Community Endorsement Letters are issued based on a successful application review. Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to local intake limits and eligibility.
Rural Renewal Stream
Intake Currently Closed
Upcoming Intake Periods:
August Intake: August 1-8, 2025
September Intake: September 1-8, 2025
A Pathway to Support Local Workforce Needs
The Rural Renewal Stream (RRS), a pathway under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), supports rural communities in attracting and retaining skilled workers when no suitable Canadian candidates are available.
The Town of Westlock participates in this program to assist local employers only. We help eligible businesses apply for a Community Endorsement Letter, which candidates may then use to apply for permanent residency through the Province of Alberta.
To ensure the integrity and success of the program, the Town limits the number of employer applications accepted each month. This allows staff to provide focused support, manage the complexity of the process, and help ensure strong outcomes for both businesses and endorsed candidates.
Important:
The Town works only with employers.
- Candidates must apply through the Province of Alberta and not contact the Town directly. For detailed information, visit the AAIP website: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream.
This program contributes to workforce stabilization, long-term settlement, and a welcoming community for newcomers who help build a stronger Westlock.
Employer Information
RRS Application Process (Employer-Driven)
This process is exclusively for employers. The Town of Westlock assists eligible businesses apply for a Community Endorsement Letter, a key step in supporting foreign workers on their path to permanent residency.
We do not work directly with individual candidates or provide immigration advice. The 5 steps below outline the process for employers only.
1. EMPLOYER PRE‑SCREENING FORM
The intake portal opens during the first week of each month. Once 10 forms are received, the intake will close. This form helps determine if your business is eligible to proceed.
2. EMPLOYER APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Pre-screened employers will be invited to submit a full Employer Application Form, along with all required documentation, within 7 days.
3. PROCESSING FEE PAYMENT
A non-refundable $350 fee must be paid within 3 business days of submitting your application. If payment is not received in time, the application will be withdrawn and must restart at the next intake.
4. APPLICATION REVIEW
The Town will complete an administrative review of your application within 2–4 weeks. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be rejected and must re-enter the process from Step 1.
5. ENDORSEMENT LETTER ISSUED
If approved, a Community Endorsement Letter will be issued to both the employer and the candidate.
NEXT STEP: CANDIDATE APPLIES TO AAIP (Province of Alberta Role)
Once the Endorsement Letter is received, the candidate may apply for permanent residency through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This step is handled directly by the Province of Alberta, not the Town:
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream-eligibility.
Candidate Information
Candidate Eligibility Overview
While the Town does not work directly with candidates, the following eligibility criteria must be met for consideration by AAIP:
- Reside in Canada with a valid work permit (minimum 12 months remaining)
- Meet education, experience, and licensing requirements
- Meet language and settlement fund criteria
- Have a valid job offer aligned with eligible TEER 0–5 occupations
- Not be working in an ineligible occupation under AAIP
- Meet AAIP Candidate Eligibility Requirements: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream-eligibility
Note: Only candidates currently residing in Canada will be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate an existing employee?
Yes — provided the employee has worked in the position for at least 60 days, holds a valid work permit, and meets all other criteria.
Can I apply on behalf of a candidate outside Canada?
No — the Town of Westlock only endorses candidates currently residing in Canada with a valid work permit.
Is AAIP nomination the same as work permit renewal?
No — candidates must still apply to IRCC for a work permit extension if needed.
Where can I advertise my job posting?
- Canada Job Bank
- Indeed Canada
Where can I find participating employers in the Rural Renewal Stream program?
The Town of Westlock does not maintain a public list of participating employers. We recommend checking Indeed Canada and the Canada Job Bank for current job postings from employers seeking workers under this program.
If you’re a candidate, please visit the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) website for detailed eligibility requirements, application instructions, and contact information: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream-overview
The Town of Westlock is not involved in individual immigration applications and cannot respond to candidate inquiries.
Contact Us
Town of Westlock
Planning & Development
10003–106 Street,
Westlock, AB T7P 2K3
Phone: 780‑349‑4444
Email us: planning@westlock.ca