On August 30, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced two new pathways under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), designed to attract skilled immigrants in health care and agriculture occupations. These initiatives are part of the province’s ongoing efforts to address labor shortages and support economic growth.
Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Immigration and Career Training, highlighted the importance of these new programs. “With labor shortages reported across the country, creating new provincial immigration pathways and streamlining our credential recognition process will help employers in Saskatchewan acquire the workforce needed to grow their businesses.”
The Agriculture Talent Pathway is aimed at filling critical roles in Saskatchewan’s booming agricultural industry, which exported over $3.2 billion in key crop sectors in 2023. The program seeks candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as possessing at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4, having relevant education, and securing a permanent job offer in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the Health Talent Pathway supports Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources (HHR) action plan by consolidating all health care recruitment under a single stream. The pathway is open to both federal Express Entry candidates and those applying directly through the SINP. Depending on the applicant’s status, additional criteria such as language proficiency and relevant work experience must be met.
Saskatchewan’s growing popularity among newcomers is fueled by its lower cost of living, lower provincial tax rates, and incentive programs like the Graduate Retention Program, which refunds up to $20,000 in tuition fees for eligible graduates who choose to live and work in the province.
In 2023, Saskatchewan welcomed 7,350 newcomers through the SINP. The province’s allocation of nominations has risen to 8,000 in 2024, with nearly 20,000 newcomers expected by the end of 2025.