Arrival Checklist for Older Immigrants to Alberta

TEXT SIZE A A A

Español Tiếng Việt Русский

Here a few things to do after arriving in Alberta.

Apply for a Social Insurance Number. This number is required to work in Canada and to apply for government benefits and programs. You must provide identification and fill in an application. Complete information on applying and an application form are available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca. Or call 1-800-622-6232 to find the closest Canada/Alberta Service Centre.
Register with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan which provides medical coverage while in Alberta. This must be done within three months of arriving in Alberta. Registration forms and office locations are available at www.health.alberta.ca/health-care-insurance-plan.html
Or phone the RITE Line 310-0000 and ask for Alberta Health Care Insurance.
Apply for Alberta Seniors Benefit Program. This program is for anyone age 65 and older. Most benefits are dependent on income but all seniors should register to get Alberta Blue Cross coverage (for prescriptions). Information and an application form are available at www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/financial_assistance/index.asp
Or phone 1-800-642-3853 for information.
Or go to the office located in Kerby Centre at 1133 – 7 Avenue S.W., Calgary – appointments preferred.
Open an account at a financial institution such as a bank. (Optional)
Visit an immigrant serving agency for orientation services and information on English as a Second Language classes. (Optional) A list of these agencies is available on this website under the Need Help? section.
Purchase a seniors’ bus pass. (Optional)
Information and an application form are available at www.calgarytransit.com/html/Passes.html
Or call (403) 262-1000 for information.
Or go to Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre
224 – 7 Avenue S.W., Calgary
For information on housing options, check out the Housing section on this website. Or call Kerby Housing at (403) 705-3230. Or go to Kerby Housing at
1133 – 7 Avenue S.W., Calgary – appointments preferred.

Update: January, 2010