Saskatchewan, Canada Introduces New Immigration Streams: Health Talent Pathway

New Talent Pathways in Saskatchewan: Agriculture and Healthcare Industries

The Government of Saskatchewan announced two new talent pathways under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to address workforce needs in agriculture and healthcare, effective August 30, 2024. Designed to attract international skilled workers, these pathways are aimed at filling critical labor gaps in these essential industries.

Agriculture Talent Pathway: Agriculture is vital to Saskatchewan’s economy, contributing significantly to global food security. This pathway will streamline immigration processes for skilled agricultural workers, enabling producers to meet rising demands for food and technological innovations. Agriculture Minister David Marit highlighted that a “skilled and flexible agricultural workforce” is essential for competitiveness and growth.

Health Talent Pathway: This pathway consolidates healthcare recruitment under the SINP, aligning with Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources action plan. By simplifying immigration and credential recognition for internationally trained healthcare professionals, the government aims to enhance healthcare access across the province. Health Minister Everett Hindley emphasized that these steps will help Saskatchewan recruit and retain essential healthcare workers, ultimately strengthening the healthcare system.

By aligning the SINP with industry needs, these new pathways will support economic growth, address labor shortages, and ensure Saskatchewan remains competitive and well-staffed in two of its most crucial sectors.

Health Talent Pathway

The new Health Talent Pathway aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the province. This pathway offers opportunities for individuals to secure permanent, full-time employment in Saskatchewan’s healthcare sector. There are two streams within this pathway: Non-Express Entry and Express Entry, each with specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Express Entry Stream

Candidates may qualify for the Non-Express Entry stream if they live outside of Canada or have proof of legal status in Canada (refugee claimants are not eligible). Key requirements include:

• Language Proficiency: A minimum English and/or French language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5.
• Work Experience:
  • If currently working in Saskatchewan: At least six months (780 hours) of full-time work (30+ hours per week) with the employer who issued the Job Approval Letter.
  • If not working for the Saskatchewan employer full-time: One year of work experience in your occupation within the last five years is required.
• Licensing: Candidates must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing if required for their occupation.
• Education: Post-secondary education relevant to the job offer (e.g., Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, a three-year university degree, or a two-year diploma).
• Intent to Reside: Candidates must attest to their intent to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Job Offer: A valid, permanent, full-time healthcare sector job offer in Saskatchewan, supported by a SINP Job Approval Letter, is required.

The following high and intermediate-skilled health occupations are eligible under this stream:

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry Stream

The Express Entry stream provides priority processing with permanent residency applications expected to be processed in six months or less. Key requirements are:

• Express Entry Profile: A valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
• Language Proficiency: CLB 7 or higher in English and/or French.
• Work Experience: At least one year of high-skilled work experience in the candidate’s intended occupation within the past five years.
• Licensing: If required, the candidate must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing.
• Education: Relevant post-secondary education (e.g., a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, three-year degree, or two-year diploma).
• Intent to Reside: Must attest to an intention to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Job Offer: A valid job offer for a permanent, full-time healthcare sector job, with a SINP Job Approval Letter.

The following high and intermediate-skilled health occupations are eligible under this stream: