TIES Guides

Whether you’ve moved to Calgary years ago or just recently arrived, our guides can help you find the services and programs that are right for you.

Arrival

How do I use the Calgary Food Bank?

Food insecurity is a rising issue in Canada. The Calgary Food Bank was formed in order to address this. It is the largest, most accessible food bank in Calgary. If your family needs help getting enough food on the table, a food hamper from the Calgary Food Bank can help. Read on to find out how the program works.

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How do I get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

Your social insurance number (SIN) is one of the most important pieces of identification you will ever have while living in Canada. Obtaining a SIN is easy. To find out how to get a SIN, keep reading this guide.

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Coping with culture shock

Many people who travel or live overseas experience what is commonly referred to as “culture shock” when they first arrive in a new country. New sights, smells, sounds, people, and customs can be intimidating or even scary when all experienced at once – especially when they are very different from the country you grew up in. However, you might also experience “reverse culture shock” after traveling or living in another country for a long time. In these cases, the environment in your home country can feel just as confusing as the new one first did if you’ve been away for a long time. And while some people love the feeling of culture shock because it makes them excited to explore a new culture, others never learn to handle it and it can have a negative effect on your settlement in a new country. Here, we discuss the four stages of culture shock you may have gone through when you arrived in Canada, and discuss ways to handle it. Scroll down for more:

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What if I need to travel back to my home country?

Travelling can be a very difficult, especially when you are new to the country. If you wish to travel outside Canada, the documents you need will change depending on your Canadian residency status. You may also be subject to additional rules. Keep reading to find out more.

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How do I apply for Canadian citizenship?

When you begin living in Canada, the decision to apply for a citizenship is a very important one. A Canadian citizen is “one who is entitled to the rights of a citizen, and subject to the duties of a citizen.” Canadian citizens can pass their status on to their children. To find out more about the benefits of Canadian citizenship and how to apply, keep reading this guide.

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What is a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW)?

A temporary foreign worker is an immigrant who arrives in Canada with a valid work permit. A work permit allows you to work legally in Canada. You will need one if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Luckily, there are a number of different work permits available. This allows immigrants to select a permit that suits them best.

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What is a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa?

The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is one immigration program that the Government of Canada offers. The Super Visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 2 years per visit.

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What is a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)?

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is for people who are selected to immigrate to Canada because of their work experience and skills. As of January 1st, 2015, candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Program will be selected to apply through the Express Entry System. If you applied before January 1st, 2015, your application will be reviewed according to the former system.

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How does Refugee Sponsorship work?

Canada has a long history of welcoming refugees. Through the refugee sponsorship system, Canadian citizens and permanent residents act as sponsors and support a refugee or refugee family for up to a year after they settle in the country. For more information on how refugee sponsorship works, continue reading this guide.

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Choosing an immigration program for coming to Canada

The federal and provincial governments in Canada are always updating their immigration programs to attract new immigrants and refugees, and if you are planning to move to Calgary you will need to choose a program or category to apply under. There are dozens of programs, each a little bit different, so to help narrow these down we have included some links to our guides that explain them in more detail. We also recommend that you check out the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta programs that help you choose between temporary and permanent programs.

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What resources can help me before (and after) I arrive in Canada?

The Government of Canada strongly recommends that you access the resources meant to help you prepare for life in Canada. To find about how you can access these free resources, keep reading this guide.

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What documents do I need when landing in Canada?

After you receive permission to enter Canada, a representative from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will contact you to tell you about what steps come next in the arrivals process. When you arrive at the airport, you will be greeted by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) who will ask you for several documents. You will not be able to proceed without these documents. Following these tips from the Government of Canada will help make sure that you are ready.

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Thinking of moving to Calgary? People, culture, and work

Moving to Canada is a big change, wherever you’re from. You have to think about the cost of living, the difference in culture, and likely speaking another language, among other things. Here, we will break down some of the things you should think about before moving to Calgary, so you can decide if Calgary is the right home for you and your family.

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How do I dress for winter in Calgary?

The weather in Calgary can change very quickly throughout the year and even in the same week. Winter in Calgary is particularly rough, due to how cold it can get. This guide is intended to help new immigrants adjust to the cold weather in Calgary and learn how to protect themselves from falling ill to the chill. Before heading outside, it is always a good idea to check Environment Canada or The Weather Network for weather warnings and advisories and to learn what the forecast is for the day.

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How do I dress for summer in Calgary?

Warm weather can be dangerous, if you don’t protect yourself properly from the sun’s heat and UV rays. This is especially true for Calgary, the sunniest city in all of Canada. This guide is intended to help new immigrants learn about sun care and dressing for summer in Calgary. Before heading outside, it is always a good idea to check Environment Canada or The Weather Network for weather warnings and advisories and to learn what the forecast is for the day.

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Choosing an immigration program for coming to Canada

The federal and provincial governments in Canada are always updating their immigration programs to attract new immigrants and refugees, and if you are planning to move to Calgary you will need to choose a program or category to apply under. There are dozens of programs, each a little bit different, so to help narrow these down we have included some links to our guides that explain them in more detail. We also recommend that you check out the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta programs that help you choose between temporary and permanent programs.

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Acknowledgement

TIES is located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy comprising the Siksika, Piikani and Kanai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.