The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is set to implement major changes to its Rural Renewal Stream (RRS) starting January 1, 2026, aiming to better manage nominations and support rural economic priorities.
The changes come as interest in the program has surged, leading to endorsement volumes exceeding available nomination spaces. To address these pressures, AAIP is introducing several new measures, including allocation limits for endorsements in each designated community, a one-year validity period for Endorsement of Candidate Letters, and a TEER-based endorsement model.
Additionally, foreign nationals applying from within Canada will now need a valid work permit at the time of application and assessment, ensuring candidates are actively contributing to Alberta’s workforce.
AAIP officials say the changes align with provincial priorities such as rural development, economic diversification, and targeting high-demand occupations. The program’s redesign aims to balance demand with the province’s capacity to nominate new residents under the reduced allocation set by the Government of Canada.