Last updated: 21 July 2024

The Rural Renewal Stream follows a two-step process:

Step 1: Community Endorsement

Communities can endorse candidates through one of the following methods:

1. Direct Recruitment:
   • The community recruits temporary foreign workers to address labour needs.
   • Selected candidates receive an Endorsement of Candidate letter from the community.
2. Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) Referral:
   • The community collabourates with an EMPP referral partner to recruit refugees.
   • The EMPP referral partner organization assists the community and Alberta employer in finding a suitable refugee for the labour need.
   • Selected candidates receive an Endorsement of Candidate letter from the community and an EMPP Referral Partner letter from the referral partner.

Step 2: AAIP Application Submission

• Candidates submit their application to the AAIP.
• Ineligible Applicants (Refugee claimants who are already in Canada.)

To be designated, rural communities must:

• Have a population of fewer than 100,000 (communities in the same economic region can partner to apply).
• Be outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas.
• Have one or more employers interested in offering permanent, full-time, non-seasonal employment.
• Obtain a letter of support from the community or municipal council.
• Submit a signed application from the economic development organization with an economic development plan or similar document.
• Obtain a letter of support from a settlement agency.

To qualify for the Rural Renewal Stream, applicants must:

• Have a letter of endorsement from their designated community.
• Have a full-time job offer or employment contract from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation in their designated community.
• Hold the necessary licenses, registration, or certification to practice their occupation in Alberta.
• Not be employed in an ineligible job as listed by Alberta (e.g., part-time, casual, or seasonal employees; independent contractors, business owners; employees in non-commercial/industrial zones like home-based businesses; employees working virtually from outside Alberta).
• Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 18 months, whether in Alberta, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad.
• Meet English or French language requirements.
• Have completed a minimum of high school education equivalent to the Canadian standard or possess a foreign degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members to settle in the designated community, if they are not residing in Canada, or if they are currently in Canada but not working.

Individuals with job offers for the following occupations at the time of application submission and assessment are not eligible to apply for or be nominated under the Rural Renewal Stream.

1. Read the AAIP Terms and Conditions: Familiarize yourself with the program’s terms and conditions.
2. Review Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria of the pathway.
3. Submit an Online Application: Complete the online application to the AAIP, including all required supporting documents.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Submit the application fee.

After completing these steps, you will await a decision on your application, which will be communicated via email.

• Approved Applications: You will become a provincial nominee and receive a nomination package by email.
• Refused Applications: You will be informed by email with reasons for refusal. If you believe there was an error in the assessment, you may be eligible to request a reconsideration.