A Guide to the Alberta Rural Renewal Stream Program

Welcome to the Guide to the Alberta Rural Renewal Stream Program, an initiative designed to connect employers with qualified candidates under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. This comprehensive guide outlines the process for both employers and newcomer employees, offering valuable insights into eligibility criteria, application procedures, and post-endorsement steps.
 

1. Introduction to Rural Renewal Stream

Program Overview:

Alberta's Rural Renewal Stream, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, supports communities in addressing local labor shortages. The program aims to endorse eligible newcomers, facilitating their fast-tracked Canadian Permanent Residency. 
 

Benefits for Employers:

The Alberta Rural Renewal Stream Program is a powerful tool for employers looking to fill critical job vacancies. This will support workforce development by helping employers meet labour demands, expand the skilled workforce, and support community and economic growth. Here's why this program is advantageous for your business:
 

Access to a Diverse and Skilled Workforce:

• International Talent Pool: Gain access to a diverse pool of skilled workers from around the world, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to your team.

• Specialized Skills: For positions requiring specialized qualifications, the program helps connect employers with individuals possessing specific, in-demand skills.
   

Addressing Local Labor Gaps:

• Fill Challenging Positions: It is extremely challenging to find and keep good local employees due to large amounts of the skilled workforce retiring and a change in career goals for newer generations.

• Long term solution:  A lot of local workers have a tendency to work for only short periods at a time. This program guarantees employers a steady, full-time, dedicated workforce.
   

Fast-Track Permanent Residency:

• Streamlined Immigration Process: Endorsed candidates benefit from a fast-tracked immigration process, ensuring a quicker transition to permanent residency.

• A magnet for top-tier talent: The prospect of swift permanent residency serves as a powerful draw for exceptionally skilled professionals, providing employers with the opportunity to select and onboard outstanding employees
   

Community Integration and Support:

• Community Services: Newcomers and their families receive support in integrating into the community, ensuring a smoother transition and increased job satisfaction.

• Settlement Assistance: Access to settlement services helps employees thrive in the community, promoting long-term retention.
   

Ongoing Commitment:

• Program Updates: Regular updates and events strengthen connections between employers and newcomers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

• Sustainable Growth: The program's commitment to ongoing support ensures the steady and sustainable growth of the local labor force.
   

2. Employer Eligibility 
General Employer Criteria:

• Company must be incorporated or registered by or under an act of the legislature of a province, territory, or the Parliament of Canada.

• Operation as a business with an established production capability, plant, or place of business in Alberta with a valid business license.

• Full-time employment is being offered (continuous, 12 months or more) meeting Rural Renewal Stream criteria, including competitive wages and benefits.

• No Occupational Health and Safety complaints or health violations in the last 24 months.

• Good standing with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

• Demonstration of knowledge of employer responsibilities under federal and provincial immigration laws and regulations.

• Satisfactory efforts must be done in recruiting locally, provincially, and nationally (position posted for a minimum of two weeks).

• Demonstration of a welcoming workplace and awareness of risks in recruiting newcomers.

• Agreement to work with the Community Partnership to advance newcomer success in the community.
   

Program Limits:

• Eligible employers can recruit a maximum of 25% of their workforce through the Rural Renewal Stream.
   

Employer Application Process:

 

Step 1: Employer Applies to Partnership

• Employers with vacancies submit an application to the Rural Renewal Stream Community Partnership.

 

Step 2: Application Reviewed

• The Community Partnership reviews applications and may conduct an interview with the employer to determine eligibility and participation in the program.

 

Step 3: Vacancy Posted

• The employer’s vacancy is linked to the Canada Job Bank, Indeed, Canadianjoblistings.ca, and the community's Rural Renewal Stream Community Partnership job posting board.

 

Step 4: Candidate Applies for Job

• Prospective candidates review the job postings and apply directly to the employer for positions they are qualified for.

 

Step 5: Job Offered

• Qualified candidate receives a job offer from the employer for full-time, permanent work.

 

Step 6: Endorsement Letter Application

• The employer applies to the Community Partnership for a letter of endorsement on behalf of the candidate.

• The Request for Endorsement Letter Form will be provided directly to the employer upon approval.

 

Step 7: Endorsement Letter Issued

• The Community Partnership issues an endorsement letter directly to the candidate.

• Please note: To receive a letter of endorsement, candidates must receive a job offer from an employer approved by the Community Partnership.

 

Step 8: Candidate Applies for Provincial Nomination

• Candidate applies for provincial nomination through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Portal to receive a 204C letter from the Government of Alberta.

 

Step 9: Apply for Immigration and Work in Alberta

• Once the worker receives their 204C letter from the Government of Alberta, they must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship of Canada.
   

3. Job Eligibility and Approval

Types of Jobs:

• Routine Jobs: Positions up to and including managers.

• Specialized Qualifications Jobs: Jobs requiring unique skills or qualifications.
   

Job Approval Limits:

Due to current application volumes, each employer is approved for a maximum of three jobs per calendar year at any business location. Employers with specific needs can contact the program for potential exemptions.
 

Criteria for Routine Jobs:

• Valid Canadian work permit.

• Job offer or employment contract from an approved employer.

• Secured housing in the community.
   

Criteria for Specialized Qualifications Jobs:

• Qualifications include post-secondary education, licensing, senior practitioner experience, or a rare combination of skill sets.

• Higher salary expectations commensurate with unique skill levels.
   

4. Candidate Eligibility and Application

Eligibility Criteria for Candidates:

• Job offer or employment contract from an approved employer.

• Valid Canadian work permit or qualifications for jobs requiring specialized skills.

• Evidence of housing in the community.
   

Application Process:

Candidates must complete a Candidate Questionnaire, attaching necessary documents. The process map provided by the program outlines tasks for employers, candidates, and the program.
 

Endorsement Letters:

Approved candidates receive an Endorsement Letter to attach to their Alberta Advantage Immigration Program application. Letters are job- and person-specific, ensuring endorsement validity.
 

5. Ongoing Commitment

Program Updates:

The program, originally designed to support local employers, prioritizes candidates who are already contributing to the community. Regular updates and events, such as networking breakfasts and socials, aim to strengthen connections between newcomers and employers.
 

Support Resources for Employers

Employers play a crucial role in fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers through the Rural Renewal Stream. To help you create a positive workplace and navigate the process seamlessly, we recommend exploring the following resources:

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CLICK HERE FOR: The Employer’s Roadmap: Hiring & Retaining Internationally Trained Workers

• Published by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, this roadmap provides valuable insights into hiring and retaining internationally trained workers. It offers guidance on creating inclusive workplaces and understanding the responsibilities associated with the recruitment process.
   

CLICK HERE FOR The Guide to Attracting and Retaining Immigrants

• Developed by Alberta Employment & Immigration and Central Alberta Economic Partnership, this guide specifically focuses on attracting and retaining immigrants. It covers essential aspects of the employment process and offers valuable insights for employers seeking to enhance their workforce with skilled newcomers.
   

Feel free to explore these resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of best practices, legal considerations, and strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

For additional assistance or if you have specific questions related to the Rural Renewal Stream, don't hesitate to reach out to Global Staff Source for personalized guidance and support.