Saskatchewan Calls for International Skilled Workers | Move to Canada in 2024 Through Work Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Registration

Saskatchewan Calls for International Skilled Workers | Move to Canada in 2024 Through Work Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Registration.

Saskatchewan is actively recruiting international skilled workers in 2024 to fill labor shortages and meet its economic growth targets. The prairie province, known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly communities, and promising job prospects, offers exciting immigration pathways for foreign nationals looking to relocate to Canada.

Overview of Saskatchewan and Its Immigration Programs

Saskatchewan is located in central Canada, with a population of over 1 million people. Its largest city and capital is Regina. Other major urban centers include Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.

The province’s economy relies heavily on natural resources and exports of potash, oil, natural gas, uranium, forestry products, and agriculture commodities.To sustain its economic growth and development goals, Saskatchewan operates two prominent immigration programs targeting international skilled workers:

1. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): This program nominates qualified foreign nationals for permanent residence. Applicants can initially come to Saskatchewan through a temporary work permit. After working and living in the province for at least 6 months, they can apply for nomination through one of several SINP sub-categories.
2. International Skilled Worker – Express Entry Sub-Category: This sub-category of the SINP allows the province to nominate eligible skilled workers for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry system. Applicants need a valid Express Entry profile and sufficient points to qualify.

Besides these programs, Saskatchewan also has an International Skilled Worker – Occupation In-Demand sub-category to nominate applicants for occupations in high demand that aren’t eligible through Express Entry.

Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations List 2024

Saskatchewan publishes an updated list of high-demand occupations twice every year – in spring and fall. This list identifies occupations that are facing acute labor shortages which the province wants to fill through targeted immigration programs.Some prominent occupations on Saskatchewan’s 2024 in-demand occupations list include:

• Accountants
• Civil engineers
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers
• Construction managers and project managers
• Early childhood educators and assistants
• Financial auditors and accountants
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Licensed practical nurses
• Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
• Registered nurses
• Social workers
• Truck drivers
• Web designers and developers

The comprehensive list contains over 200 eligible occupations across diverse sectors like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, finance, engineering, and information technology.

International skilled workers with relevant work experience in any of these occupations can qualify for priority immigration processing through Saskatchewan’s Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand streams.

Key Requirements to Immigrate to Saskatchewan as a Skilled Worker

To immigrate to Saskatchewan through a work permit in 2024, applicants need to meet some key requirements:

1. Have 1 Year of Relevant Work Experience

You must possess a minimum of 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in your intended occupation over the last 10 years. This work experience needs to be relevant to any high-demand occupation in Saskatchewan’s In-Demand Occupations List. Self-employment and unpaid internships may also be counted.

2. Educational Credential Assessment

You must get your foreign educational credentials assessed and verified as equivalent to a Canadian credential by a designated organization.

3. Proof of Settlement Funds

Before applying, you need to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support your initial settlement in Saskatchewan. Applicants with family members need more funds.

4. English Proficiency

You must prove your English proficiency through standardized language test scores like IELTS or CELPIP. Minimum test scores vary across different Saskatchewan immigration streams.

5. Intend to Live and Work in Saskatchewan

When applying, you have to convincingly demonstrate that you plan to permanently immigrate to Saskatchewan and obtain employment in your field soon after arrival.

Meeting the eligibility criteria for these key requirements makes you a prime candidate for immigration to Saskatchewan under an in-demand skilled occupation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Saskatchewan as a Skilled Worker

If you have your heart set on moving to Canada through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) in 2024, here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that your occupation features on Saskatchewan’s In-Demand Occupations List and that you meet all the basic requirements outlined earlier regarding work experience, education, funds, English ability, and settlement intent.

Step 2: Choose the Right Program Category

Decide which SINP sub-category – International Skilled Worker, Occupation In-Demand, or Express Entry – you are eligible for and most suited to your profile and immigration goals.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Thoroughly go through the application guide for your selected program stream. Ensure you have all the prescribed documents ready, such as skills assessment reports, reference letters from employers, educational credentials, English test results, proof of settlement funds, etc.

Step 4: Submit Your Profile Online

Create an online profile for your chosen SINP category through Saskatchewan’s dedicated Application Portal. Pay the application fees and carefully submit your completed profile along with scanned copies of all supporting paperwork.

Step 5: Get Your Nomination

If approved after processing, you will receive a nomination certificate from the Saskatchewan government. This confirms that you have been nominated for Canadian permanent residence as a provincial skilled worker candidate.

