Alberta Moving Bonus Applications Open

Alberta Moving Bonus Applications Open

As of May 1, 2025, Alberta has opened applications for its “Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus,” a one-time, tax-free $5,000 incentive aimed at attracting skilled tradespeople to the province.

This program, designed to address critical labour shortages, offers financial support to up to 2,000 eligible individuals who relocated to Alberta between May 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

With applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis, this guide dives into eligibility criteria, the application process, and essential tips to secure your bonus and thrive in province’s booming economy.

What Is the Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus Program?

The Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus is a refundable tax credit of $5,000, part of the broader campaign launched in 2022 to attract skilled workers.

This initiative targets tradespeople in high-demand occupations, such as aircraft mechanics, carpenters, and plumbers, to fill labour gaps in growing industries like construction and infrastructure.

The program, backed by a $10 million budget, supports up to 2,000 eligible applicants who moved to Alberta between May 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

Applications opened on May 1, 2025, at 9 AM Mountain Time, and the tax-free bonus aims to ease the financial burden of relocation while offering access to province’s competitive wages, affordable housing, and high quality of life.

Who Is Eligible for the $5,000 Moving Bonus?

To qualify for the Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Age and Residency: Be 18 or older at the time of application, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in Alberta for at least 12 consecutive months by the time of application.

Move Date: Must have relocated to Alberta between May 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

Tax Residency: Be a tax resident of Alberta on December 31, 2024, and have received a 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Employment: Be employed or self-employed in an eligible skilled trade occupation, working full-time (at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month).

Specific Requirements for Employed Applicants

• Provide proof of full-time employment, such as an Employment Verification Form, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer confirming your role and hours.
• Work in an eligible occupation listed in the program guidelines, which include trades like electricians, welders, and construction laborers.

Specific Requirements for Self-Employed Applicants

• Demonstrate at least $2,000 in gross revenue from your eligible trade in the month prior to applying.
• Submit documentation validating business activity in Alberta, such as invoices, contracts, or bank statements showing trade-related income.

How to Apply for the Alberta Moving Bonus in 2025

The application process for the $5,000 Moving Bonus is straightforward but time-sensitive, as applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Review the Guidelines: Start by reading the Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus Application Guidelines to understand eligibility, required documents, and the application timeline.

Create an Alberta.ca Account: Sign up for a verified Alberta.ca account, which is mandatory for online applications.

Ensure your account is active before May 1, 2025.

Gather Required Documents: Use the Moving Bonus Required Information Checklist to collect necessary documents, including your 2024 CRA Notice of Assessment, proof of Alberta residency (e.g., utility bills or lease agreement), and employment verification (e.g., Employment Verification Form for employed applicants or revenue records for self-employed applicants).

Submit Your Application: Log into the Moving Bonus Application Portal starting May 1, 2025, at 9 AM Mountain Time.

Submit your application promptly, as the portal may close without notice if funds are fully allocated.

Key Application Tips

• Apply early: With only 2,000 spots, the program may fill up quickly.
• Double-check documents: Incomplete applications may be denied.
• Monitor your email: Notifications about your application status will be sent via email.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once submitted, applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

You’ll be notified of the decision via email.

If approved, the $5,000 bonus will be paid via direct deposit or cheque, though payment timelines vary based on application volume.

Note that submitting an application does not guarantee approval, as funds are limited.

If denied, you’ll also be informed via email, but no appeals process is specified.

Privacy and Information Use

The Moving Bonus program prioritizes privacy:

Alberta.ca Account: Your account data is securely stored and used solely for application purposes.

Application Portal: Personal information submitted through the portal is protected under Alberta’s privacy laws and used only to assess eligibility and process payments.

Legal Framework

The Moving Bonus is administered under the Alberta Personal Income Tax Act, ensuring the tax-free status of the $5,000 credit.

This legal backing provides clarity and security for applicants, aligning the program with provincial tax regulations.

Cost of Living and Job Opportunities: Alberta vs. Other Provinces

Alberta offers significant cost-of-living advantages:

Housing: Calgary’s average rent for a one-bedroom is CAD $1,800, compared to CAD $2,600 in Toronto.

Taxes: There is no provincial sales tax, only the 5% GST, unlike Ontario’s 13% HST.

Utilities: Monthly utilities in Calgary average CAD $200, lower than Toronto’s CAD $270 due to milder winters in some regions.

Groceries: A family of four spends about CAD $1,200/month in Alberta, slightly less than Ontario’s CAD $1,300.

Provincial economy is thriving, with a 4.1% construction job vacancy rate in Q4 2024, down from 5.5% the previous year, but still indicating high demand.

Popular trades include:

Carpenters: Average salary of CAD $65,000/year, with growth in residential construction.

Electricians: Earn around CAD $80,000/year, driven by infrastructure projects.

Plumbers: Average CAD $70,000/year, with demand in both urban and rural areas.

The province added 168,221 residents from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025, many drawn by job opportunities in trades.

Calgary: Known for its economic opportunities and ranking as the 5th most livable city globally, with a population of 1.3 million.

Edmonton: The capital city, offering affordable housing (average home price: CAD $400,000) and a strong trades market.

Medicine Hat: A smaller community with a tight-knit feel, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Challenges of Moving to Alberta

Labour Shortages: Despite progress, some sectors still face worker shortages, which may increase competition for jobs.

Climate: Alberta’s winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping to -20°C in Edmonton.

Integration: Adjusting to a new province may take time, especially for those leaving family behind.

Program Limitations: The Moving Bonus is capped at 2,000 recipients, and late applicants may miss out.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Move to Alberta

Apply Early for the Bonus: Don’t wait—submit your application on May 1, 2025, to secure your spot.

Research Jobs: Use platforms like Indeed or provincial job boards to find opportunities in your trade.

Plan Housing: Explore rentals on Kijiji or real estate sites like Realtor.ca for affordable options.

Budget for the Move: Moving costs can range from CAD $3,000 to $10,000, depending on distance and belongings.

Connect with Communities: Join local trade groups or expat networks for support and networking.

Prepare for Winter: Invest in quality winter gear to handle Alberta’s cold months.

Moving Bonus Employer Flyer: Share this with your employer to confirm your eligibility and streamline documentation.

Alberta.ca Account Support: For account issues, call 1-844-643-2789 (Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM).

Moving Bonus Program Support: For application queries, contact 1-833-838-9500 or email movingbonus@gov.ab.ca (Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM).

Sentiment Around the Program

While the program has been praised for addressing labour shortages, some posts on X highlight mixed sentiments.

Critics argue that the provincial government sends contradictory messages by offering incentives while claiming the province is “full.”

Others question the focus on out-of-province workers when local tradespeople face underemployment.

However, industry leaders like the Calgary Construction Association see the bonus as a step forward, though they call for broader strategies to tackle workforce gaps.

The Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus offers skilled tradespeople a unique opportunity to relocate with financial support, tapping into province’s thriving job market and affordable lifestyle.

By meeting eligibility criteria and applying early, you can secure the $5,000 tax-free bonus and start a new chapter in a province known for its economic opportunities and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a carpenter in Ontario or a welder in Quebec, Alberta is ready to welcome you—act fast to claim your spot!