The Town of Claresholm is the only municipality in Alberta that can recommend immigrants for permanent residence
Claresholm, Alberta, opened applications for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) on February 11.
Located an hour and a half drive south of Calgary, the town of Claresholm will recommend up to 20 immigrants and their families for permanent residence in 2020.
The western-Canadian town is the latest community to open its doors to immigration candidates. The five communities now accepting applications through the pilot include:
- Brandon, Manitoba
- Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Vernon, B.C.
- Claresholm, Alberta
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is designed to support communities facing labour shortages by connecting employers with skilled immigrants.
Candidates are required to have an eligible job offer for a full-time permanent position in one of the participating communities.
Out of the 11 communities involved in the program, six have yet to start accepting applications:
- North Bay, Ontario
- Sudbury, Ontario
- Timmins, Ontario
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
- West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), British Columbia
Immigrating to Claresholm via the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
All candidates interested in applying for a recommendation through the RNIP must first meet the federal government’s eligibility requirements. They need at least one year of eligible work experience, meet language requirements, education requirements, as well as prove that they have enough funds to support themselves among other requirements.
After determining that they meet federal criteria, candidates may then create a profile on the Claresholm RINP Portal. Candidates may then apply for the jobs listed in the portal and are allowed to have up to three active applications at a time, but may withdraw at any time if a better opportunity arises. It is strongly recommended that candidates only apply for positions that align with their education and experience.
Once candidates receive a job offer, the Town of Claresholm may recommend that they become permanent residents. They will still need to apply for a work permit while their application is being processed.
