How to Immigrate
Edmonton is an economic leader, located at the center of the hottest economy in Canada. With a metropolitan population of more than one million, Edmonton offers all the services of a major urban center while maintaining a friendly, clean, safe and family-oriented environment to work and play. Edmonton offers an excellent quality of life, low tax rates, clean air and a world class educational system.
We encourage people of all languages, cultures and faiths to come and join us here in Edmonton. Canada is a welcoming country and we value diversity and multiculturalism.
Choosing a Program
Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of new residents. Coming to Edmonton as an immigrant is an exciting opportunity, but it frequently takes time to adjust to a new place.
The Government department that helps you to immigrate is Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). There are several programs that they offer to help you to come to Canada to work and live:
- Skilled Worker Class Immigration
- Business Class Immigration
- Provincial Nomination
- Family Class Immigration
One of these programs will be best for you. There is a good introduction to each program at the Citizenship and Immigration website.
Getting Ready - Before You Leave for Canada
There are some essential documents that you will need before you arrive in Canada. You will need to have a Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member, a valid passport for each family member, two copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you and two copies of a list of items that are arriving later. Forms are available on the CIC Website.
Depending on your situation, it may also be helpful to bring birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers, school records and to make copies of these and other important documents.
The Day You Arrive
You will probably find the entry procedure to Canada quite straightforward if you have a passport and your essential documents.
You will be interviewed by a Canada Customs officer who will check your visa and travel documents and ask you some questions to ensure that you are of good character and in good health. You may also be asked to provide proof of your funds. If there are no difficulties, the officer will authorize your entry to Canada as a permanent resident.
Reception Services
If you arrive in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, you will find immigrant reception services at the airport. They help newcomers get information and services and often this help will be available in several languages.
When you arrive in Edmonton, you should contact one of the Newcomer Services listed here on this website.
Next Steps
What happens next depends on whether you are here to study or to work. You will need to go about finding a place to live, finding work and perhaps learning English or starting an education or training program. This entire website is here to help you learn about how to do these in Edmonton and the many organizations here to help.
