukrainian evacuees with limited assets and resources may be eligible for one-time emergency benefits or monthly benefits through the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program.

Learn more

The Government of Canada provides information about different types of benefits which you may be eligible for.

• Learn about benefits, credits, and taxes for newcomers, as well as what you need to know about income taxes and benefit payments for the first year you are a resident of Canada.
• The Benefits Finder can help you find benefits and services that you may be eligible to receive.
• Learn about tax credits and benefits for individuals including the Canada child benefit, GST/HST credit, Canada dental benefit, and more.

Opening a bank account

Most Albertans keep their money in a bank, a credit union or ATB Financial. You must pay a service charge for most banking services. Financial institutions offer services such as:

• chequing, savings and other types of accounts
• utility, telephone and credit card bill payment services by phone, online or at an automated teller machine (ATM)
• safety deposit boxes
• debit cards and credit cards
• loans
• money exchange, money orders and traveller’s cheques

When you open an account, you will need to provide:

• photo identification (ID)
• a second piece of ID
• your social insurance number for income tax purposes

You do not need to have a job or deposit a certain amount of money into your account.

Visit Opening a bank account to learn more about opening a bank account, or visit a financial institution near you.

If you need emergency prescription drug coverage or emergency dental and optical services:

1. Call Alberta Supports – Help is available in more than 100 languages
   • Call between 7:30 am to 8 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
   • Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)
   • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (in Alberta) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports
   • TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports
2. Call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre
   • Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
   • TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 – ask to speak to Alberta Supports

Health insurance in Alberta

• You will need to apply for health insurance coverage and be issued an Alberta personal health card.
• You can present your Alberta personal health card to receive insured health services without charge from physicians, practitioners, labs, imaging centres and hospitals.

How to apply for health insurance coverage and get an Alberta personal health card

1. Complete the application form.
2. Take photocopies of your identification and immigration documents.
3. Mail your completed application form and document photocopies to the following address or take them to a health registry office.
   • Alberta Health
     PO Box 1360, Station Main
     Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N3

After you apply

• A personal health card will be mailed to you with a welcome package that includes the application for the Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) card.
• Processing time for applications may be from 3 to 8 weeks. Mail delivery time is not included in the processing time.
• If you have questions, you can email [email protected].

How to use your Alberta personal health card

• Show your personal health card and photo identification whenever you need to get health services.
• When you receive your Alberta personal health card, remember to carry it with you. Your card may be laminated.
• Medicals for the immigration process or other third parties are not covered with your personal health card, with the exception of the chest x-ray.
• Your Alberta personal health card can only be used for health services in the province of Alberta. If you plan to travel outside Alberta, we recommend getting private health insurance.

You can apply to get additional health benefits through the Alberta Health Benefit (Ukrainian Evacuee) program after you receive your Alberta personal health card. This program provides coverage for:

• prescription drugs - (see eligible prescription drugs)
  • This list also includes over-the-counter products, such as prenatal vitamins for expectant mothers and children’s vitamins.
• essential over-the-counter medications
• eye exams and glasses
• dental care
• essential diabetic supplies
• emergency ambulance services

How to apply

1. Once your application for health insurance coverage is approved, you will receive an Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) application form in the mail along with your Alberta personal health card.
   • If you already received an Alberta personal health card but did not receive an Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) application form, you can request one by emailing [email protected].
2. Complete this form and mail it using the pre-addressed envelope provided or fax it to the number below. Alberta registries cannot accept this form.

Mail:
Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services
Health Benefits Contact Centre
P.O. Box 2222 Station Main
Edmonton, AB  T5J 5H3

Fax to:
780-415-8386 in Edmonton
1-855-415-8386 toll free outside Edmonton

After you apply

• An Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) card will be mailed to you once the application form has been processed. It may take more than 2 to 4 weeks for processing.
• If you require emergency prescription drug coverage and/or emergency dental and optical services while your Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) application is being processed, call Alberta Supports or the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre as listed above in the Emergency prescription drug coverage and emergency dental and optical services section.

How to use the Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) card

• Show your Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) card to the healthcare provider you are seeing when you require a health benefit (for example, a pharmacist, optometrist, optician, dentist, denturist, or dental hygienist).
• The healthcare provider will use this card to confirm which health benefits you have coverage for.
• When using your card, you will not have any out-of-pocket costs for benefits covered under this program.
• Remember to carry both your Alberta personal health card and the Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) card whenever you need health services.
• Your Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) card can only be used for health services in the province of Alberta.
• Ask your healthcare provider if they can direct bill the health benefit card for covered services. If they can't, you may need to find a different provider. If you pay for covered services yourself, you will not be reimbursed.

