Saskatchewan’s recent launch of two new immigration streams under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a significant move aimed at addressing labor shortages in the agriculture and healthcare sectors. These new pathways—Skilled Worker Agriculture Talent Pathway and Health Talent Pathway—are designed to attract foreign workers with the required skills and qualifications in these vital industries.

1. Skilled Worker Agriculture Talent Pathway

This pathway is targeted at foreign workers who have skills and experience in various sectors of agriculture. Saskatchewan has a strong agricultural industry, and there is a growing demand for qualified workers to support farming and related operations.

Key Features:

• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Applicants must have a valid full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.
  • They must demonstrate at least one year of work experience in an agricultural occupation relevant to their job offer.
  • Applicants may need to show proof of completing a post-secondary education or training program related to agriculture, though this may depend on the specific job requirements.
  • Language requirements vary based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of the job. The language proficiency level required might be in line with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
• Occupations: The pathway is open to skilled workers in agricultural roles, such as:
  • Farm supervisors (NOC 8252)
  • Specialized livestock workers (NOC 8253)
  • Agricultural service contractors (NOC 8255)
  • And other agriculture-related professions.
• Benefits:
  • Provides a streamlined route to permanent residency for foreign workers with agriculture skills.
  • Supports the growth of Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry by filling labor gaps.
  • May benefit both seasonal and permanent agricultural operations.

2. Health Talent Pathway

The Health Talent Pathway is aimed at attracting skilled healthcare professionals to help address shortages in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. As the demand for healthcare services grows, this pathway offers an opportunity for workers in various healthcare fields to immigrate to Saskatchewan.

Key Features:

• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Applicants must have a valid job offer from a recognized health authority or other healthcare employer in Saskatchewan.
  • Healthcare professionals, including internationally educated nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other practitioners, are eligible to apply if their qualifications meet Canadian standards.
  • Applicants must meet relevant licensing or certification requirements for their profession in Saskatchewan. This could include licensing from organizations such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan or the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.
  • Language proficiency in either English or French at a specified level is required, which depends on the NOC code of the occupation.
• Eligible Occupations: The Health Talent Pathway is open to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including:
  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012)
  • Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233)
  • Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 3211)
  • Physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and other medical professionals.
• Benefits:
  • Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency for healthcare workers.
  • Helps Saskatchewan address critical shortages in its healthcare workforce, ensuring that rural and urban communities have access to necessary medical services.
  • Streamlines the process for foreign-trained professionals to settle and work in the province.

Application Process for Both Pathways

1. Job Offer: The starting point for both pathways is securing a valid job offer from an employer in Saskatchewan’s agriculture or healthcare sector.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Eligible applicants may need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Saskatchewan’s online immigration portal.
3. Nomination: Once nominated by Saskatchewan under the PNP, candidates can apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Settlement Support: Both pathways provide resources and support to help foreign workers settle into their communities and integrate into the workforce.

Significance

• Agricultural and Healthcare Demand: Saskatchewan’s economy is heavily dependent on both agriculture and healthcare sectors, which have seen increased demand for skilled workers. These pathways are designed to fill critical labor shortages in these sectors.
• Faster Immigration: By providing specific pathways for these professions, Saskatchewan aims to expedite the immigration process for workers in agriculture and healthcare, allowing them to quickly enter the workforce and contribute to the province’s economy.

These two new pathways reflect Saskatchewan’s ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining talent that can meet the demands of its economy while supporting its growth in essential industries.