The province of Saskatchewan in Canada is known for welcoming newcomers and embracing multicultural diversity. It is a great place to consider for work if you are pursuing an immigration journey to Canada. In recent years, there has been growing difficulty in filling labor-intensive jobs related to construction, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Hard-To-Fill-Skills Program was introduced to create balance and meet employment demands within the province. This is a pilot program and is currently in the process of hiring the first batch of applicants that will soon be a part of the workforce in Saskatchewan. Eligible candidates can later work towards permanent residency through Federal Nomination. We’ve linked the official government website that classifies all the listings available in detail for review at your own convenience.
In the following sections, we will briefly explain the requirements for foreign applicants and Canadian employers to participate in the program. We hope this serves as a guide to what is necessary for you to evaluate if this program is a good fit for you.
Applicant Requirements
• Applicants must have at least one year of experience in the last three years in their field of interest or six months of work experience in Saskatchewan in the same occupation as the job offer.
• Intermediate level of English. Specifically, what is categorized as Level 4, which is considered professional proficiency. A certified evaluation is necessary to validate comprehension, such as the EILTS.
• High school diploma or the Canadian equivalent. Keep in mind that an Educational Credential Assessment may be necessary.
• Saskatchewan-based job offer from an employer that meets all requirements listed below.
The only field with differentiating requirements is for transport drivers, who require training to obtain a commercial license. Training will be completed in Saskatchewan.
Employer Requirements
• Registered locally, provincially, and federally. This ensures legitimacy and proof of completed consistent legal obligations such as taxes, workers’ compensation, health, and safety.
• Financially stability. This means having a substantial record of employees and documentation of paid wages. It demonstrates that the employer has been able to keep the business running over a certain amount of time while meeting its responsibilities. Ultimately, this proves the feasibility of bringing in foreign talent.
• Evidence of recruiting efforts for local workers consisting of a minimum of 4 weeks.
• Integration to society for approved applicants. Employers must provide cultural support for future employees to establish themselves comfortably in Canada and be socially active.
P&M Solutions Can Help
If interested in the Hard-To-Fill-Skills Program, you can contact our offices to assist you in your immigration process. We can help you appropriately contact companies actively hiring international talent. Together we can assess your personal needs to identify available possibilities and help you build your future in Canada.
More information regarding immigration and life in Canada is available on our website and various social channels. We encourage you to share our posts so they might reach audiences who could benefit from learning about immigration pathways.
Occupations Included in the Immigration Pilot Program for the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada – January 2022 (by NOC Codes)
- 9619 Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities
- 9617 Labourers in food, beverage and associated Products processing
- 9612 Labourers in Metal fabrication
- 9536 Industrial painters, coaters and Metal finishing process operators
- 9526 Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
- 9461 Process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated processing
- 9431 Sawmill machine operators
- 9416 Metalworking and forging machine operators
- 8431 General farm workers
- 7611 Construction trades helpers and labourers
- 7521 Heavy Equipment operators (except crane)
- 7511 Transport truck drivers
- 7452 Material handlers
- 6733 Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents
- 6731 Light duty cleaners
- 6711 Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
- 6525 Hotel front desk clerks
- 6513 Food and beverage servers
- 4412 Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations*
- 3414 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- 3413 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- 1525 Dispatchers
- 1521 Shippers and receivers