Business Resources

Rural Renewal Stream for Employers

EMPLOYER ELIGIBILITY

Employers, candidates, and communities who wish to fill job vacancies using the Rural Renewal Stream must meet a series of criteria as outlined by the province.

The link provides a comprehensive description of the Rural Renewal Stream Program responsibilities and eligibility requirements.

STEP 1  Establish Eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and review the recommended support information to familiarize yourself with the expectations.

• Employers must meet all eligibility criteria under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) prior to issuing an offer of employment.
• There are some ineligible occupations.

In Summary:

• Employers must be incorporated, or registered by or under, an act of the legislature of a province, territory, or the Parliament of Canada, have a current Town of Swan Hills Business License and be operating within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Swan Hills.
• Employment offers or contracts must be signed by the employee and employer, and must provide:
  • Continuous, paid work in Swan Hills full-time work, defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week employment for 12 months or more
  • and wages and benefits that meet or exceed the lowest starting wage for your occupation across all industries in Alberta.
• Job Opportunities must be available to Canadians first, at the same pay and working conditions.
• Demonstrated effort to recruit locally, provincially and nationally is required.
• Employers are required to demonstrate knowledge of the responsibilities of welcoming newcomers and providing a warm and welcoming environment.

A business looking to participate in the program must demonstrate that they have knowledge of the employer’s responsibilities with respect to federal and provincial immigration laws and regulations.

The following links are information resources that prospective employers are encouraged to review prior to recruiting:

• The Employer’s Roadmap – Hiring & Retaining Internationally Trained Workers
• Employers Guide – Attracting & Retaining Immigrants
• A safe welcoming workplace creates an environment where all employees are valued and respected. For more information on safe and welcoming workplaces visit the Alberta Learning Information Services

STEP 2 Complete Employer Application

Upon confirming eligibility, you are invited to submit the Employer Application. The Swan Hills Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Committee will review, and approve when appropriate,  your application. When approved, you will receive an Employer Endorsement letter.

STEP 3 Begin Recruitment

Upon receipt of your Employer Endorsement letter, you may begin actively recruiting.

You are encouraged to post your job vacancy to any and all related industry or community job boards as you would routinely.

STEP 4 Choose a Candidate and Provide a Job Offer

When you’ve successfully found a qualified candidate, you must provide them with a bona fide job offer which meets industry conventions and legislative regulation.

You may now inform and apply to the GROWTH Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Committee to receive your endorsement to hire letter.

GROWTH Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Committee will also, most often concurrently, review the employee’s information. If your chosen candidate is eligible for the program, they will also receive an Endorsement letter. The candidate can then apply, through the Government of Alberta website, for nomination acceptance into the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)  The candidate will be able to prove pending employment. Upon their acceptance to that program, you will have successfully gained a new employee.

Congratulations!

STEP 5 Welcome and Mentor your Employee

Lastly, you will provide a welcoming environment, appropriate supports, guidance and mentor-ship to candidates hired through the program. Become familiar with the variety of local supports available to you, and your employees, through various agencies, particularly the Swan Hills Family and Community Support Services and the Swan Hills Municipal Library.

Rural Renewal Stream for Candidates

If you wish to live and work in the Town of Swan Hills you must meet a series of criteria:

• Receive a bona fide job offer from an eligible employer;
• Apply for immigration using the online Alberta Advantage Immigration Program portal.
  NEW:  An AAIP phone line that connects individuals with an AAIP staff member is now available.
  Staff will respond to your program inquiries and provide clarity on processes. This line offers an additional option to contact the AAIP, complementing the existing comprehensive suite of AAIP information and contact forms available online.
  Call: 780-644-7534.

One step at a time …

STEP 1 Ensure Eligibility and Review Responsibilities

Review, understand and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. When confident you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Apply for employment with approved employers. Job applications are made directly to the employer. 
• Receive a job offer. Congratulations!

STEP 2 

When you receive a bona fide job offer from an employer, your employer will advise the GROWTH Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Committee.

You may now submit your application to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

• NEW:  An AAIP phone line that connects individuals with an AAIP staff member is now available.
  Staff will respond to your program inquiries and provide clarity on processes. This line offers an additional option to contact the AAIP, complementing the existing comprehensive suite of AAIP information and contact forms available online.
  Call: 780-644-7534

Congratulations!

STEP 3

You will be notified by the Government of Alberta if you eligible for the AAIP program.

At the time your application is submitted and at the time the AAIP assesses your application, you must intend to and be able to work, reside, and settle in the Town of Swan Hills.

STEP 4 Get to know Swan Hills

Swan Hills has recreation facilities, programs and events to explore and a variety of social supports available to newcomers.

Town of Swan Hills

Swan Hills Municipal Library

Swan Hills School

Hospital and Healthcare

Facebook

Family and Community Support Services

Currently N/A