On August 30, Saskatchewan unveiled two new Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams for skilled workers under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), targeting skilled workers in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. By attracting immigrants with experience in these in-demand fields, these new routes hope to bolster Saskatchewan’s labor force and foster economic expansion.

Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Immigration and Career Training, stressed that the new routes are intended to match the immigration program of the province with the demands of the present. “Introducing new provincial immigration pathways and streamlining our credential recognition process will assist Saskatchewan employers in securing the workforce needed to grow their businesses,” the speaker said, referring to the widespread reports of a labor shortage nationwide.

In order to help fill rising and in-demand positions, the new Agriculture Talent Pathway was created expressly to meet the expanding demand for labor in the agriculture sector. Saskatchewan’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture; in 2023, the province exported more than $3.2 billion in four major crop product categories.

Strengthening Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources (HHR) action plan is the goal of the Health Talent Pathway. The province announced that this one channel will serve as the hub for all health care recruitment under the SINP, streamlining the process of attracting medical experts to Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Criteria for Saskatchewan’s New PNP Pathways 

Agriculture Talent Stream

To be eligible for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), potential candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4. Certain employers or regulators may require higher scores.
  • Education: Have completed secondary school (high school) or a higher level of education.
  • Work Experience: Possess at least one year of full-time work experience in their intended occupation within the past three years. Alternatively, they must have completed six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience (30+ hours per week) in the specific job for which they have received a Job Approval Letter. The work experience does not need to be consecutive in either case.
  • Intent to Settle: Clearly express their intention to work and reside permanently in the province of Saskatchewan.
  • Job Offer: Have a confirmed offer for an eligible permanent, full-time position in the agricultural sector of Saskatchewan.

Additionally, candidates must possess a valid Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Job Approval Letter as proof of their employment offer. Their prospective employer issued this letter after they registered with the SINP.

Health Talent Stream

The qualifying requirements for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) differ based on whether the applicant has previously submitted an application through the federal Express Entry system. Nonetheless, both subcategories share the same criteria:

  • Licensing Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing, if applicable to their intended occupation.
  • Education Requirements: A post-secondary education is required, such as a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, three-year degree, or diploma from a recognized institution. The education must be relevant to the job offer.
  • Intent to Settle: Candidates must clearly express their intention to work and reside permanently in the province of Saskatchewan.

Candidates who are not eligible for Express Entry must additionally meet the following criteria:

  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 in English or French. Certain employers or regulators may require higher scores.
  • Work Experience (Saskatchewan Residents): If currently residing in Saskatchewan, candidates must have completed six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience (30+ hours per week) in the specific job for which they have received a Job Approval Letter.
  • Work Experience (Non-Saskatchewan Residents): If they have not been working full-time for their supporting employer for at least six months, candidates must have at least one year of relevant work experience within the past five years.

Candidates with existing profiles in the Express Entry application pool must:

  • Express Entry Credentials: Possess a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 or higher in English or French.
  • Work Experience: Have at least one year of high-skilled related work experience in their intended eligible occupation within the past five years, regardless of their current location.

Overview of the SINP 

The popularity of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has increased recently. Through the initiative, 7,350 newcomers were welcomed to the province in 2023, and 8,000 nominations have been set aside for 2024. Saskatchewan anticipates about 20,000 new arrivals by the end of 2025 and an enhanced allotment of 8,500 nominations, indicating that this trend will continue.

Moreover, the popularity of Saskatchewan is rising for a number of reasons. In comparison to other major Canadian cities, the province offers more cheap housing and a lower cost of life. It also appeals to immigrants because of the Graduate Retention Program and its low provincial tax rate. For qualifying graduates (including overseas students) who live in Saskatchewan and file a provincial income tax return, the program offers tuition cost refunds of up to $20,000.