Step 6: Apply for a Work Permit

With your nomination certificate, you can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a temporary work permit to initially relocate and work in Saskatchewan.

Step 7: Move to Saskatchewan!

Once your work permit application gets approved, you can land in Saskatchewan as a temporary foreign worker! Find employment in your field soon after arrival to gain the required work experience needed for applying for permanent residence later.

Leveraging these simple yet effective steps, you can successfully secure a work permit linked to Saskatchewan’s provincial nomination in 2024 and kickstart your journey to settle there permanently.

Finding a Job Before Arriving in Saskatchewan

While not mandatory, skilled worker applicants are strongly encouraged to find a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer before arriving. This ensures immediate employment prospects after landing and boosts chances of securing permanent residence status faster.Here are some tips to find jobs in Saskatchewan from overseas before relocating:

• Directly apply to Saskatchewan employers: Search leading Saskatchewan job boards and proactively email your resume to relevant companies and recruitment agencies. Clearly highlight your forthcoming work permit and eligibility under SINP’s in-demand occupations.
• Attend virtual job fairs and events: Many immigration agencies and industry associations frequently organize virtual career fairs focused specially on Saskatchewan jobs. Attend these to directly interface with potential hiring managers.
• Leverage professional immigrant networks: Join Saskatchewan immigrant talent hubs on networking platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to uncover hidden job opportunities and get career advice.
• Obtain pre-arrival services: Hire a Saskatchewan immigration consultant to get customized pre-arrival assistance with securing an in-demand job, accommodation, schools for kids, etc. before landing.

Cost of Living in Saskatchewan for Foreign Skilled Workers

Saskatchewan offers an affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian provinces like Ontario or British Columbia.

According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, Saskatchewan ranks among the most budget-friendly provinces to live in Canada.As per 2024 estimates, here are some average living expenses skilled immigrants may incur after moving to Saskatchewan with a work permit:

• Rent: $800 to $1500 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in cities like Regina and Saskatoon located closer to job hubs. Rentals are cheaper in smaller towns.
• Groceries and Dining Out: Individual monthly costs range from $400 to $700 for necessities and occasional takeouts.
• Transportation: Monthly public transport passes in cities cost approx. $90. Owning and driving a car may cost $300 to $500 monthly.
• Phone, Internet, Utilities: Around $200 per individual per month for basic plans and bundled services.
• Healthcare and Insurance: Saskatchewan provides free provincial healthcare coverage to new residents after a 3-month wait period. Additional private extended healthcare plans cost $75-$150 per month.

So in total, you may need around $1600 to $2500 per person each month to cover all key living expenses. Extra costs apply for any dependents moving with you. Leveraging the strong job market, you can expect to earn sufficient income to sustain this quality of life.

Next Steps After Arriving as a Saskatchewan Skilled Worker

After arriving in Saskatchewan on your initial work permit, follow these next steps:

• Immediately apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN): This is required to work, pay taxes, and access government services.
• Open a local bank account: For getting paid, paying bills, saving money, and building your credit score. Banks offer special newcomer packages.
• Apply for a local driver’s license and provincial healthcare card.
• File your taxes every year you work in Saskatchewan to maintain eligibility for permanent residence later.
• After 6 months of working and living in Saskatchewan, apply for nomination for Canadian permanent residence through the SINP stream you had earlier qualified under – Express Entry, Occupation In-Demand, or International Skilled Worker.

Leverage this exclusive step-by-step guide to successfully relocate to Saskatchewan in 2024 as an in-demand skilled foreign worker through the temporary work permit route!

Related Articles

• Saskatchewan Needs Immigrants to Address Labour Shortages in 2024: This article explains why Saskatchewan is actively recruiting immigrants in 2024 to help fill over 16,000 current job vacancies and an expected 112,000 openings over the next five years. It also outlines the changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) that make it easier for work permit holders in 279 additional occupations to apply for provincial nomination.
• Foreign Healthcare Workers Urgently Needed in Canada 2024: Jobs, Salaries, Recruiters: This article highlights the urgent need for foreign healthcare workers in Canada in 2024, as the country faces major staffing shortages across the healthcare sector. It lists some of the top healthcare jobs in demand for foreign workers, such as registered nurses, medical administrative assistants, and pharmacy technicians. It also provides a step-by-step guide to getting a healthcare job in Canada, including how to find job postings, apply to opportunities, and obtain a visa.