In a strategic move to bolster its immigration system and address critical labor shortages, the Government of Saskatchewan has unveiled two innovative talent pathways under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

These newly introduced pathways are designed to attract skilled workers to two essential sectors: healthcare and agriculture. This development represents a significant step in enhancing Saskatchewan’s appeal as a premier immigration destination, aiming to meet the growing demands in these pivotal industries.

Understanding the New SINP Pathways

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has long been recognized for its commitment to facilitating the immigration process for skilled workers. The introduction of two specialized pathways—one for healthcare professionals and the other for agriculture workers—underscores the province’s proactive approach to addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth.

1. Health Talent Pathway

The Health Talent Pathway is tailored to attract healthcare professionals from around the globe. This initiative responds to the persistent global demand for healthcare workers and aims to strengthen Saskatchewan’s healthcare system by drawing in skilled professionals.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Express Entry Candidates:
For those applying through the Health Talent Pathway outside the Express Entry system, the requirements include:

• Legal Status: Candidates must be residing outside Canada or have legal status within the country, excluding refugee claimants.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5. Depending on the specific job or regulatory body, a higher CLB score may be necessary.
• Work Experience: Candidates should have either six months of full-time work experience in Saskatchewan with their current employer or at least one year of relevant experience in the last five years.
• Educational Qualifications: A post-secondary degree or diploma related to the job offered is required. This includes Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees or a two- to three-year diploma from a recognized institution.
• Job Offer: Applicants must secure a job offer from a Saskatchewan healthcare employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
• Licensing: If required, applicants must be eligible for licensing in Saskatchewan and provide proof of their intent to reside in the province permanently.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry Candidates:
For those already in the IRCC’s Express Entry pool:

• Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB 7 in English or French is required.
• Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience within the past five years in the intended occupation in Saskatchewan.
• Licensing and Intent: Similar to the non-Express Entry stream, candidates must be eligible for licensing and show a clear intent to live in Saskatchewan.

2. Agriculture Talent Pathway

The Agriculture Talent Pathway is designed to address the labor shortages in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector—a critical part of the province’s economy. This pathway is open to international workers with relevant skills and experience in agriculture-related fields.

Eligibility Criteria for the Agriculture Talent Pathway:

The criteria for this pathway are similar to those of the Health Talent Pathway but are tailored to meet the needs of the agriculture sector. Candidates must:

• Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in the agriculture sector.
• Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Show work experience and educational background related to agriculture.
• Meet Language and Licensing Requirements: Fulfill language proficiency and licensing requirements, if applicable.

Who Cannot Apply Through the Health Talent Pathway?

Certain conditions disqualify applicants from using the Health Talent Pathway:

• Refugee Claimants: Those currently in Canada as refugee claimants cannot apply through this pathway.
• Incomplete Applications: Failure to submit the required documentation at the time of application is grounds for disqualification.
• Lack of Intent to Reside: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intent to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Misrepresentation: Any intentional misrepresentation during the application process will lead to ineligibility.

Application Process for SINP Pathways

Applying for the new SINP pathways involves a clear and structured process:

1. Job Offer: Candidates must obtain a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in their respective field. The employer must be registered with the SINP and provide a Job Approval Letter.
2. Account Creation: Applicants need to create an account on the SINP portal. They must complete all required sections and upload documents in PDF format, keeping original documents for personal records.
3. Submission: After completing the application and uploading all necessary documents, candidates can save and submit their application online.

Using Immigration Representatives

While using an immigration representative or consultant is not mandatory, those who choose to do so should ensure their representative is licensed. Representatives must be either:

• Lawyers: Licensed by a provincial law society.
• Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs): Authorized by the Government of Saskatchewan.

It is crucial for applicants to understand their rights and the legal protections available to foreign workers in Saskatchewan, which include measures against exploitation and abuse.

Key Occupations in the Health Talent Pathway

The Health Talent Pathway covers a broad spectrum of occupations within the healthcare sector. Key roles include:

• Managers in Health Care (NOC 30010)
• Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100)
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)
• Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
• Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 32124)
• Home Support Workers and Caregivers (NOC 44101)

These positions represent just a portion of the roles eligible under this pathway, reflecting Saskatchewan’s commitment to attracting a diverse array of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of its growing population.

A New Era for Saskatchewan’s Immigration

The introduction of these two new talent pathways under the SINP signifies a major advancement in Saskatchewan’s immigration strategy. By focusing on critical sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, the province is addressing essential labor shortages while providing a structured and transparent pathway for skilled workers to establish themselves in Saskatchewan.

These pathways not only contribute to the economic development of the province but also reinforce Saskatchewan’s position as a welcoming and dynamic destination for immigrants. As Saskatchewan continues to innovate and adapt its immigration system, these new pathways will play a pivotal role in shaping the province’s workforce and supporting its long-term growth and prosperity.