Saskatchewan Launches Express Entry Stream (Audio)

Saskatchewan has launched its Express Entry stream under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). A maximum of 775 nomination certificates will be issued under the SINP stream.  Nominees must have the education, work experience, and language skills to help them integrate into Saskatchewan’s labor market.

SINP nominees will be awarded 600 points under the Federal Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System, and will be invited to apply under the next Federal draw from the Express Entry pool.

Successful candidates and their families will be granted Canadian permanent residence, with applications processed within six months of being submitted at the federal stage.

Successful candidates are selected by the province from the federal Express Entry pool. To qualify they are required to meet eligibility requirements under any one of the federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

Saskatchewan Express Entry application process

Candidates wishing to apply to the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream must first submit a profile to CIC’s Express Entry Pool.

To qualify for the Express Entry pool, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, and have a minimum of one year of post-secondary education or training that has resulted in a degree, diploma, or an equivalent qualification. A potential candidate must also demonstrate a minimum required level of work experience related to his or her field of education or training.

Second, a candidate must then apply for SINP provincial nomination while ensuring to attach all required documents and forms to the SINP application.

Third, candidates must earn a minimum of 60 points under the SINP assessment index.  Points are awarded on the basis of education and training, work experience, language ability, age, and existing connection to the Saskatchewan labor market.

An existing connection to the Saskatchewan labor market is a measure of the applicant’s adaptability, and is calculated on the basis of having a close relative residing in Saskatchewan, or having previous work or study experience in the province.

Once approved, the SINP will forward a confirmation of nomination to the CIC Express Entry system and this will provide an applicant with 600 CRS points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.

The applicants will subsequently receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence at the following draw from the Express Entry pool, and will be required to submit their federal application for permanent residence within 60 days of the invitation being issued.

Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s most economically vibrant provinces located in Western Canada with a population of just over one million.

If you want to read more about Saskatchewan Express Entry Immigration, Please click here.

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Saskatchewan Announces Changes to Immigrant Nominee Program

The province of Saskatchewan has announced reforms to its Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) that will focus on attracting and retaining the skilled workers that the province so desperately needs right now.

“When we went and did consultations last year on how to make the program and process more efficient, we heard loud and clear that the number one focus should be skilled workers,” says the province’s Immigration Services executive director Kirk Westgard. “We are trying to ensure that companies in the labour market get what they need in order to continue to grow.”

There will now be three separate categories for the SINP, each with tighter eligibility requirements in place – the Saskatchewan Experience Category, the International Skilled Worker Category, and the Entrepreneur and Farm Category.

The new International Skilled Worker Category, for instance, encompasses two previous streams – Skilled Workers and Family Referrals. Those who have employment offers and pre-employment ties, as well as those with relatives in the province, will be most likely to qualify through this category.

Many employers throughout the province have relied on the SINP in recent years as the economy booms, including Westcan Bulk Transport, one of the largest goods transporting companies in Western Canada. Westcan recruitment manager Chelsea Jukes says that the program allows them to hire the long-haul drivers they need in order to meet demand.

“The professional truck driver shortage is severe and very real, and this program ensures we can broaden our recruitment and hiring initiatives beyond borders and go after the quality that exists around the world,” says Juke, noting that the company requires foreign drivers to have at least three years of experience when hired.

Officials are also hoping to streamline the process by going electronic. Mailed applications for the SINP will no longer be accepted, and people will be able to check the status of their application online.

Source: Saskatoon Star-Pheonix

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Saskatchewan Labour Strategy Satisfies Businesses

Employers in Saskatchewan are commending their government’s latest strategies to ease the pressure caused by high worker shortages.

This month the government of Saskatchewan announced that it would raise the number of training and apprenticeship positions in the province, as well as having successfully negotiated a rise in their provincial nominee program quota, up to 4,450.

The provincial nominee program allows provincial governments to fast-track immigration applications for workers whose skills are most needed. Businesses across the country have long been praising the program, particularly those who have been facing labour shortages in provinces like Saskatchewan.

“The number one issue facing every business owner in this province is the skills shortage,” said the Canadian Federation of Independent Business representative Marilyn Braun-Pollon. “Half of our members are turning away business because they can’t find labour. This is a critical issue for small business owners.”

However, Braun-Pollon cautions that these measures may not be enough and hopes the government will eventually be able to negotiate 6,000 provincial nominee applications each year.

Other local stakeholders noted that more should to be done to attract workers to Saskatchewan over other provinces like Alberta, which has a lower tax rate. Lower taxes mean more affordable living, which is a concern to anyone who is looking to migrate for work.

Still, however, Saskatchewan is one of the fastest growing provinces in Canada, recently reporting record population growths. The new initiatives should help ease some of the pressures being faced by employers who are trying to keep up with demand.

Source: Regina Leader-Post

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