On August 30, the Saskatchewan government announced two new Provincial Nominee Programs under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program for new immigrants in Healthcare and Agriculture occupations.
Saskatchewan’s Immigrants and Career Training minister has stated that,
“Saskatchewan is aligning its immigration pathways with current immigration needs through the implementation of new pathways.”
“Saskatchewan’s new immigration pathways and improved credential recognition process aim to assist employers in acquiring the necessary workforce for business growth.” He stated, referring to the widespread reports of a labor shortage.
New Agriculture Talent pathways aim to “acquire the extra labor needed to fill emerging and in-demand positions in the agriculture sector.”
Agriculture is one of the key components of Saskatchewan’s economy. In 2023, this Canadian province exported goods worth over $3.2 billion across four major crop product categories.
The Saskatchewan Human Resources (HHR) action plan is intended to be supported by the Health Talent Pathway. “All health care recruitment through the SINP will be consolidated and streamlined under this single stream,” the province declares.
This article will provide you with complete details about the new Provincial Nominee Program. But, before proceeding, let us give you an overview of SINP(Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program).
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program – An Overview
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada allotted 8,000 nominations to Saskatchewan in 2024. The province welcomed 7,350 newcomers through the SINP in 2023. According to the province, by the end of 2025, when the allotment is scheduled to increase to 8,500, close to 20,000 newcomers are anticipated.
Consideration of Canada is beginning to flow toward the province. Housing costs are lower here than in other major Canadian cities. The Graduate Retention Program offers a $20,000 tuition refund to eligible graduates (including those from abroad) who file a Saskatchewan income tax return. Other benefits include low provincial tax rates and a lower cost of living.
Eligibility Criteria
Agriculture Talent Stream
Candidates must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible for this new stream:
- Holding a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) language score. Certain employers or regulators can request scores that surpass CLB. 4.
- Have finished their higher education or secondary school (high school).
- Possess a minimum of one year’s worth of full-time work experience within the last three years. (in the occupation they wish to pursue) or six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience (30+ hours per week) in the role with the employer who has given the applicant a letter of job approval. The work experience does not need to be consecutive in either scenario.
- Confirm that they intend to live and work in Saskatchewan.
- Have an offer for a full-time, permanent position in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.
Additionally, to become eligible under this stream. Candidates are required to provide proof of valid SINP job approval letter to employment proof. It is provided to them by their employer, who, in order to get it, must register with the SINP.
Health Talent Stream
Whether or not a candidate has an application in the federal Express Entry application pool determines the qualifying requirements for this pathway. Certain standards apply to both divisions, including:
- Eligible for Saskatchewan Licensing(if applicable to their profession or occupation)
- Holding a post-secondary education that is relevant to the job offer (a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a three-year degree from a college or university, or a diploma requiring two years of study at a trade or technical school, university, or other post-secondary institution).
- Demonstrate that they have an intent to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Further, candidates who are not eligible for Express Entry should also have a CLB level 5 in French and English language. Certain employers or authorities can require a higher score than the 5 CLB Level.
Candidates are also required to meet certain work experience requirements.
- Applying from inside Saskatchewan: Under this, candidates working in Saskatchewan have worked for at least six months (around 780 hours) full-time (30+ hours per week) with the employer who issued the job approval letter during the previous six months.
- However, in either, the work experience does not have to be consecutive.
- If the candidate has not worked for their supporting employer for at least six months, the candidate should have work experience for at least one year in their occupation within the last five years.
Candidates having their profile in the Express Entry Pool should:
- Have a valid express entry profile number and a job seeker code.
- Have scored a CLB level of 7 or higher in English or French language.
- Fulfill the following professional work experience requirements:
- If applying from within or outside of Canada: a year of highly competent corresponding job experience within the previous five years in their desired, qualified profession.
Conclusion
Saskatchewan has introduced two new Provincial Nominee Programs for new immigrants in Healthcare and Agriculture occupations. The Agriculture Talent pathways aim to fill emerging positions in the agriculture sector, which is a key component of the province’s economy.
Saskatchewan is an attractive destination due to lower housing, tax, and living costs. Eligibility criteria include a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark score, higher education, work experience, and a valid SINP job approval letter.
To know more details about the new SINP Program, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or [email protected]
