Employers are strongly encouraged to carefully review all eligibility criteria before applying. Particular attention should be given to the current AAIP application acceptance count for the year and the nature of the job being submitted.

Applications to the AAIP are assessed using a hierarchy of needs. This means that jobs deemed most critical to Alberta’s economy are prioritized, regardless of when the application was submitted. Each month, the AAIP processes only a limited number of the highest-ranking applications. Applications not selected are rolled over for re-evaluation and potential selection in subsequent months, based on the labour market demands at that time.

• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program – Processing times and application levels
• Job Offer and Employer Requirements

Employers with vacant job opportunities that they have been unable to fill locally, regionally, or within Canada may complete an application and submit it to Special Areas Regional Economic Development ecdev@specialareas.ab.ca or Harvest Sky Economic Development ecdev@harvestsky.ca

Rural Renewal Stream Employer Application Form – Special Areas Regional Economic Development

The Economic Development Office where the business is located will review the application and may conduct an interview with the employer to determine eligibility and gather additional information. Applications are evaluated and approved by the Economic Development Department. Incomplete applications will not be approved.

Once the application is deemed complete, the Economic Development Office will notify the employer of their application status and provide information on the next steps.

Once an employer's application is approved by Special Areas Regional Economic Development or Harvest Sky Economic Development, they are required to post the job on the Lynks Job Board and may also post it on the Lynks Rural Renewal Job Board. Approved employers are encouraged to continue advertising the position locally and across Canada to maximize visibility.

Candidates can review the job boards and apply directly to the employer for available positions.

Employers will follow their usual hiring process for foreign nationals, ensuring the applicant has a valid open work permit.

Approved employers contact the corresponding Economic Development Office to request an endorsement letter interview for an employee who has obtained the required supporting documentation.

Supporting Documentation Requirements

Approved employers must submit the following supporting documents for the employee before an endorsement letter interview will be conducted:

1. Work Experience
   • Proof of at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 18 months prior to the application.
   • This experience can include work in Alberta, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad, and must match the NOC code listed in the job offer.
2. Valid Work Permit
   • A copy of the employee’s valid open or closed work permit via LMIA.
3. Language Proficiency
   • Proof of results from one of the following language tests:
     • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test
     • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test
4. Educational Requirements
   • Documentation demonstrating the employee has completed:
     • At least the equivalent of a Canadian high school education, or
     • A foreign degree, diploma, or certificate.
5. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
   • Temporary foreign workers must provide an ECA issued by an organization designated by IRCC for their highest level of education unless they meet one of the following exemptions:
     • Hold a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized Canadian institution, or
     • Possess a valid Alberta Qualification Certificate or a trade certificate recognized by AIT.

Note: All documentation must be submitted by an approved employer before an endorsement letter interview will be conducted.

For any questions or to submit the documentation, contact the appropriate Economic Development Office at ecdev@specialareas.ab.ca or ecdev@harvestsky.ca

Once an Endorsement Letter Interview has been conducted and all requirements are met and approved, an endorsement letter will be issued by an economic development officer directly to the successful candidate. The employer will be notified once the letter has been issued.

NOTE: EMPLOYERS, MAYORS, TOWN COUNCIL, AND CAO’S MAY NOT ISSUE ENDORSEMENT LETTERS.

Please note that to receive a letter of endorsement, candidates must have received a bona fide job offer from an eligible and approved business within the Special Areas region for a position approved under the Special Areas Region Rural Renewal Stream.

Once the successful candidate receives their letter of endorsement, the candidate then applies for provincial nomination through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program to receive a 204C letter from the Government of Alberta.

Please note that at this point in the process, any questions about the application process or the application itself must be made to the Government of Alberta. 

Once the successful candidate receives the 204C letter from the Government of Alberta, the candidate applies to the Government of Canada via Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.