Grande Prairie Local Immigration

Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP)

The Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP) is the mechanism through which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) supports the development of a community-based planning around the needs of newcomer settlement and integration through:

Engaging local service providers and other institutions in newcomers’ integration process
Supporting community-level research and strategic planning
Improving the coordination of effective services that facilitate immigrant settlement and integration

The GPLIP is a collective impact initiative where a committee of influential partners are gathered around the table to:

Systematize local engagement in settlement with resources available
Build on existing local initiatives
Contribute to the enhanced planning envisioned by IRCC in the 2008 modernized approach to settlement.

In order for Grande Prairie to continue to grow as a vibrant city that offers excellent quality of life, the GPLIP will maximize on all of the community’s assets. This includes newcomers to Canada who are choosing Grande Prairie to be their new home. It is in this way that Grande Prairie will continue to prosper as newcomers succeed and participate fully in our welcoming city.

The GPLIP was established on September 9, 2015 and operates under the City of Grande Prairie's Community Social Development department.

Living in Grande Prairie

Welcome to Grande Prairie, we've compiled the following resources to help make the transition for newcomers and immigrants to our community as smooth as possible. Whether you're setting up essential services or looking to get involved, these resources cover everything from obtaining a government-issued ID and accessing banking services to exploring career opportunities. We hope you'll find the following information helpful as you take your first steps toward building a fulfilling life in Grande Prairie.

To get a driver’s licence or Alberta ID card for the first time, a registry agent will ask for documentation that proves who you are, proves you are an Alberta resident, and proves that you are lawfully entitled to be in and remain in Canada. All documentation presented must be valid, and in English or accompanied by a written translation from an approved translator.
To get a learner’s licence, a person must be at least 14 years old.
To get a driver’s licence, a person must be at least 16 years old.
To get an identification card, a person must be at least 12 years old.
Proof of identity
Documents that contain a photo and prove your identity:
- Non-Canadian passport
- A driver’s licence or ID card issued by an official government
- A permanent residence card issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Examples of documents that are accepted for proof of legal entitlement in Canada (these documents may also contain a photo and can be used to prove your identity):
- Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) issued by IRCC
- Work permit issued by IRCC
- Study permit issued by IRCC
- Confirmation of permanent residence issued by IRCC
- A permanent residence card issued by IRCC
Examples of documents that are accepted for proof of Alberta residency 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
- If you are applying for a driver’s licence and you already have a valid driver’s licence (s) from another jurisdiction, you must surrender it to the registry agent.
  Your Alberta driver’s licence or ID card may take up to two weeks to arrive by mail at your Alberta address. The card will not be delivered if you have mail-forwarding.
No Proof of Identity
If you do not have an ID, or your ID has been lost, stolen, or destroyed a registry agent can help you. This process is still being developed.
Parental/guardian consent is required for children under the age of 18
A person under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian when applying for a driver’s license or ID card for the first time. A guardian is someone who is responsible for the care and well-being of a person who is under the age of 18.
Cost
The cost of a driver’s license, for a one-year term, is $16. In addition, the registered agent may charge a service charge of up to $10.
The cost of an ID card, for a one-year term, is $8, in addition, the registered agent may charge a service charge of up to $8.
Testing requirements for Driver’s Licences
If you become a permanent resident and are living in Alberta, you must exchange your current driver's license for an Alberta driver’s license within 90 days of moving to the province.
To get a driver’s license in Alberta, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test. For more information on local testing locations visit: A-1 Licence and Registry or The Licence Centre.
For more information on getting an Alberta driver’s licence, visit: Exchange a licence from outside Alberta.
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 traveler’s cheques
When you open an account, you will need to provide:
- photo identification (ID)
- the 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 open a bank account to learn more about opening a bank account, or visit a financial institution near you.
Grande Prairie and area have a wide variety of business supports and resources to help you and your organization reach their goals.
The Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership initiative aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive community for immigrants and newcomers in Grande Prairie. Working with community partners, GPLIP’s goal is for newcomers to thrive and succeed in our community by easily accessing the resources and services they need.
Available Community Support Services include:
Grande Prairie is a great place to live because of how it maintains its core community values while continuing to grow and expand.
Whether it is finding a family doctor, taking public transit, joining a neighbourhood association, or attending a local music festival, Grande Prairie is full of opportunities and supports to help you thrive in the community. Below are some other great resources to check out:
(ACFA) Régionale de Grande Prairie
L'Association Canadienne-Française d’Alberta (AFCA) Régionale de Grande Prairie helps Francophone newcomers integrate into the community. Available supports include: French Resource Centre including computers, printers, and telephones; information on local job opportunities and French schools; building community connections; cultural events and more.
Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning
The Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning is dedicated to empowering adult learners by breaking down barriers through the cultivation of essential skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning. Offering programs and services in employment, literacy, career upgrading, and English as an Additional Language (EAL), their mission is to support individuals in achieving their educational and career goals, ensuring they become integral members of our community.
Grande Prairie Public Library (GPPL)
The GPPL is a wonderful place for newcomers to access free resources including books, magazines, computers, the internet, educational resources, and many items found in their “Library of Things”. There are also a variety of programs offered daily for everyone from babies to adults.
Memberships to borrow items are available for free to residents of the City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie No. 1, and the MD of Greenview.
HelpSeeker
Looking for social services and resources in Grande Prairie & area? HelpSeeker is a free network offering over 700 social services, programs, resources, helplines, and benefits across Grande Prairie & area in categories including shelter and housing, domestic violence, food services, and more.
The City of Grande Prairie is dedicated to fostering a community where safety is crucial for all residents.
To aid in the safety and well-being of our residents, the city offers a range of essential emergency services, in addition to various other municipal services, such as:
In case of an emergency, here are some important numbers to note:
- 911 Services
- Alberta 1 Call
- Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP)
- Fire Department
- Poison Control
- QEII Hospital
- RCMP
Organizations That Help Keep Our Community Safe:
Helplines:
From pre-school to college, in-class to online classrooms, and workplace training to university courses, Grande Prairie has many learning opportunities for all people.
To register in a school, parents should:
1. Identify the school that you would like to have your children attend.
2. Contact the school and complete the student registration form.
3. The school may request the following documentation to ensure the student is eligible to access education:
- Immigration documents issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that a person receives prior to 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.
- Families may also be asked for student birth certificates or other documentation that shows the parent/child connection if the IRCC documents do not name family members.
Looking for social services and resources in Grande Prairie & area? HelpSeeker is a free network offering over 700 social services, programs, resources, helplines, and benefits across Grande Prairie & area in categories including shelter and housing, domestic violence, food services, and more.
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
Call 1-877-303-2642. Translation services are available. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to find a doctor
Ask your host family or search online: Primary Care Networks - Alberta Find a Doctor.
How to find a hospital
Call Health Link at 811 or visit: Alberta Health Services.
How to get emergency health care
Call 911
How to get emergency prescription drug coverage and 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
  Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 – ask to speak to Alberta Supports
Remember to carry both your Alberta personal health card and the Alberta Health Benefits card whenever you need health services.
Finding a place to live is an important step when immigrating.
First decide whether you want to rent or buy. Each option has benefits and drawbacks and needs to be considered carefully. To help you make this decision and find available housing, you may seek help from a number of organizations that offer assistance to newcomers. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a special guide on Housing for Newcomers.
After finding housing, you must assume responsibility for maintaining your new home. This includes setting up utilities, connecting cable, internet and telephone services and following the garbage collection and recycling schedule.
Questions to consider before renting or buying include:
- What is your budget
- What type of housing are you looking for
- How many people do you need to house
- What area do you want to live in
- How soon do you plan on moving again
- How important is home ownership to you
If you require more financial assistance, you may consider exploring Affordable Housing options.
Seniors Housing options are also available.
In case of emergency, several emergency shelters also exist in Grande Prairie.
Volunteering is a great way to feel connected and give back to the community while meeting new people in the area.
If you are interested in joining and volunteering with the committees, please complete and submit an application.
- Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP) Council
- Immigration Advisory Table (IAT)
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
To find volunteer opportunities in your area, reach out and contact groups or organizations that you are interested in directly or visit the Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations which posts volunteer opportunities from all over the city on their website.
Finding employment is a crucial step in relocation. Use these resources to find information on how to prepare to work in Canada!
Looking for social services and resources in Grande Prairie & area? Helpseeker is a free network offering over 700 social services, programs, resources, helplines, and benefits across Grande Prairie & area in categories including shelter and housing, domestic violence, food services, and more.

