Saskatchewan Introduces Two New Immigration Pathways for Healthcare and Agriculture Workers

On August 30, 2024, Saskatchewan launched two new immigration pathways under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to address critical labour shortages in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. These initiatives aim to attract skilled workers to fill high-demand positions, furthering the province’s workforce development and economic growth.

“Saskatchewan continues to align its immigration program with current labour market needs. These new pathways will attract internationally skilled workers with industry-specific experience to fill in-demand jobs in healthcare and agriculture. With labour shortages reported across the country, creating new provincial immigration pathways and streamlining our credential recognition process will help employers in Saskatchewan acquire the workforce needed to grow their businesses,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison.

Health Talent Pathway

The new Health Talent Pathway aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the province. This pathway offers opportunities for individuals to secure permanent, full-time employment in Saskatchewan’s healthcare sector. There are two streams within this pathway: Non-Express Entry and Express Entry, each with specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Express Entry Stream

Candidates may qualify for the Non-Express Entry stream if they live outside of Canada or have proof of legal status in Canada (refugee claimants are not eligible). Key requirements include:

• Language Proficiency: A minimum English and/or French language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5. 
• Work Experience:
  • If currently working in Saskatchewan: At least six months (780 hours) of full-time work (30+ hours per week) with the employer who issued the Job Approval Letter.
  • If not working for the Saskatchewan employer full-time: One year of work experience in your occupation within the last five years is required.
• Licensing: Candidates must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing if required for their occupation.
• Education: Post-secondary education relevant to the job offer (e.g., Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, a three-year university degree, or a two-year diploma).
• Intent to Reside: Candidates must attest to their intent to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Job Offer: A valid, permanent, full-time healthcare sector job offer in Saskatchewan, supported by a SINP Job Approval Letter, is required.

The following high and intermediate-skilled health occupations are eligible under this stream:

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry Stream

The Express Entry stream provides priority processing with permanent residency applications expected to be processed in six months or less. Key requirements are:

• Express Entry Profile: A valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
• Language Proficiency: CLB 7 or higher in English and/or French.
• Work Experience: At least one year of high-skilled work experience in the candidate’s intended occupation within the past five years.
• Licensing: If required, the candidate must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing.
• Education: Relevant post-secondary education (e.g., a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, three-year degree, or two-year diploma).
• Intent to Reside: Must attest to an intention to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Job Offer: A valid job offer for a permanent, full-time healthcare sector job, with a SINP Job Approval Letter.

The following high and intermediate-skilled health occupations are eligible under this stream:

Agriculture Talent Pathway

The Agriculture Talent Pathway is designed to address labour shortages in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector, offering opportunities for individuals with experience in agriculture to secure permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for the Agriculture Talent Pathway

Key requirements include:

• Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB 4 in English and/or French.
• Education: Completion of secondary school (high school) or higher education.
• Work Experience:
  • One year of full-time work experience 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 Approval Letter.
• Intent to Reside: Must demonstrate an intent to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Job Offer: A valid offer for a permanent, full-time job in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector, supported by a SINP Job Approval Letter.

The following agricultural and related occupations are eligible under this stream:

NOC	DESCRIPTION
75101	Material handlers*
84120	Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
85100	Livestock labourers
85101	Harvesting labourers
85103	Nursery and greenhouse labourers
94140	Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing*
94141	Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers*
94143	Testers and graders, food and beverage processing*
94204	Mechanical assemblers and inspectors*
95106	Labourers in food and beverage processing*

SINP Program Closures

In addition to the introduction of these new programs, the province has also reshuffled some existing ones, resulting in the closure of several programs.

As announced by SINP Authorities, the following categories will be closed as of August 30, 2024: 

• Hard to Fill Skills Pilot 
• Hospitality Sector Project 
• Long Haul Truck Driver Project
• Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit 
• Health Professionals
  • Physicians 
  • Nurses 
  • Other Health Professionals

If you were planning to apply under any of the affected programs, now is the time to explore alternative pathways. Our team is here to help you navigate your options and find the best pathway for your immigration journey.

Why Choose Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan offers excellent opportunities for permanent residency for skilled workers in key industries like healthcare and agriculture. With a growing economy and welcoming communities, Saskatchewan is an ideal destination for individuals looking to build a future in Canada.

By meeting the specific eligibility criteria under these pathways, candidates can benefit from a streamlined immigration process and achieve long-term success in the province. 

Ready to Explore Your Future in Saskatchewan?

If you’re interested in these immigration pathways, our team of experts is here to help!

Whether you’re navigating the Express Entry system, applying through the SINP, or determining your eligibility, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.

Our experienced immigration consultants will assess your qualifications, provide personalized advice, and ensure your application has the best chance of success.

Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation and take the next step toward living and working in Saskatchewan. 

Let our experts help you secure your future in Canada!

The Team at Northern Connections Canada