Tech talk: Sask. opens new pathway for immigrant program

Saskatchewan is looking for more tech talent.

The provincial government announced Monday the creation of a new Tech Talent Pathway for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), which the government hopes will attract technology professionals to the province.

According to the government, the pathway will speed up the permanent immigration process for tech workers already working in Saskatchewan as well as those who have been recruited from other countries.

“The economy of Saskatchewan relies on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants who form critical anchors of specialized skills in our communities and workforce,” SaskTech President Dr. Aaron Genest said in the release.

“The Tech Talent Pathway offers a competitive advantage to Saskatchewan industries and is unique in Canada. It streamlines the immigration process and acknowledges that we want our immigrants to stay right here in our province to join us in creating innovative solutions for Saskatchewan to export to the world.”

Applicants to the Tech Talent Pathway need:

• An employer-specific SINP Job Approval Letter for an eligible technology sector occupation;
• A minimum official language level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 if the applicant is not working in Saskatchewan when they apply or CLB level 7 if applying for Express Entry;
• At least one year of work experience in that occupation in the past five years or six months of working in Saskatchewan;
• A post-secondary education; and,
• To be eligible for Saskatchewan professional licensing (applicable to eligible computer, software, electrical and electronics engineers).

More information about the new pathway is available here.