Edson Rural Renewal Program
Questions & Answers
Have questions regarding the Edson Rural Renewal Stream? Many are answered below.
How long does it take once I have the endorsement letter from the Town of Edson?
The province provides their processing time on their website. You should expect a processing time of at least six months to receive the provincial nomination. After that, you can apply for permanent residency through the federal portal, IRCC, which also takes at least six months to process. You can see the federal processing times on their website.
Where can I send requests for more information?
Please note that employers and candidates are responsible to ensure they are currently eligible.
For the Town of Edson, all inquiries must be directed through +1 (587) 742-8722.
For questions about AAIP, go to https://www.alberta.ca/contact-opportunity-alberta or email aaipoffice@gov.ab.ca.
Is the program open to candidates who are already in Canada?
Due to federal foreign worker reductions, the province is prioritizing applications for the Rural Renewal Stream from candidates with valid work permits expiring in or after 2025.
The Town of Edson has set an additional requirement that requires Candidates to live and work in Edson for a minimum 6 months before applying. Candidates that are not currently holding a valid work permit and/or not meeting the resident requirements will not be assessed by the Town of Edson for an endorsement letter.
Once I receive my endorsement letter, how soon do I need to apply to AAIP?
Once the letter of Endorsement is issued, the employee is expected to enter their application into the AAIP Portal as soon as possible. This is part of their commitment to the employer and the community. Processing times can be viewed on the AAIP website.
Do Employers Need to complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
The Rural Renewal Stream Program offers employers the opportunity to waive the LMIA for job vacancies by requesting a letter of endorsement from the Town of Edson. LMIA is not required for employers who recruit for vacant positions through this program.
I am an Immigration Consultant, can I represent a business?
If an Edson business has hired a representative, that representative is welcome to contact us and send in the application. The consultant must be licensed by the Town of Edson.
Employers and candidates do not require a consultant to represent them through this process and can call +1 (587) 742-8722 with questions or to request an appointment with the Town of Edson.
Consultants who knowingly misrepresent themselves or provide fraudulent information to the Town of Edson on behalf of their clients will be banned from participating in the program, representing any clients in the program, and reported to the respective authority for investigation.
Where can I see updates to the provincial program?
You can check the provincial website for updates.
How can Ukrainian Nationals Access the Rural Renewal Program?
The Rural Renewal Program is open to any eligible candidate who has a formal job offer from an approved employer, who is in Canada with valid temporary status, and who meets the requirements of the Rural Renewal Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program as well as Requirements set out by the Town of Edson.
I’m a local employer with labour needs. How do I know if the Rural Renewal Stream is the best option for me?
The RRS is a good option for employers who are having difficulties finding employees who are qualified to fill a given position and are willing to perform the work required.
What happens if the job doesn’t work out?
Both the employer and the employee still have their rights under the Employment Standards Code. Should the employer or employee choose to end the employment agreement, the employer must follow employment standards and regulations to terminate their employment. Once employment has been terminated, it is the responsibility of the employer to notify the Edson Economic Development Department, who will then notify AAIP of the change in status of the employee.
Can the Town of Edson answer specific questions regarding applications or candidates?
No. The best place to look for information on the Rural Renewal Stream Program and updates is the provincial page: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream.aspx
Up-to-date information on candidate eligibility and documents required can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream-eligibility.aspx
Where can I confirm my experience, education, and language, make me eligible under the Rural Renewal Stream for permanent residency?
The province site lists eligibility requirements here: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream-eligibility.aspx