Community Designation Requirements:

1. Population Criteria:
   • Communities must have a population of less than 100,000. Smaller communities with populations under 10,000 receive additional points.
   • They must be located outside the Calgary and Edmonton census metropolitan areas.
2. Employer Participation:
   • The community must have one or more employers willing to offer full-time, permanent jobs to newcomers.
   • These positions must be critical to meeting the local labor market needs.
3. Support Letters:
   • An endorsement letter from the community or town council is required to show local governmental support.
   • Additionally, an endorsement from a settlement service provider is necessary, indicating that support services are available for newcomers.

The designation ensures that communities are not only capable of attracting immigrants but also have the resources to support their settlement and integration.

Candidate Requirements

Once a community is designated, candidates can apply through the AAIP. They must meet several requirements to be eligible for the Rural Renewal Stream.

Key Candidate Requirements:

1. Endorsement from Designated Community:
   • Candidates need an endorsement letter from the designated community, confirming their intention to settle and work there.
2. Job Offer:
   • Candidates must have a full-time, permanent job offer for a minimum of 12 months and 30 hours per week.
   • The job must be in an eligible occupation that aligns with their skills and qualifications.
3. Licensing and Certification:
   • Candidates must possess valid licensing, registration, or certification as required by their job position in Alberta.
4. Work Experience:
   • A minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 18 months is required. This ensures that candidates have recent and relevant experience.
5. Language Proficiency:
   • Candidates must meet specific language requirements to ensure they can effectively communicate and integrate into the community.
6. Educational Qualifications:
   • Candidates need at least a Canadian high school education or an equivalent level of education from their home country.

These stringent requirements ensure that candidates are well-prepared to contribute to the local economy and integrate smoothly into the community.

Benefits of the Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream offers numerous benefits for both the immigrants and the communities involved.

For Communities:

• Addressing Labor Shortages: By attracting skilled workers, communities can fill critical gaps in their labor market, supporting local businesses and services.
• Economic Growth: New residents contribute to the local economy, increasing demand for goods and services and supporting local development projects.
• Population Growth: Attracting new residents helps counteract population decline and supports the sustainability of local institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities.

For Immigrants:

• Pathway to Permanent Residence: The program provides a clear pathway for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
• Employment Opportunities: Immigrants receive job offers in their field, ensuring they can utilize their skills and experience.

Community Support: Designated communities provide robust support systems, including settlement services, to help newcomers integrate successfully.