How to get health information and advice

• Call Health Link at 811. Translation services are available. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to get mental health or addiction information and advice

• Call 1-877-303-2642. Translation services are available. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Addiction and Mental Health Support and Resources
• Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line

How to find a doctor

• Ask your host family or search online: albertafindadoctor.ca.

How to find a hospital

• Call Health Link at 811 or visit: Hospitals and facilities.

How to get emergency health care

• Call 911

More information

• The AHS Support for Ukraine website also provides information about health services and resources for Ukrainian evacuees in Alberta. Information can be found in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
• Learn more about accessing health care in Alberta.

• You will need a 9-digit number known as a Social Insurance Number (SIN) ​to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits.
• You can apply for a Social Insurance Number online or in-person at a Service Canada location.
• If you want to apply in-person, we recommend booking an appointment before visiting by using the eServiceCanada request form.

Learn more about working in Alberta.

There are a number of organizations and resources that can help you find work and build your career in Alberta:

• Alberta Supports Centres provide employment programs and services across Alberta, including job fairs, workshops, information sessions, and labour market information.
• alis provides career, learning and employment information for Albertans.
• Immigrant-serving agencies offer services to newcomers, including help with finding a job.
• The Government of Canada’s Job Bank has a list of current job opportunities in Alberta.
• Use the Government of Canada Job Match to help find jobs that match your skills and experience faster.

• Educational and professional qualifications and standards differ from country to country. You may need to have your international credentials assessed to see how they compare with Alberta's standards.
• Your educational credentials are certificates that show that you have completed high school or post-secondary education. The International Qualifications Assessment Service will assess your international academic credentials and provide an assessment that indicates how your credentials compare to standards in Alberta.
• An International Qualifications Assessment Service assessment can be used to support your:
  • application for employment
  • admission to select post-secondary institutions
  • licensure with select Professional Regulatory Organizations
• The International Qualifications Assessment Service is an agency designated by the Government of Canada and also completes Educational Credential Assessments for immigration purposes.

For more information, visit International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Many trades and occupations in Alberta are regulated, which means you need to be licensed by a provincial Professional Regulatory Organization to work in that occupation.

Other common terms that mean the same thing as regulated are “certified” and “registered.” Regulated occupations and trades require recognition by professional regulatory bodies to ensure workers meet standards of practice.

• Learn more about regulated occupations in Alberta.
• Learn more about designated trades in Alberta.

• Alberta has expanded the eligibility for apprenticeship education programs to allow Ukrainian temporary residents to participate.
• Learn more about apprentice eligibility at Tradesecrets: Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

• Information to help workers stay healthy and safe while working is available in Ukrainian.

Call Child Care Connect toll free at 1-844-644-5165 to:

• learn about child care options in your area
• get help finding the licensed child care program in your community that works best for your family

You can apply for funding to cover part of the cost for licensed child care through the Child Care Subsidy Program.

Eligibility

Eligible child care programs include: daycare, preschool, out-of-school care, or a day home provider through a licensed family day home agency.

To be eligible:

• you must be a Ukraine National
• you must have immigration documents issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stating you are in Canada due to fleeing the war in Ukraine
• your children must attend a licensed child care program in Alberta
• your children must be 12 years of age or younger and not yet attending Grade 7
• you must be accessing child care because you (and your partner) are working, attending school, or looking for work; or because you or your child has a special need, or have an exceptional circumstance

How it works

• Ukrainian evacuees can apply up until January 31, 2024, to receive subsidy for 12 months. 
• Income testing is not required for Ukrainian evacuees to receive the Child Care Subsidy for up to one year.
• After 12 months, if parents wish to continue receiving subsidy, they must re-apply to the Child Care Subsidy program. Those reapplying will be assessed based on the family’s total gross income and other subsidy eligibility factors.
• Ukrainian evacuees can access and submit applications on this page until January 31, 2024.
• Parents will receive the maximum subsidy amount for each child.
  • The subsidy amount will be different for each family and will depend on the child's age and the type of care requested.
  • Use the estimator tool and enter $0 for income to estimate the amount of subsidy you are eligible to receive.

How to apply

To apply, download and complete the application form and submit it by email or fax:

• Email: [email protected]
• Fax: 780-422-5692

If you have questions, contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.

