Empowering Rural Communities
Edson: A Vibrant, Welcoming Community
Edson is a vibrant, welcoming, multicultural community offering opportunities for those who seek them. The Town of Edson is proud to be a designated community under the Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Notice
RRS Employees and Employers – Changes to the AAIP/RRS Program (Effective January 1, 2026)
The Province of Alberta has implemented changes to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) / Rural Renewal Stream (RRS), effective January 1, 2026. The Town of Edson is committed to transparency so that employers and RRS employees can best manage their time and resources and to determine if the RRS program is the best fit.
The Town of Edson is not currently accepting applications for new endorsement letters. This pause will remain in place until we have a full understanding of the implications of the changes. We anticipate resuming application processing in late March. We apologize for any frustration or challenges this may cause for Town of Edson businesses and residents.
2026 RRS Allocation Limits
AAIP has confirmed that Edson has 25 RRS allocations available for 2026.
Due to the backlog of applications, it is unclear whether all 68 endorsement letters issued in 2025, or only some of them, will be included within these 25 allocations for 2026.
The Town is providing this information so employers and RRS employees can plan realistically and manage resources accordingly.
Employer Confirmation Requirements
In mid February, the Town of Edson sent letters to all employers requesting confirmation of their RRS employees.
- It is the responsibility of each employer to respond and confirm the employment status of their RRS workers.
- If an employee is no longer employed or has left Edson, their endorsement letter becomes invalid.
- To maintain accurate records, the Town may revoke endorsement letters for individuals who are no longer eligible based on the reasons above.
- If an employee is no longer employed or has left Edson, their endorsement letter becomes invalid.
- To maintain accurate records, the Town may revoke endorsement letters for individuals who are no longer eligible based on the reasons above.
AAIP Selection Process
The Town of Edson does not receive information about:
- Which applicants are drawn from the provincial AAIP pool
- Which applicants are passed over
- When the next draw will take place
However, AAIP has committed to providing the Town with quarterly updates on how many of Edson’s allocations have been used.
Once the 25 allocations are fully utilized for 2026, no additional allocations are available for Edson in 2026.
Updated Endorsement Letters
Endorsement letters are valid for one year. The Town may issue updated letters with a new date if:
- The employer and employee both continue to meet RRS program requirements
- Allocations remain available for the year
- The employer makes a request to the Town’s Economic Development Officer through email, no more than 2 months in advance
Employers Waiting for Endorsement Letters
If an employer is awaiting an endorsement letter for an employee, they may contact the Town’s Economic Development Officer for assistance.
Note on Town of Edson Staff Availability
The Town’s Economic Development Officer (EDO) manages a wide portfolio of programs, initiatives, and responsibilities. The RRS program is only one of many areas requiring attention.
Employers are kindly asked to be mindful of these time constraints and ensure communication is efficient and necessary. Time will be set aside weekly at the EDO’s discretion to manage the RRS responses from employers. The EDO and other Town staff will no longer be engaging in communication directly with employees or applicants of Endorsement Letters. The processes identified need to be followed.
Contact Information
AAIP – Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (Provincial Contact for Employees & Immigration Questions)
For all inquiries related to:
- Work permit or visa renewals
- AAIP/RRS application processing
- Status in the selection pool
Please contact AAIP directly:
Phone: 780 638 2843
Email: lbr.pnpoffice@gov.ab.ca
Mailing Address:
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
Suite 940, ATB Place North Tower
10025 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 1S6 alberta.ca
Employees
Employees are kindly asked not to contact the Town directly about immigration or endorsement letter matters.
Please direct all questions through your employer or contact AAIP using the information above.
Employers
For questions about endorsement letters, employers may contact their Town of Edson representative or the Economic Development Officer directly by email or phone.
Preparation and Information
Employers and candidate must meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Applications that do not meet the criteria will be declined.
Important Notes:
- Employer Fees Are Prohibited: Employers and employment agencies are not allowed to charge employees fees for a job or employment offer. For questions or to report concerns, contact the Alberta government information line at 310-0000 and ask for Employment Standards or the Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office.
- Participation Is a Privilege: Participation in the program is not a right.
The Town of Edson is not obligated to assess or process applications. All submissions will be evaluated based on the quality of the application (completeness and eligibility), labour market information, occupational supply and demand forecasting, program application volumes, and other factors at the discretion of the The Town of Edson.
By submitting an application to the Town of Edson’s Rural Renewal Stream Program, you acknowledge and agree that:
- Your application may not be approved in the order it was received, or at all.
- The decision to assess or process any particular application, as well as the outcome, is at the sole discretion of the Town of Edson’s Rural Renewal Stream Program.
Employers
- Employers located within the Town of Edson who are interested in participating in the Rural Renewal Stream to address labour gaps and support candidates in attaining permanent residency can visit the Employer Information Page.
- Whether or not a business is permitted to participate in the Rural Renewal Stream is at the sole discretion of the Town of Edson’s Rural Renewal Stream Program. Participation in the program is a privilege, not a right.
Candidates
- Candidates who are interested in obtaining permanent residency by living and working within the Town of Edson should visit the Candidate Information Page.
- Whether or not a candidate receives an endorsement letter is at the sole discretion of the Town of Edson. Participation in the program is a privilege, not a right.