Saskatchewan Launches Two New Immigration Pathways for Agricultural and Healthcare Candidates

New Immigration Pathways for Agricultural and Healthcare: The Government of Saskatchewan announced two new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways on August 30 under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) for migrants in healthcare and agriculture occupations.

Saskatchewan’s Immigration and Career Training Minister, Jeremy Harrison, stated that the new pathways are yet another way the province is ensuring that its immigration program meets current requirements.

“He stated that the establishment of new provincial immigration pathways and the simplification of the credential recognition process will assist employers in Saskatchewan in obtaining the workforce necessary to expand their businesses, given the widespread labour shortages reported throughout the nation.”

The objective of the new Agriculture Talent pathway is to “accommodate the growing labour force required to fill emerging and in-demand positions within the agriculture sector.”

Saskatchewan’s economy is significantly influenced by agriculture. In 2023, the province exported over $3.2 billion in four critical agricultural product sectors.

The Health Talent Pathway is designed to assist Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources (HHR) action plan. According to the province, “This single stream will consolidate and streamline all health care recruitment through the SINP.”

Agriculture Talent Pathway

The Agriculture Talent Pathway is designed to help farmers and other employers in the agricultural sector cope with current labour shortages. Key eligibility criteria include:

• • Language proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English and/or French
  • Education: Completion of secondary school or higher

• Work experience:

• • One year of full-time work in the intended occupation within the last three years or
  • Six months (780 hours) of full-time work with the employer who provided the job offer
• Intent to reside in Saskatchewan
• Permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible agricultural occupation in Saskatchewan

The following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are eligible under this pathway:

Health Talent Pathway

The primary objective of the new Health Talent Pathway is to address the province’s increasing need for qualified healthcare professionals. This pathway allows individuals to obtain permanent, full-time employment in Saskatchewan’s healthcare sector. 

This pathway has two segments: Express Entry and Non-Express Entry, each with its own set of eligibility requirements. The Health Talent Pathway aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan. It has two streams: Non-Express Entry and Express Entry.

For the Non-Express Entry stream, key eligibility criteria include:

• • Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in English and/or French

• Work experience:

• • If currently working in Saskatchewan: Six months (780 hours) of full-time work with the employer who provided the job offer
  • If not working for the Saskatchewan employer full-time: One year of work experience in the occupation within the last five years
• Licensing: Eligible for Saskatchewan licensing if applicable to the occupation
• Education: Post-secondary education relevant to the job offer (e.g., Master’s, Bachelor’s, or three-year degree, or a two-year diploma)
• Intent to reside in Saskatchewan
• Permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible healthcare occupation in Saskatchewan

The following healthcare occupations are eligible under the Non-Express Entry stream:

Foreign skilled workers in the Express Entry pool can also apply for the Health Talent Pathway and potentially obtain permanent residency in Canada within six months or less.

These new immigration pathways are expected to help Saskatchewan employers acquire the workforce needed to grow their businesses and address labour shortages in the agricultural and healthcare sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry Stream

Permanent residency applications are anticipated to be processed within six months or less through the Express Entry stream, which offers priority processing. The primary requirements are as follows:

• Express Entry Profile: A valid Job Seeker Code and Express Entry Profile Number.
• Language Proficiency: CLB 7 or higher in French and/or English.
• Work Experience: At least one year of high-skilled work experience in the candidate’s intended occupation within the past five years.
• License: The candidate must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing if necessary.
• Education: Post-secondary education that is pertinent (e.g., a two-year diploma, three-year diploma, or Master’s or Bachelor’s degree).
• Intent to Reside: Must provide evidence of a desire to reside and work in Saskatchewan.
• Employment Offer: A SINP Job Approval Letter is a valid employment offer for a permanent, full-time position in the healthcare sector.

This stream is open to the following high- and intermediate-skilled health occupations:

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a key immigration pathway that allows the province of Saskatchewan to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada. This program is designed to meet the province’s specific labour market needs by attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the local economy.

Categories of SINP

The SINP is divided into several main categories:

• International Skilled Worker Category: This category targets foreign workers with skills and experience that are in demand in Saskatchewan. It includes three streams:
  • Saskatchewan Express Entry: For candidates with active profiles in the federal Express Entry system.
  • Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupation: For applicants whose skills match occupations that are currently in demand in the province.
  • International Skilled Worker with Employment Offer: For skilled workers who have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
• Saskatchewan Experience Category: This category is for foreign nationals who are already working and residing in Saskatchewan on a valid work permit. It includes several streams, such as:
  • Existing Work Permit
  • Health Professionals
  • Hospitality Sector Project
  • Long-Haul Truck Driver Project
  • Students
• Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators Category: This stream is designed for individuals who wish to purchase and operate a farm in Saskatchewan. It targets those with demonstrated farming experience and significant net worth.
• Entrepreneur Category: This category is for individuals who want to start a business in Saskatchewan. It includes streams for entrepreneurs and international graduate entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the SINP, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which may vary by category. Generally, candidates need to:

• Score a minimum of 60 points on the SINP Points Assessment Grid, which evaluates factors such as education, work experience, language ability, age, and connection to the Saskatchewan labour market.
• Provide proof of legal status if currently residing in Canada.
• Demonstrate sufficient language proficiency, typically requiring a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
• Have relevant work experience in an occupation classified as NOC (National Occupational Classification) Skill Type 0, A, or B, or in a designated trade.
• Submit supporting documentation, including proof of employment, educational credentials, and settlement funds.

Points Assessment Grid

The SINP Points Assessment Grid evaluates candidates based on the following factors:

Application Process

The application process for the SINP typically involves the following steps:

• Determine Eligibility: Candidates should assess their eligibility based on the specific category they wish to apply under.

• Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including language test results, educational credentials, work experience letters, and proof of settlement funds.

• Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): For certain categories, candidates may need to submit an EOI to indicate their interest in the program.

• Receive Nomination: If selected, candidates will receive a provincial nomination certificate, which allows them to apply for permanent residency with IRCC.

• Apply for Permanent Residency: After receiving the nomination, candidates can submit their application for permanent residency through the federal system.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is an essential tool for the province to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to address labour shortages and stimulate economic growth. With its various categories and tailored pathways, the SINP provides a viable route for individuals seeking to make Saskatchewan their new home.