Alberta has one education system that includes public, separate, private, Francophone, and charter schools. Parents have the right to choose the kind of education they feel will be best for their children.

How to register in a school

1. Contact your local school board(s) and they will help you find your children’s school(s)
2. Follow the school board’s directions and contact the school to complete the student registration form.
   • Most schools are closed in July and will open in late August. Check the school’s website for opening day information.
   • If students wish to enroll in a summer school class, check the school division’s website for registration information.
3. The school may request the following documentation:
   • Immigration documents issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that a person receives before or when entering Canada, such as temporary resident documents, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Refugee/Refugee Claimant documents. These documents should be provided for both parent(s) and child, if possible.
   • Student birth certificates or other documentation that shows the parent/child connection if the IRCC documents do not name family members.
   • If you cannot immediately produce these documents, the school can still register your children. Provide the documents when they become available.

Learn more about choosing a school in Alberta:

• Освіта в Альберті
• Choosing a School in Alberta (PDF, 316 KB)

• View a list of Alberta schools with Ukrainian language programs (PDF, 437 KB).

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
Website: https://www.ccisab.ca
Phone: 403-262-2006

Catholic Social Services
Website: https://www.cssalberta.ca
Phone: 780-432-1137 (Edmonton)
Phone: 403-346-8818 (Red Deer)

Centre d'accueil pour nouveaux arrivants francophones – Settlement Services for Francophone Newcomers in Calgary and Edmonton and Rural Small Centres in South, Central and North Alberta
Website: https://www.canaf.ca
Phone: 403-532-6334 (Calgary)
Phone: 780-760-5300 (Edmonton and Grand Prairie)

Centre for Newcomers (CFN)
Website: https://www.centrefornewcomers.ca 
Phone: 403-569-3325 
Email: info@centrefornewcomers

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association
Website: https://www.eisa-edmonton.org 
Phone: 780-474-8445

Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle-FRAP-Society – Settlement and Integration Services in Edmonton region, Fort McMurray and Red Deer
Website: https://www.frap.ca 
Phone: 780-540-8682 (Edmonton main)
Phone: 587-520-0561 (Edmonton north)
Phone: 780-750-8153 (Fort McMurray)

Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers
Website: https://www.gpcn.ca
Phone: 780-538-4452

Kneehill Adult Learning Society – Kneehill Adult Learning & Settlement and Integration Services
Website: https://www.kals3hills.ca 
Phone: 403-443-5556

Taber & District Community Adult Learning Association – Taber Newcomer Support Services
Website: http://taberadultlearning.com 
Phone: 403-223-1169

YMCA of Northern Alberta
Website: Community Support Program for Foreign Workers 
Email: [email protected]

The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is an organization which represents agencies that provide resettlement, settlement and integration services to newcomers across Alberta.

• Website: https://www.aaisa.ca
• Email: [email protected]

Email [email protected] if you have general questions about settlement and language supports or visit Ukrainians in Alberta.

• The Government of Canada has made settlement services available to all Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents who arrive in Canada by March 31, 2024. These services will be available to those individuals until March 31, 2025. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information.

How to get an Alberta identification card

• Go to any Alberta registry agent.
• You must be at least 12 years old to get an Alberta identification card.
• A person under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian when applying for an identification card for the first time. A guardian is someone who is responsible for the care and well-being of the person who is under the age of 18.
• The cost of an identification card is $6 for a 1-year term. The registry agent may also charge a service charge of up to $8.
• You may be eligible for up to a 5-year term. The cost of an identification card for a 5-year term is $40. The registry agent may also charge a service charge of up to $9.

Learn more about getting an Alberta identification card.

How to get an Alberta driver's licence if you have a Ukrainian driver's licence

You can exchange your Ukrainian driver's licence for an Alberta licence under the one-year exchange program.

1. Go to any Alberta registry agent.
2. Surrender your physical Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s licence, along with any non-English documents translated into English.
   • Your Ukrainian driver’s licence will be authenticated.
   • You will get a paper driver’s licence which will allow you to drive while you await your driver’s card in the mail.
   • You don't need to take knowledge or road tests when exchanging Class B or BE licences.

If your Ukrainian driver’s licence shows you have been driving for 2 years or more, you will get an Alberta Class 5 licence, which allows you to drive most cars, trucks or vans by yourself.

