On August 30, the Government of Saskatchewan announced two new streams under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), to attract skilled workers in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. The Agriculture Talent Pathway and the Health Talent Pathway are designed to address the province’s growing labour needs in two critical sectors.

According to Saskatchewan’s Immigration and Career Training Minister, Jeremy Harrison, the initiative aligns with current labour market demands. “Labour shortages are being reported across the country,” Harrison stated. “By creating new immigration pathways and streamlining credential recognition, we’re helping Saskatchewan businesses access the talent they need to thrive.”

Agriculture Talent Pathway

The Agriculture Talent Pathway is designed to support Saskatchewan’s growing agricultural sector which is the foundation of the province’s economy. In 2023 alone, Saskatchewan exported over $3.2 billion in key crop sectors. The new pathway is aimed at filling both in-demand and emerging roles within this industry.

To be eligible, candidates must meet several key criteria:

• A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4, although employers or regulatory bodies may require higher scores;
• At least secondary school education or higher;
• One year of full-time work experience in the last three years or six months (780 hours) of full-time work with an employer who has provided a Job Approval Letter from the SINP;
• An offer for a permanent, full-time agricultural job in Saskatchewan;
• A valid SINP Job Approval Letter provided by the employer.

The province aims to meet growing labour demands in agriculture, while simultaneously helping skilled newcomers establish themselves in Saskatchewan.

Health Talent Pathway

The Health Talent Pathway will be part of Saskatchewan’s broader Health Human Resources (HHR) action plan. This pathway aims to consolidate all healthcare recruitment under one streamlined process, easing the application process for both candidates and employers. Given Saskatchewan’s pressing healthcare worker shortage, this new pathway is expected to significantly boost the province’s healthcare workforce.

Eligibility requirements for the Health Talent Pathway vary depending on whether candidates are applying through the federal Express Entry system. However, all candidates must:

• Be eligible for licensing in Saskatchewan (if required for their occupation).
• Have a post-secondary education relevant to the job offer, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or diploma in their field.
• Intend to live and work in Saskatchewan.

Candidates who are not applying through Express Entry must meet a minimum CLB score of 5 in English or French, though some employers may require higher scores. These candidates also need at least one year of work experience in the last five years or six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience with their employer if applying from within Saskatchewan.

Express Entry candidates must meet higher criteria, including:

• A CLB score of 7 or higher in English or French.
• At least one year of work experience in a high-skilled occupation in the last five years.

The Growing Importance of the SINP

Saskatchewan continues to attract skilled newcomers due to its favourable economic conditions and immigration programs. In 2023, the province welcomed 7,350 newcomers through the SINP. For 2024, Saskatchewan has secured an allocation of 8,000 nominations, with expectations to welcome up to 20,000 newcomers by the end of 2025.

Newcomers find Saskatchewan appealing not only for its strong job market but also for its affordability. The cost of living, particularly housing, is lower compared to other major Canadian cities. In addition, the province offers a Graduate Retention Program, which refunds up to $20,000 in tuition fees for eligible graduates, including international students, who choose to reside and work in Saskatchewan.

With these new pathways, Saskatchewan aims to further solidify its place as a top destination for skilled immigrants, offering both economic opportunities and a high quality of life for those who choose to call the province home.