Saskatchewan announced the launch of a new fast-track immigration program designed to attract tech workers to the province.
New tech immigration program launched by Saskatchewan
Following the example of provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, Saskatchewan has is also launching a tech pathway
Qualified tech workers who are interested in settling in Saskatchewan now have one more way to get their permanent residency.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) launched a new Tech Talent Pathway on March 7, 2022.
Saskatchewan has been facing critical labor shortages in its technology sector. This pathway will allow employers in the province’s technology and innovation sector employers to attract tech workers and talent. Qualified newcomers can help ease the shortages, support Saskatchewan’s technological growth and competitiveness in the global market.
Jeremy Harrison, the Immigration and Career Training Minister is aiming to make Saskatchewan’s technology sector an important driver for its economic growth. A dedicated stream and pathway will allow for just that.
Applications under the new stream will be expedited and streamlined for tech workers who have been recruited outside of Canada as well as those who are already living and working in the country.
Eligibility criteria
Interested in the pathway? Here is what you will need to qualify for the Tech Talent Pathway:
- A post-secondary education related to the job the candidate has been offered. This could be a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s, a diploma from a trade school etc.
- Live outside Canada or have legal status in Canada. Refugee claimants cannot apply for this pathway.
- A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 if the candidate is not working in Saskatchewan at the time of application. If the candidate is applying for Express Entry, they will need a level of 7.
- A valid SINP Job Approval Letter from an eligible technology sector occupation.
- Job offer for an eligible permanent, full-time position.
- Demonstrate a minimum of one year of work experience in that occupation over the last five years, or six months of employment in that occupation in Saskatchewan.
- Be eligible for professional licensing if the occupation requires it.
- Attest to the candidate’s intention to work and live in Saskatchewan.
Eligible occupations
If you meet the requirements listed above and have a job offer in one of the following occupations, you may be able to apply under the Tech Talent Pathway.
- 0213 Computer and information systems managers
- 2133 Electrical and Electronics engineers
- 2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 2171 Information System analysts and consultants
- 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
- 2173 Software engineers and designers
- 2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- 2175 Web designers and developers
- 2281 Computer network technicians
- 2282 User support technicians
- 2283 Information system testing technicians
Program criteria and requirements can change depending on need, so it’s always a good idea to check out the SINP’s website for the latest updates and details. The number of nominations that SINP can make every year is established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
There is no guarantee that an application will be nominated.
Saskatchewan has yet to hold a draw under this stream as the program was just launched. Candidates will likely start receiving invitations in the coming months.