Saskatchewan to create more PR opportunities for International Workers under SINP

To improve the workforce stability in Saskatchewan and address labour market requirements, the Government of Saskatchewan is broadening the scope of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The Existing Work Permit stream will now be open to some work permit holders engaged in intermediate and lower-skilled occupations, offering them the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.

Martensville-Warman MLA Terry Jenson, speaking on behalf of Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison, emphasized that this expansion intends to enhance worker retention and directly tackle existing labour market gaps in the province. The measure is seen as a means of supporting Saskatchewan's businesses and economy, providing extra permanent residency opportunities for both displaced Ukrainians and other international workers.

Also read- SINP Eligibility and Documents Requirement

Earlier limited to newcomers in high-skilled occupations and designated trades, the Existing Work Permit stream has now been extended to cover lower- and intermediate-skilled sectors. Eligible workers, who have been employed in Saskatchewan and fulfil other program criteria, i.e. language proficiency and a permanent, full-time job offer, can now pursue permanent residency.

The expanded stream now covers an additional 279 occupations, including roles such as farm labourers, truck drivers, retail sales personnel, nurse aides, and equipment operators. Applicants under the new stream must hold an eligible work permit, a Labour Market Impact Assessment-Supported Work Permit, a Francophone mobility work permit, or, for recently arrived Ukrainians, a Canadian Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel visa.

Elena Krueger, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan, expressed gratitude for the support provided to displaced Ukrainians and welcomed the government's efforts. Business stakeholders, including Brennen Mills of Saskatoon Fire and Flood, see the expansion of the SINP program as a constructive step to assist in the immigration process and fill crucial positions.

The Government of Saskatchewan has successfully negotiated increased annual allocations of provincial immigration nominees for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Advocacy and negotiations with the federal government for additional authority to develop and implement province-specific immigration policies continue.

Recognizing the pivotal role immigration plays in supporting Saskatchewan's growing economy and meeting labour demands, the province, with over 16,000 job vacancies, anticipates 112,260 job openings in the next five years.

Also read-

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Canada has released 2024-26 Immigration Levels Plan- Aims to invite 485,000 new immigrants in 2024

If you wish to acquire a Permanent Residency (PR) Visa in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that suits your profile this year, feel free to reach out to our Canada Immigration specialist at Visas Avenue via our Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can send us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar