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Support for Ukrainian evacuees

Find supports and services for Ukrainian evacuees and learn how to help.

Contact

The following phone contact centres are available in addition to options found in the supports and services section of this page.

General questions

For general questions about government programs or services:

Open 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays. 
Toll free: 310-0000 (in Alberta)

Alberta Supports Contact Centre

For questions about provincial health benefits or financial assistance for Ukrainian evacuees:

Open 7:30 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays. Help is available in Ukrainian and over 100 other languages.
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)
TTY: 1-800-232-7215 toll free (in Alberta) – ask to speak to Alberta Supports. 

Income Support Contact Centre

If you need help outside regular business hours call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre: 

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135
TTY: 1-800-232-7215 toll free – ask to speak to Alberta Supports.

Supports and services

The Alberta government and partner settlement agencies can help Ukrainian evacuees find a wide range of supports and services. This information is available in English or Ukrainian.

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Housing and accommodation

Housing supports are available.

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Financial support and banking

Financial support programs are available if you have limited income or assets.

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  • Emergency financial support

    One-time emergency benefits may be available to those with limited income and assets who are facing an emergency. One-time emergency benefits will remain available to eligible evacuees with non-expired Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visas until July 31, 2027.

    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
  • Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program

    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.

    Ukrainian evacuees assessed as having significant barriers to employment can access support through this program until July 31, 2027, or upon expiry of an individual’s Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visa, whichever comes first.

    Learn more

  • Government of Canada benefits

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

  • Banking

    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.

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Health care services and insurance

Health insurance coverage, health services, and benefit programs are available in Alberta.

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  • Emergency prescription drug coverage and emergency dental and optical services

    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
  • Health insurance coverage and Alberta personal health cards

    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 online application form.
    2. Save and print the form and take it, along with your identification documents, to a participating registry office.
      • You must bring all the following identification documents:
        • your government-issued identity document with photo, name and birthdate, such as your passport or Alberta driver’s license
        • your Canada entry document issued by the Government of Canada, such as a study permit, work permit, visitor record or Permanent Resident Card
        • your Alberta residency document, such as your Alberta driver’s license, Alberta identification card, current Alberta utility bill or lease agreement

    If you cannot visit a participating registry office in person, you can mail your completed application form and copies of your supporting identification documents to:

    Alberta Health
    Alberta Health Care Insurance Program
    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 included with the exception of the chest x-ray for Ukrainian evacuees who have entered Canada and Alberta under the federal government’s Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa program.
  • Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee)

    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

    The program will continue until March 31, 2025.

    The deadline to apply for this program is January 31, 2025.

    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.

    After the program ends

    The Alberta Health Benefit (Ukrainian Evacuee) program ends on March 31, 2025. After March 31, 2025, Ukrainian evacuees will no longer receive supplementary health benefits from this program.

    We recommend that Ukrainian evacuees learn about and apply for another public supplementary health benefit plan before the program expires on March 31, 2025.

    Health benefit plan options for Ukrainian evacuees under 65 years of age

    Ukrainian evacuees may want to consider options such as an employer-sponsored plan or other private coverage. Alberta’s government also has drug and health benefit programs available to ensure that all Albertans have access to economical health benefits.

    • Low-income Albertans under 65 years of age may qualify for one of Alberta’s government-sponsored low income health benefit plans, such as the Alberta Adult Health Benefit, Alberta Child Health Benefit, Income Support and the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) programs. Learn more about drug coverage and health benefits and how to apply.
    • The government-sponsored Non-Group Coverage plan is an option for Albertans who are under 65 years of age and do not qualify for low-income programs. Learn more about non-group coverage and how to apply.

    Health benefit plan options for Ukrainian evacuees 65 years of age or older

    • Alberta’s government provides Albertans 65 years of age or older with premium-free coverage for prescription drugs and other health-related services under the Coverage for Seniors Program. You must be 65 years of age or older and be registered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan to be eligible.
    • Ukrainian evacuees 65 years or older who have been transferred from the Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan before March 31, 2025, will automatically be enrolled in the Coverage for Seniors program on April 1, 2025.
  • Doctors, hospitals and health advice

    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

    How to find a doctor

    How to find a hospital

    How to get emergency health care

    More information

    • AHS Support for Ukraine provides information about health services and resources for Ukrainian evacuees in Alberta. Information can be found in English, Ukrainian and Russian.
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Working in Alberta

There are many resources and supports in Alberta that can help you to find work and have your credentials assessed.

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  • Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

    Learn more about working in Alberta.

  • Find work

    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 as well as a list of Alberta job postings. To view job postings from employers who have expressed an interest in supporting Ukrainian evacuees, select the Jobs for Ukraine filter under "Special Initiatives".
    • Immigrant-serving agencies offer services to newcomers, including help with finding a job.
    • For a listing of all Career and Employment Information Services available please visit the online Employment Services Directory.
    • 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 credentials

    • 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).

  • Regulated occupations and trades

    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.

  • Apprenticeship training

    Expanded eligibility for apprenticeship training continues in 2024-25.

  • Occupational health and safety

  • Employment standards

    Employment standards set out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Alberta. This includes the minimum standards that employers must provide to employees. Learn more about Alberta’s basic employment standards, what to do if you think they are not being followed, and educational materials to help you better understand them.

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Child care

Child care options are available in Alberta and the Child Care Subsidy Program can help parents pay for licensed child care.

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  • Child care options

    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
  • Child Care Subsidy Program

    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 July 31, 2024, to receive subsidy for 12 months without income testing.
    • Ukrainian evacuees who are approved for funding without income testing will not see an interruption in funding support for the duration of their approved 12-month subsidy period.
    • Starting August 1, 2024, Ukrainian evacuees can still apply for the Child Care Subsidy but will be subject to income testing.
    • 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 July 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 by July 31, 2024, download and complete the application form and submit it by email or fax:

    If you are applying after August 1, 2024, visit Child care subsidy to learn about subsidies that are available to offset the cost of child care for eligible families.

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

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Schools and education

Alberta has a wide variety of school options for children, including some with Ukrainian language programs.

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  • Register a child for school

    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:

  • Schools with Ukrainian language programs

    Students who came to Alberta as evacuees from Ukraine are included in overall enrolment funding and are eligible for grants through Alberta Education’s funding framework.

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Settlement agencies

Alberta provides financial support to settlement agencies to deliver services and develop projects that help eligible newcomers who live and work in the province.

Visit Ukrainians in Alberta to learn about additional organizations in your area that can help.

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Driver’s licences and identification cards

You can get an Alberta identification card, an Alberta driver’s licence or exchange your Ukrainian driver's licence for an Alberta licence.

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  • Alberta identification card

    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.

  • Driver’s licences

    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. This exchange program has now been made permanent.

    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.

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

    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):

    • work permit issued by IRCC
    • study permit issued by IRCC
    • temporary resident permit issued by IRCC
    • visitor record 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
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English language services

A wide variety of programs and resources are available to help you learn or develop English language skills.

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  • English language assessments and training referrals

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

  • English as an additional language classes

    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:

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

  • Community Adult Learning Program

    • 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.
  • Government of Canada language services

    • 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.
  • Public libraries

    • 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.
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Resources for women and girls

The Alberta government has many programs and services to help women and girls.

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  • Women's hub

    • 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.
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Other supports and resources

Additional resources are available to help you settle in Alberta.

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How to help evacuees

Getting permanent residency in Alberta

Ukrainian evacuees can apply for permanent residency through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

Applicants must meet all program criteria.

  • Permanent residency

    • Find out if you qualify for permanent residency by using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Come to Canada online tool.
    • The online tool helps determine what immigration programs you may be eligible to apply for and how to submit an application.
  • Express Entry

    • Express Entry is an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada electronic application system that manages and selects applicants for permanent residency who have skilled work experience.
    • To access Express Entry, you must first complete a profile. If you are accepted, you may be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
  • Bring family to Canada

    • Once you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and at least 18 years old, you can sponsor relatives to come to Canada.
    • To sponsor a relative to come to Canada, you must financially support them when they arrive.
  • National Occupational Classification

Alberta’s humanitarian aid and support

Alberta’s government has contributed more than $23 million in support for Ukraine, including:

  • $10 million to the Ukrainian World Congress’s Unite with Ukraine campaign for humanitarian aid
  • $2.2 million for settlement and language services delivered across the province
  • $1 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, to help coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid
  • $5 million to the Ukrainian World Congress to equip 5,000 members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force with defensive equipment
  • $5 million to the Canada Ukraine Foundation for additional humanitarian aid
  • $350,000 to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council to support their efforts