Immigration Research

In 2023, the City of Grande Prairie, together with the Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP), conducted the Grande Prairie Immigrant Survey, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Additionally, the Grande Prairie Inclusive and Caring Community (GPICC) workshops were held with employers and other stakeholders in January 2024, funded by the Government of Alberta's Settlement, Integration, Languages program.

The report provides an overview of the key findings from both initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of the needs of immigrants and newcomers, facilitating their integration into the Grande Prairie community.

The 2023 Grande Prairie Immigrant Survey revealed a diverse immigrant population, primarily from the Philippines, India, and Ukraine, with a significant percentage possessing post-secondary education.
Despite high levels of English proficiency and Grande Prairie’s welcoming community, challenges such as underemployment, the need for credential recognition, and finding a place to live were prevalent.
The survey highlighted the necessity for targeted support in employment, housing, and community services to improve the newcomer experience.
The GPICC workshops identified ideas to support better newcomers and their employers, which were categorized into the following categories: recruitment, pre-arrival, arrival, retainment, and integration.
Overall, there was an identified need for better integration practices, including cultural training for employers and more comprehensive support from the community.
The City of Grande Prairie, in partnership with the Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership Council and Immigrant Advisory Table, is actively enhancing support for newcomers and immigrants. Current initiatives include:
- Developing GPLIP's 2025-2030 strategic action plan to improve settlement and integration.
- Updating the GPLIP website as a central resource for immigrant information.
- Creating an immigration roadmap to guide newcomers and employers in accessing support services.
- Designing an Employee Retention Package-Culture Integration Guide for employers.
- Offering workshops on immigrant integration, intersectionality, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training.
- Conducting follow-up surveys with Rural Renewal Stream participants.
- Collaborating on events and learning opportunities for newcomer integration.
- Advocating for biometric scanning services in Grande Prairie.
These efforts aim to foster inclusivity and strengthen Grande Prairie's role as a welcoming city, supporting cultural diversity and economic growth.

Grande Prairie Immigration Survey Winners

Highlighting the voices and contributions of our community is key to our engagement efforts. We're excited to announce the grand prize winner of our latest immigration survey, along with other winners from pop-up events along the way. Join us in celebrating the collective effort that ensures every voice in Grande Prairie is heard and valued.

Immigration Survey Prize Winners

Thank you to everyone who took the recent Immigration Survey. Our winner for the $500 gas and grocery gift card is Rachid Oukbil, pictured below picking up the prize at the Community Social Development office.

There were also a number of welcome basket winners who entered draws during our pop-up locations.

Image	Yuliia Makarus at Grande Prairie Council for Life-Long Learning
Image	Rosalinda Mendoza at Grande Prairie Center for Newcomers
Image	Mandeep Aujla at the Sikh Temple
Image	Omprakash Agarwaw Experience GP Event

GPLIP Highlights & Updates

Explore vibrant activities and events, featuring photos, newsletters, and updates on our initiatives, community events, and other important milestones. This space is dedicated to celebrating our diverse community, sharing successes, and keeping you informed about ongoing efforts to enhance settlement services, promote cultural inclusion, and support the economic integration of immigrants in Grande Prairie.

The Honourable Muhammad Yaseen Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism for the Government of Alberta recently met with the City of Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP) stakeholders to discuss shared priorities, including enhancing settlement services, promoting cultural inclusion, and supporting the economic integration of immigrants in our community. His leadership and insights are greatly appreciated as we work together to build a more inclusive and welcoming Grande Prairie.
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Building Belonging Report

For full details of the findings from the survey and engagement sessions, please read the 2024 Building Belonging: An Analysis of the Grande Prairie 2023 Immigrant Survey and Inclusive and Caring Community Consultations” report below:

Stay Informed and Get Involved

To receive notifications of future engagement opportunities with the City of Grande Prairie, please visit the City’s Engagement Platform and register today.

Grande Prairie Local Immigration

Grande Prairie Local Immigration