Saskatchewan, a thriving province in Canada, is making efforts to attract skilled immigrants with the introduction of two new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways. These pathways, designed to meet labor market needs, offer newcomers the chance to settle and build a future in the province.

Why Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan has long been an attractive destination for immigrants due to its robust economy, strong demand for skilled labor, and welcoming communities. The province’s economy is driven by key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and healthcare. With ongoing economic growth, Saskatchewan continues to face shortages of skilled workers, especially in rural areas. This gap is where the new PNP pathways come into play.

Understanding Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a cornerstone of the province’s immigration strategy. It allows the province to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on specific criteria tailored to meet its labor market needs. The PNP operates under two main categories:

1. Saskatchewan Express Entry
2. Occupations In-Demand

The introduction of two new pathways under the SINP aims to expand these existing categories, providing more targeted opportunities for skilled immigrants.

The two new Pathways

One of the most pressing needs in Saskatchewan is for workers in industries facing chronic labor shortages. The new pathways are designed to address this issue by targeting positions that are critical but hard to fill with the existing local workforce. The pathway will specifically focus on sectors of Agriculture and Health.

Agriculture Stream

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Saskatchewan’s economy, with the province exporting over $3.2 billion worth of products from four major crop sectors in 2023.

To qualify for this stream, potential candidates must meet a set of eligibility requirements, including the following:

• Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4. Some employers or regulatory bodies may require higher scores than CLB 4.
• Have completed at least secondary school (high school) or higher education.
• Possess at least one year of full-time work experience within the past three years in their intended occupation, or six months (780 hours) of full-time work (30+ hours per week) with the employer who has issued a Job Approval Letter. The work experience does not need to be consecutive in either case.
• Express a commitment to living and working in Saskatchewan.
• Hold an offer for a permanent, full-time job in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
• Candidates must also provide a valid SINP Job Approval Letter as proof of employment, which is obtained from their employer, who is required to be registered with the SINP.

Health Talent Stream: A Pathway for Healthcare Professionals in Saskatchewan

The Health Talent Stream offers healthcare professionals a unique opportunity to work and settle in Saskatchewan. The eligibility criteria for this pathway depend on whether the candidate has an active application in the federal Express Entry pool. However, there are some common requirements across both subcategories.

Common Eligibility Criteria

Regardless of Express Entry status, all candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Saskatchewan Licensing Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible for licensing in Saskatchewan if it applies to their occupation.
• Relevant Post-Secondary Education: Candidates must have a post-secondary education that aligns with their job offer. This could be:
• A master’s or bachelor’s degree.
• A three-year degree from a university or college.
• A diploma requiring at least two years of study at a university, college, trade school, technical school, or other post-secondary institution.
• Commitment to Reside in Saskatchewan: Candidates must demonstrate their intent to live and work in the province on a long-term basis.
• Additional Requirements for Non-Express Entry Candidates
• For candidates who are not in the Express Entry pool, there are additional criteria:
• Language Proficiency: They must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 5 in English and/or French. However, some employers or regulators may require a score higher than CLB 5.
• Work Experience: If applying from within Saskatchewan: Candidates must be currently employed in the province and have completed at least six months (780 hours) of full-time work (30+ hours per week) with the employer who provided the Job Approval Letter. The work experience does not have to be consecutive.

If they haven’t worked for their employer full-time for at least six months, they need one year of work experience in their occupation within the last five years.

Additional Requirements for Express Entry Candidates

Candidates with an Express Entry profile must meet the following conditions:

Express Entry Profile: They must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.

Language Proficiency: Candidates must have a CLB score of 7 or higher in English and/or French.

Work Experience:

Whether applying from inside or outside Canada, candidates must have at least one year of skilled work experience in their intended occupation within the past five years.

About the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The Health Talent Stream operates under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). In 2023, the province welcomed 7,350 newcomers through the SINP, and in 2024, Saskatchewan was allocated 8,000 nominations by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The province anticipates receiving nearly 20,000 newcomers by the end of 2025, with its allocation set to increase to 8,500.

Why Choose Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan is becoming a popular destination for newcomers to Canada due to several advantages:

• Lower Cost of Living: Compared to other major Canadian cities, housing and living expenses are more affordable.
• Low Provincial Tax Rates: Saskatchewan’s tax rates are lower, offering financial benefits to residents.
• Graduate Retention Program: This program refunds up to $20,000 in tuition fees for eligible graduates, including international graduates, who live in Saskatchewan and file a provincial tax return.

Conclusion

The Health Talent Stream is an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals seeking a clear pathway to permanent residency in Saskatchewan. Whether through the Express Entry system or directly via the SINP, this stream is tailored to meet the healthcare needs of the province while offering newcomers a fulfilling career and a bright future in Saskatchewan.