Immigration Corner | Opportunities for skilled workers in Saskatchewan

Dear Mr Bassie

I am interested in living in Saskatchewan. Are there opportunities for skilled workers to get permanent residence now?

– KB

Dear KB,

If you are considering making Saskatchewan your new home, there are now excellent opportunities for skilled workers to obtain permanent residence. The province has officially reopened the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SNIP) in March 2025 and has introduced new pathways for qualified candidates to contribute to Saskatchewan’s economy while securing their future in Canada as a permanent resident.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? KEY SECTORS IN DEMAND

The 2025 SNIP intake is prioritising workers in three critical sectors facing labour shortages – healthcare, agriculture and skilled trades.

For healthcare, professionals such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical laboratory technologists, and continuing care assistants will have a favourable chance of being selected.

For agriculture, the province is actively recruiting farm supervisors, specialised livestock workers, agricultural equipment operators, and greenhouse and nursery workers, to support its farming operations.

For skilled trades, the workers that are in demand are those in industrial trades, with positions available for industrial electricians, welders, heavy equipment mechanics, plumbers, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning technicians. These roles are vital for maintaining and expanding the province’s infrastructure.

These occupations were selected based on employer needs, rural workforce shortages, and economic forecasts for the coming years.

DO YOU NEED A JOB OFFER?

Applicants under the Occupation In-Demand stream may qualify without a job offer. Instead, they must demonstrate at least one year of full-time experience in a priority occupation within the past five years.

However, having a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer can strengthen an application, and is required under certain subcategories, such as the Employment Offer stream. Additionally, those already working in Saskatchewan as temporary foreign workers or graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions may qualify under the Experience category, especially if they are employed in a high-priority field.

HOW TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE

To apply for permanent residence through the 2025 SNIP, individuals must first submit an Expression of Interest by registering online, providing details about your education, work experience, and skills. Points are awarded based on factors such as language proficiency, age, and ties to Saskatchewan.

Once you have applied, you must wait to receive an Invitation to Apply or to submit a full application. At this stage, you must provide proof of qualifications, including work experience, educational credentials, language proficiency (minimum Canadian Language Benchmark 4 in some streams), and identity documents.

If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination letter, which can then be used to apply for permanent residence through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY

The SNIP provides an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to build their careers and futures in Saskatchewan. Whether you have a job offer or not, there are multiple pathways to permanent residence, making it easier than ever to establish yourself in this welcoming province.

For more information, consider scheduling a telephone or Zoom meeting with a Canadian lawyer. If you are a skilled worker looking for stability and growth, now is the time to consider Saskatchewan as your new home.

Deidre S, Powell is a Canadian lawyer, mediator, and notary public. You may request a Zoom/telephone consultation by WhatsApp or telephone 613-695-8777 or follow her on Facebook or Instagram for more information.