Make Alberta your home - alberta.ca
“Make Alberta Your Home” is the official web portal of the Government of Alberta aimed at individuals and families considering moving to or settling in Alberta. It provides information on what to expect when relocating, and guides on how to live, work, study and integrate within the province. Key domains include settlement supports, employment, education, housing, health and community services.
Key content areas
• Relocating and living in Alberta – The site outlines steps such as registering for health coverage, understanding the education system, finding housing and accessing provincial services.
• Immigration and economic opportunities – References are made to provincial immigration pathways such as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, as well as moving-bonus programs for skilled trades.
• Settlement and integration supports – Includes information about the Supports for Newcomer Integration (SNI) grants and the Alberta Settlement and Integration Program, which fund settlement agencies offering language, community and employment supports.
• Education and children – Describes publicly-funded primary/secondary schooling for children aged 5–19 and supports for families.
• Living costs and supports – Mentions affordable housing programs, financial support benefits such as the Adult Health Benefit or Child Health Benefit for eligible low-income residents.
Strengths
- The portal is run by the provincial government, so the information is authoritative, aligned with provincial policy and up-to-date.
- It covers a wide range of the newcomer journey: from pre-arrival/immigration pathways, to settling in the province, to work/study/housing and community integration.
- Settlement-specific supports are clearly referenced (funding for agencies, language programs etc.) which helps newcomers understand where help exists.
- Geographic advantage: Alberta’s comparatively lower cost of living (in many/rural areas) plus economic opportunities in trades, energy, agriculture etc make the province a viable option for many newcomers.
Considerations
- The site provides information and referral, rather than guaranteed direct service. Newcomers will often need to contact local settlement agencies and verify availability, eligibility, language of delivery and wait lists.
- Services, programs and supports can vary significantly between urban centres (Calgary, Edmonton) versus smaller/rural communities; some areas may have more limited access.
- While the portal covers many areas, for highly niche needs (e.g., regulatory-profession licensing, complex credential recognition, large-scale refugee resettlement) further specialist supports may be required beyond what is summarised on the portal.
- While Alberta advertises immigration pathways and opportunities, newcomers should still research local job markets, credential recognition, cost of housing and community integration challenges for their specific profession and background.
Who it is for
This portal is beneficial for individuals and families thinking about moving to Alberta, including newcomers (permanent/resident, international students or temporary workers) and for recent arrivals wanting to orient themselves to provincial life. It is also useful for internationally-trained professionals seeking information about recognition, for families with school-age children, and for those wanting a broad overview of settlement logistics (housing, healthcare, finances).
Final overview
“Make Alberta Your Home” functions as a practical first-stop for newcomers to Alberta, offering government-backed guidance across settlement, work, study and community integration. While it does not replace local settlement service providers, it enables newcomers to gain a clear picture of the province’s opportunities, requirements and supports, and helps them plan their next steps more confidently.
