Saskatchewan launched Two New Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Skilled Workers

On August 30, 2024, Saskatchewan launched two new Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). These programs—the Agriculture Talent Pathway and the Health Talent Pathway—are designed to attract skilled workers to Saskatchewan’s growing agriculture and healthcare sectors.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these new pathways, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Overview of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) provides an immigration route for skilled workers. Through this program, the province can:

• Invite applicants who wish to settle in Saskatchewan and nominate them for permanent residency (PR).
• Help applicants gain Canadian PR through nomination, which is processed by the federal government.

Securing a nomination through the SINP is a significant step toward becoming a permanent resident in Saskatchewan. Once nominated, applications are forwarded to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for PR processing.

New Pathways: Agriculture Talent Pathway

One of the new programs under SINP is the Agriculture Talent Pathway. This pathway is designed for skilled workers in agriculture who want to build their careers in Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Criteria for the Agriculture Talent Pathway

To apply for the Agriculture Talent Pathway, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in language tests.
• Education: High school or higher education completion.
• Work experience: Either one year of full-time work experience in the intended job within the last three years, or six months (780 hours) of full-time work with the Saskatchewan employer who gave the job offer.
• Intent to live in Saskatchewan: Applicants must show a clear intention to live and work in the province.
• Job offer: Candidates must have a permanent, full-time job offer in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.

Eligible Occupations in Agriculture Talent Pathway

Here are some of the eligible occupations under the Agriculture Talent Pathway:

• NOC 75101 – Material handlers
• NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
• NOC 85103 – Nursery and greenhouse labourers
• NOC 94204 – Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
• NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing

A total of 10 National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are covered under this pathway. For the full list of eligible NOCs, refer to Saskatchewan’s official immigration website.

New Pathways: Health Talent Pathway

The Health Talent Pathway is another new immigration route for skilled workers in the healthcare sector. Saskatchewan’s healthcare system is facing a shortage of qualified professionals, and this pathway aims to fill those gaps.

Eligibility Criteria for the Health Talent Pathway

Eligibility for the Health Talent Pathway depends on whether or not the applicant is part of the federal Express Entry pool. Below are the general requirements:

General Requirements (for all applicants):

• Must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing (if required).
• Must have relevant post-secondary education, such as a master’s, bachelor’s, or a two- or three-year diploma.
• Must show intent to live and work in Saskatchewan.

Additional Criteria for Non-Express Entry Candidates:

• Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
• Work experience: Six months (780 hours) of full-time work in Saskatchewan with the employer who issued the Job Approval Letter, or one year of relevant work experience in the last five years.

Additional Criteria for Express Entry Candidates:

• Must have a valid Express Entry profile and Job Seeker Code.
• Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.
• Work experience: One year of skilled work experience in the last five years in the intended occupation (if applying from outside Canada).

Eligible Occupations in Health Talent Pathway

Here are some of the eligible healthcare occupations for this pathway:

• NOC 30010 – Managers in healthcare
• NOC 32112 – Dental technologists and technicians
• NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
• NOC 32100 – Opticians
• NOC 31103 – Veterinarians

A total of 44 NOC codes are included in this pathway.

Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category

Saskatchewan also offers an Express Entry sub-category for skilled workers who are already in the federal Express Entry pool and want to live and work in the province. Applicants from both inside and outside Canada can apply.

Requirements for Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category

To qualify, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Must have an Express Entry profile, with a job seeker validation code and profile number.
• Must score at least 60 points in the SINP points assessment grid.
• Must have valid language test results matching those in the Express Entry profile.
• Must have completed post-secondary education comparable to Canada’s education system. Degrees or diplomas obtained outside Canada require Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Must meet work experience requirements, which include:
  • One year of skilled work experience in a non-trade profession in the last 10 years.
  • Two years of skilled trade work experience in the last five years.
  • One year of skilled work experience in Canada (non-trades or trades) in the last three years.
• Must have work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation not on Saskatchewan’s excluded list.
• Must obtain the proper licensure if working in a regulated trade or profession.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan’s two new PNP pathways, the Agriculture Talent Pathway and the Health Talent Pathway, provide excellent opportunities for skilled workers in these sectors. By addressing labour shortages, these programs ensure that Saskatchewan’s economy can continue to grow. Whether you are already in Canada or looking to move to Saskatchewan from abroad, now is the time to explore these exciting opportunities.

Navigating the complex world of immigration can be daunting, especially with new pathways being introduced. Eduland Immigration, based in Chandigarh, India, provides expert advice and guidance for people looking to settle or study abroad. With over 17 years of experience, Eduland Immigration helps individuals and families through each step of the immigration process.

Whether you’re interested in the new Saskatchewan PNPs for skilled workers in agriculture or healthcare, or you’re looking for more general immigration support, Eduland Immigration is here to help. Contact us at 1800-137-5588 (toll-free), WhatsApp at +91 99155 62155, or email contact@edulandimmigration.com for personalized advice.