Alberta's Rural Renewal: A Detailed Guide on Integrating into Rural Communities through Endorsements, Job Offers, and Community Growth.
Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream provides a strategic pathway for newcomers to contribute to the development of rural communities in Alberta. This program, designed to meet specific labor needs, is a vital part of the province's efforts to invigorate rural economies.
The Rural Renewal Stream is a community-driven approach aimed at attracting and retaining newcomers in rural Alberta. It enables communities to endorse candidates and work with employers to address local labor shortages. The stream falls under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and collaborates with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be endorsed by a designated community and meet the Rural Renewal Stream’s criteria. The eligibility extends to both temporary foreign workers and refugees under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). Key requirements include community endorsement, a valid job offer, relevant work experience, and compliance with the updated National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 standards.
Eligibility Requirements
Community Endorsement: A valid endorsement from the community’s Economic Development Organization (EDO) is required.
Job Offer Requirements: Must include a full-time, permanent position in an eligible occupation. Most occupations under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3 4 and 5 are eligible under the AAIP.
Work Experience: 1 year of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation in the past 18 months:
TEER 0/1 for job offer TEER 0
TEER 0/1/2 for job offer TEER 1
TEER 1/2/3/4 for job offer TEER 2/3
TEER 2/3/4/5 for job offer TEER 4
TEER 5 same occupation for job offer TEER 5
Licensing and Certification: Necessary for certain occupations.
Language Proficiency: Required level of language proficiency in English or French.
CLB 5 for TEER 0/1/2/3
CLB 4 for TEER 4/5
Education: High school or equivalent education, with an ECA for foreign credentials.
Settlement Funds: Demonstrated financial stability, especially for temporary foreign workers.
Key requirements include community endorsement, a valid job offer, and relevant work experience.
Ineligible Occupations
NOC 00010, TEER 0: Legislators
NOC 60040, TEER 0: Escort agency managers, massage parlor managers
NOC 41100, TEER 1: Judges
NOC 51111, TEER 1: Authors and writers (except technical)
NOC 51122, TEER 1: Musicians and singers
NOC 42200, TEER 2: Justices of the peace
NOC 53121, TEER 3: Actors, comedians, and circus performers
NOC 53122, TEER 3: Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists
NOC 53124, TEER 3: Artisans and craftspersons
NOC 53200, TEER 3: Athletes
NOC 33100, TEER 3: Dental laboratory bench workers
NOC 44100, TEER 4: Home childcare providers
NOC 44101, TEER 4: Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations
NOC 64321, TEER 4: Casino occupations
NOC 55109, TEER 5: Other performers
NOC 65229, TEER 5: Other support occupations in personal services
NOC 85101, TEER 5: Harvesting laborers
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who have completed a 2-year post-secondary program in a designated community are not required to have work experience.
Designated Communities
The table below provides a comprehensive list of these communities, along with their respective inclusions where applicable. This information is vital for potential applicants who are considering their options within the Rural Renewal Stream.
Community | Includes | Community | Includes |
City of Brooks | Town of Bassano, Village of Duchess, County of Newell, Village of Rosemary | Town of Whitecourt | - |
City of Grande Prairie | - | Town of Taber | Municipal District of Taber, Town of Vauxhall, Town of Coaldale, Town of Picture Butte, Lethbridge County, Town of Cardston, Town of Milk River, Town of Raymond |
Town of Innisfail | Town of Olds, Town of Bowden | Municipal District of Smoky River | Town of Falher, Village of Donnelly, Village of Girouxville |
County of Grande Prairie | Town of Sexsmith, Town of Wembley, Town of Beaverlodge, Village of Rycroft | Town of Trochu | Village of Acme, Town of Three Hills, Village of Linden |
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo | - | Municipality of Jasper | - |
County of Barrhead | Town of Barrhead | Town of Hinton | - |
Town of Fairview | Village of Hines Creek | City of Medicine Hat | County of Forty Mile, Cypress County, Town of Bow Island, Town of Redcliff |
Town of Fox Creek | - | City of Cold Lake | - |
County of St. Paul | Town of St Paul, Town of Elk Point, Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay | Town of Drayton Valley | - |
Town of Slave Lake | Sawridge First Nation, Municipal District of Lesser Slave River | City of Lloydminster | - |
City of Lethbridge | - | Town of Westlock | - |
Municipal District of Greenview No.16 | The Town of Valleyview | Town of Peace River | - |
Town of Sylvan Lake | - | City of Wetaskiwin | - |
Special Areas 2, 3, 4 | Town of Hanna, Town of Oyen, Village of Consort, Village of Empress, Village of Veteran, Village of Youngstown, Municipal District of Acadia No. 34 | Growth Regional Economic Development Alliance | Woodlands County, Town of Swan Hills, Town Mayerthorpe |
County of Northern Lights | Town of Manning | Town of Bonnyville | - |
Town of Two Hills | - | Lac La Biche County | Hamlet of Lac La Biche, Hamlet of Plamondon and Greater Region |
Town of High Level | - | Town of Didsbury | - |
Key Considerations
Work Experience: Must be IRCC-authorized if obtained in Canada. Work gained during studies, such as co-op placements, generally doesn’t count, except for PGWP holders with specific conditions. PGWP holders from Alberta post-secondary institutions might be exempt from the 12-month experience requirement.
Language Proficiency: Official language test results required, valid for less than 2 years. Accepted tests are CELPIP General Test, IELTS General Training Test, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.
Settlement Funds: Mandatory for temporary foreign workers, proving sufficient funds for initial settlement in Alberta.
Ineligible Applicants: Includes refugee claimants currently in Canada.
Application Process
The process involves obtaining community endorsement and then applying through the AAIP. This includes meeting various criteria set by the community and the AAIP, such as job offer requirements, licensing or certification, and language proficiency.
Conclusion
Navigating Alberta's Rural Renewal Stream is a journey filled with opportunities and unique experiences. This detailed guide has been crafted to provide you with a clear understanding of the process, the designated communities involved, and the essential criteria for applicants. At Immigrative Visa Services Inc., we are committed to guiding you every step of the way in this distinctive path to settling in Alberta's rural heartlands. Our team, equipped with expertise and insights into the nuances of this program, ensures that your application aligns with both the provincial requirements and your personal aspirations for life in Canada. Embrace your future in Alberta’s dynamic rural communities with confidence and informed clarity. Start this exciting chapter by reaching out for a personalized consultation with our experienced professionals today.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice regarding your specific immigration situation, it is recommended to consult with an authorized immigration professional.
About the Author:
This blog post is authored by Hossein Alavi, RCIC, a seasoned Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and the founder and CEO of Immigrative Visa Services Inc. and EduPal Canada. With over ten years of experience in the education and immigration sectors, he is dedicated to assisting individuals and companies with their Canadian immigration needs. Contact Immigrative Visa Services Inc. today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward realizing your Canadian dream.