Skip to content

Notifications

Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. See how to send and receive government mail during this time. 

AI search tool

Try our new Search AI tool as an alternative to the search below to improve your experience on Alberta.ca using artificial intelligence. See the AISearch fact sheet for more information.

Popular topics:

Part of AAIP application streams

Rural Renewal Stream

Rural communities can apply for designation with the intent to attract and recruit newcomers to address labour needs and settle newcomers.

Explore pages in:
Rural Renewal Stream

Read important program and fee updates to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and its 8 intake streams.

Introduction

The Rural Renewal Stream supports the attraction and retention of newcomers to rural Alberta through a community-driven approach that supports local economic development needs and contributes to the growth of the community. The Rural Renewal Stream empowers rural communities to recruit and retain foreign nationals to live, work and settle in their communities.

In focus

How to apply to AAIP worker streams
Application process to be nominated for any of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) worker streams.
Rural Renewal Stream – Eligibility
Find out if you meet the criteria to apply to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program - Rural Renewal Stream.
Rural Renewal Stream – After you are nominated
After your nomination is accepted, you may apply for permanent residence or to extend your work permit or nomination.

Designated communities

Communities and employers can:

  • work on their own to recruit foreign workers – once nominated, temporary foreign workers can qualify to work while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application, or
  • work with an approved non-governmental organization, also referred to as a Designated Referral Partner, to recruit and retain refugees under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). Designated referral partners assist in identifying candidates abroad with the skills and experience, and who meet the EMPP program criteria, to facilitate a match with local employers in designated rural Alberta communities:
    • The EMPP is a partnership between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
    • The AAIP can nominate refugees for permanent residence through its Rural Renewal Stream and provide priority processing on a provincial level. EMPP applicants arrive to Alberta as permanent residents. This is considered the Regional EMPP program.

Communities must apply for and become designated before they can recruit and endorse candidates for the Rural Renewal Stream. Candidates endorsed by the community who meet eligibility requirements either temporary foreign worker or EMPP refugee can apply for nomination.

Learn more about designated communities.

Employer fees are illegal

Employers and employment agencies cannot charge employees fees for a job or employment offer. If an employer is charging you a fee of any kind we can help. Call the Alberta government information line at 310-0000 and ask for Employment Standards or the Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office.

Contact

Connect with us if you have questions about the program:
Use the Opportunity Alberta Feedback contact form. 

Back to AAIP application streams
Next Eligibility