If your Ukrainian driver’s licence shows you have been driving for less than 2 years, you will be placed in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program. ​

• A GDL licence allows you to drive most cars, trucks or vans by yourself with some restrictions.
• Learn how to upgrade a GDL Class 5 licence to a full Class 5 licence.

How to get an Alberta driver's licence if you have never had a driver’s licence

• Learn how to get a driver’s licence if you have never held a driver’s licence anywhere else before.

Cost

• The cost of a driver’s licence, for a 1-year term, is $16. The registry agent may also charge a service charge of up to $10.
• You may be eligible for up to a 5-year term. The cost of a 5-year term driver’s licence is $80. The registry agent may also charge a service charge of up to $13.

Proof of identity

When applying for an Alberta identification card or driver’s licence, you must provide identification documents that contain your photo, name, and date of birth. You also must prove that you are legally entitled to be in Canada and that you live in Alberta.

Documents that contain a photo and prove your identity include:

• non-Canadian passport
• a driver’s licence or ID card issued by an official government
• permanent residence card issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Examples of documents that are accepted for proof that you are legally entitled to be in Canada (these documents may also contain a photo and can be used to prove your identity):

• Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) issued by IRCC
• work permit issued by IRCC
• study permit issued by IRCC
• confirmation of permanent residence issued by IRCC
• permanent residence card issued by IRCC

Example of documents that are accepted for proof that you live in Alberta, which must contain an Alberta address:

• utility, gas, phone or cable bills
• bank or credit card statements
• residential lease agreement
• pay stub
• written confirmation of Alberta employment
• written confirmation from an Alberta educational institution
• statutory declaration completed in a registry agent office stating you are a resident of Alberta

English language assessments and training referrals funded by the Alberta government are available at the following locations:

• Catholic Social Services – Language Assessment and Referral Centre
  • Website: https://larcc.cssalberta.ca
  • Phone: 780-424-3545
• Immigrant Services Calgary – Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre
  • Website: https://www.immigrantservicescalgary.ca/CLARC
  • Phone: 403-265-1120

English as an additional language drop-in services offer eligible newcomers alternative English language learning opportunities when they cannot access regular programming. For more information, contact:

• Cultural Connections Institute – The Learning Exchange (CCI-LEX) – English as an additional language Drop-In Services
  • Website: https://cci-lex.ca
  • Phone: 780-944-0792
• Taber & District Community Adult Learning Association – Taber English as an Additional Language Drop-In Centre
  • Website: http://taberadultlearning.com/
  • Phone 403-223-1169
• The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) – Drop-in English as a Second Language, Literacy and Basic English Classes
  • Website: https://www.immigrant-education.ca
  • Phone: 403-235-3666 (Forest Lawn Calgary office)
  • Phone: 403-291-0002 (Whitehorn or Westwinds Calgary office)

Email [email protected] if you have any general questions about settlement and language supports.

• Through the Community Adult Learning Program, organizations across Alberta deliver part-time, non-formal learning opportunities that support the development of literacy, numeracy, language, digital or other life skills.

• The Government of Canada has made settlement services, including language assessments and language classes, available for Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents in Canada.
• Visit the Government of Canada’s website to find free services near you or the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program for more information.

• Alberta public libraries are a valuable resource for newcomers. With more than 300 locations, library visitors can access books and magazines, computer and internet access, educational and language tools, resources on immigration and job seeking, and much more.

• Additional resources for women and girls can be found through the Women’s Hub, including supports for finding work, accessing financial assistance, staying healthy and staying safe.

• Learn how to be prepared for emergencies and disasters in Alberta, such as wildfires and flooding. Find resources and advice to help with personal preparedness.

• Learn about taxes and develop an understanding of how the Canadian tax system works.
• Find information about free tax clinics.

• Helping Ukrainians get an Alberta driver’s licence (April 14, 2023)
• Accommodation funding for Ukrainian evacuees (March 31, 2023)
• Supports for Ukrainian evacuees (March 21, 2023)
• Expanding supports for Ukrainian evacuees (February 24, 2023)
• More language programs for Ukrainian newcomers (February 23, 2023)
• Supporting displaced Ukrainian students (February 21, 2023)

• Supporting Ukrainian students in schools (November 14, 2022)
• Premier's task force to support Ukrainian newcomers (November 10, 2022)
• Helping Ukrainian newcomers settle in Alberta (July 3, 2022)
• Helping Ukrainians stay in Alberta (March 4, 2022)
• Helping Ukrainians settle in Alberta (April 20, 2022)
• Supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine (February 23, 2022)