Immigration pilot project explained

Immigration Open House

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer

Claresholm is one of just 11 communities across Canada, and the only one in Alberta, selected for a Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. Brady Schnell, the town’s economic development officer, is heading up the program and he explained it to those gathered at the Claresholm Community Centre for an open house on immigration put on by the Town of Claresholm on Nov. 9.

He emphasized this is an economic development program, not a refugee settlement program. Schnell stressed there are several requirements candidates must meet.

Those include a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent; and meeting a Canadian English language benchmark. Individuals must have $8,700 in unencumbered funds in the bank.

A family of four must have about $17,000 in unencumbered funds. They must have a job offer from a designated employer, and candidates need 1,570 hours of continual work experience in the last three years in the same career.

The level of experience must match the job too. The candidate must also be recommended by the economic development committee. Over the coming month, Schnell said, the committee will be developing the criteria specific to Claresholm for these immigrants.

Right now, there are 19 employers in Claresholm interested in the program. Schnell then went through the step-by-step guide to permanent residence.

Communities are selected to participate in the pilot. The community and/or employer approaches a prospective candidate; or a prospective candidate approaches the community and/or employer. The candidate submits an application for endorsement. The community reviews the applications and selects “best fit” candidates.

The community endorses the candidate, making them eligible to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.The candidate submits a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The candidate is assessed against federal selection criteria and admissibility requirements.

The candidate obtains permanent residence. The community welcomes the candidate and family members and provides services to support their settlement and immigration.