On Wednesday, September 18th 2019, the Province of Saskatchewan (SK) released a list expanding the in-demand job categories from 19 to over 200. This creates more opportunities to migrate to Canada under Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program(SINP).
Previously, Saskatchewan had a list of 19 in-demand job positions associated with its SINP Express Entry and In-demand Occupations sub-categories. The expansion comes in response to its inflated labour market and offers intending immigrants to Saskatchewan a higher chance of being invited to apply for Permanent Residence (PR). Being nominated by SINP gives an applicant in the general Express Entry pool an additional 600 CRS points and guarantees an invite to apply for PR.
Intending immigrants with eligible occupations who are not in the Express Entry pool can also apply under the in-demand occupations sub-category. If nominated, they may then apply for PR. This process is, however, slower than applying through Express Entry.
Candidates who wish to take advantage of Saskatchewan’s updated In-demand Occupations sub-category must be trained in and have work experience in an eligible high-skilled occupation. High-skilled occupations are those rated NOC “A”, “B” or “0” under Canada’s National Occupation Classification.
To receive a nomination under SINP, candidates must create a profile in the SINP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, OASIS. Candidates who create EOIs are then put into the SINP International Skilled Worker EOI system pool and ranked based on their EOI score. Candidates who rank high are invited to apply for a provincial nomination under the SINP’s Express Entry or In-demand Occupations sub-categories.
If your occupation is eligible and it is a regulated field in SK, a further hurdle you may have to cross is regulation. Candidates with eligible occupations that are regulated are required to send in documents to prove licensure from a professional regulatory body.
For example, if you are applying as a psychologist, you must provide proof of your eligibility for provisional licensure from the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists. Proof of licensure does not, however, enable you to work in your field upon arrival in the province.
For occupations like engineering and dentistry, candidates must sit for and pass exams to be able to practice. To know if your profession is regulated and check the requirements set out by the relevant regulatory body, see this list of regulated occupations in Saskatchewan.
If you’re wondering if Saskatchewan is the right Province for you or need guidance with your application, Register for our SINP Webinar or book a consultation to speak to one of our experts.