Winkler Mayor Martin Harder is travelling to Vienna, Austria this November to encourage immigration.

Harder will represent Winkler at the Austrian Embassy, promoting the city and conducting interviews with potential immigrants he says will be a good fit.

"We have specific targets that we're looking for," Harder says. "We want people who are going to be able to be well-adjusted to the community."

Harder adds they're hoping to avoid immigration of convenience, "where you come and get into Canada and you go elsewhere, so we want to make sure the jobs that are available match the immigration initiative."

He is asking the local business community for input on what type of jobs are available in the city to match candidates with employment, and encourage long-term settlement in the community.

"I believe it has some economic impact for the community," Harder says.

While the interviews will take place in Vienna, he notes they will likely see many candidates from neighbouring countries as well.

"There's a lot of European immigrants who are here (Winkler) and saying the time is right, there's a lot of people who would like to move," he says. "And the opportunity is there."

He expects to see the first immigrants as a result of the trip over the winter and spring.