Frequently Asked Questions

Program Update:

Effective February 20, 2025, the Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration program for the City of Medicine Hat and the Town of Bow Island is temporarily paused. This decision follows recent Federal and Provincial immigration policy changes that have lowered immigration allocation spaces throughout the province. During this time, no new applications will be accepted. All applications received before this date will be duly processed.

The status of the program in Medicine Hat is currently under review. A resumption date will be announced in March 2026 on the MHED website, newsletter, and social media channels. Thank you for your understanding.

For the most accurate information on processing times and inventory, be sure to check the AAIP website.

I just submitted a request to participate form, and I am awaiting an employer consultation. Will my application still be considered?

Yes, you will be contacted to schedule an employer consultation and follow through with the next steps as per the current process.

I am already a participating employer who has supported candidates in the past. Can I submit new job offer forms?

We will not be accepting new job offer forms. Any new job offers submitted after the pause will be declined.

I submitted a job offer form before the pause was announced, what happens to my candidate?

We will review all job offer forms for accuracy and proceed with the next steps as per the current process.

Does the pause affect candidates who have received an endorsement letter or are in the provincial queue?

No. The Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration will maintain the Rural Renewal designation with the province. All endorsement letters issued before or after the pause are still considered valid.

I have employees whose work permits are expiring this year, and they have not received a draw. What can I do?

For expert advice on actions to take regarding expiring work permits, kindly reach out to a registered immigration consultant/lawyer.

Is the Rural Renewal program resuming in January 2026?

A resumption date is unknown at this time. The program will be evaluated in January 2026 and a decision will be posted once decided.

My endorsement letter is expiring/ has expired, how can I renew it?

An endorsement renewal process has not yet been established. Once decided, candidates will receive an email about the renewal procedure.

If my work permit expired before getting an ITA to apply to the Province, can the city provide a work permit extension?

No, the city is unable to provide work permit extensions. The City only administers the Rural Renewal Program. For work permit extensions and enquiries, kindly contact a registered immigration consultant/lawyer

Still have questions?

Contact us.

Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration
533 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 0A9
Email: immigration@medicinehat.ca

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533 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 0A9
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Email: immigration@medicinehat.ca

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533 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 0A9