If you have work experience in certain fields, you may be eligible to immigrate to Saskatchewan through the SINP’s High-Demand Occupations in Saskatchewan sub-category, which is part of the International Skilled Worker program and is aligned with Express Entry.
Saskatchewan has a thriving job market that is attracting skilled workers from around the world. The province’s top in-demand occupations provide entry-level opportunities for individuals looking to gain work experience and advance in their careers.
Overview of Saskatchewan’s Job Market
Despite the slowdown in national GDP growth and the recent downturn in oil prices, Saskatchewan’s economy continues to grow. The province’s resource-heavy economy is expected to outperform the rest of Canada in the coming decade.
Saskatchewan has a strong mining industry, including the Jansen potash mine, and a growing oil and gas sector. It is also a leader in uranium production and agri-food. The province offers a range of job opportunities, from high-demand positions requiring advanced degrees to entry-level roles that provide a pathway for career growth. With a record-low unemployment rate and lower living costs compared to other parts of the country, Saskatchewan is an ideal place to live and work.
Top High-Demand Occupations in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s thriving industries have led to an increased demand for qualified workers. Skilled professionals who want to move to the province have various pathways to permanent residence.
Heavy equipment mechanics use their technical and mechanical skills to repair and service machinery and vehicles in industries such as forestry, construction, mining, oil and gas, material handling, agriculture, and horticulture. These professionals have a median annual wage of $42,900 based on a 37.5-hour work week.
The province’s growing population has created a demand for healthcare professionals. From nurses to physician assistants, there are numerous job opportunities in the healthcare sector in Saskatchewan. The SINP’s International Healthcare Worker stream provides a pathway to permanent residence for qualified healthcare professionals who want to live and work in Canada. Eligibility for this stream requires a minimum of 12 months of full-time employment in a profession that is at least NOC level A or B and does not appear on the SINP Excluded Occupations List. Sufficient funds to support oneself and any accompanying family members are also required.
Skills and Qualifications
Saskatchewan is seeking skilled workers to meet its growing job market demand. Interested applicants can check their eligibility on the province’s government website or contact us for an initial assessment and free consultation.
Software developers play a crucial role in creating, developing, and maintaining apps and IT solutions for businesses. They earn a median annual wage of $71,077 based on a 37.5-hour work week. Cooks in the food industry are also in high demand in Saskatchewan, with a median salary of $86,250 based on a 37.5-hour work week.
Skilled workers with in-demand skills can also consider immigrating to Saskatchewan through the SINP’s provincial nominee programs. The Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry sub-categories offer a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for candidates with education, training, work experience, and language ability in a qualifying occupation. The list of occupations accepted by the Express Entry sub-category has recently changed, allowing more candidates to qualify for the program.
How to Find and Secure High-Demand Occupations in Saskatchewan
While employment growth in Saskatchewan has been strong, there are still challenges in securing a job in the province. Some occupations have a higher demand than available positions.
Software developers are in high demand as companies of all sizes require their skills for app creation, software development, and technology implementation. There were 122 job openings for software developers in Saskatchewan in late November, according to Indeed.
If you have experience in one of the mentioned occupations, you may be eligible for provincial nomination through the SINP’s Occupation In-Demand stream. This stream operates independently from the Express Entry program and requires a minimum of 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in a high-skilled job at NOC level A or B or 0, with no appearance on the SINP Excluded Occupations List. Additionally, a minimum of 60 points on the SINP Points Assessment Grid is necessary.
Anticipating Evolving Job Opportunities
The healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, ag-tech, construction, and hospitality industries in Saskatchewan are all in need of workers. Personal support workers, who provide care and assistance to elderly, disabled, or recuperating clients, have numerous job opportunities. These workers can be employed by private residences, homecare and support agencies, or work independently.
Saskatchewan is a prominent player in the oil and gas, potash, gold, and uranium mining sectors. Additionally, it is the largest agri-food exporter in Canada, with more than 40% of the country’s cultivated farmland.
The International Skilled Worker Program in Saskatchewan offers a stream that allows the nomination of skilled workers with recent work experience in high-demand occupations. This category operates under the SINP Expression of Interest system, which assesses candidates using a points-based grid. Only the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply to the program.