A new immigration pathway in Saskatchewan provides the opportunity for tech workers to live in Canada, no matter where they’re from.
What the Tech Talent Program is
There are eleven occupations in Saskatchewan that are in high demand (we’ll go over what they are in a bit). In order to fill in all these openings, Saskatchewan has created opportunities for non-Canadians to come to the province and work in these prestigious tech jobs.
At the moment, Saskatchewan is dealing with some major labour shortages and is also recovering from the economic impact of the pandemic. Through the Tech Talent Program, employers in Saskatchewan have a way to recruit people not just within the local area, but throughout the entire globe.
Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s provinces that is really growing in technology and innovation. They are growing fast, but the labour is not enough to keep up with this growth. This is an amazing opportunity for those who want to migrate to Canada and have experience in the tech industry.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility will vary a little bit depending on if you’re looking at Express Entry or Non-Express Entry.
Non-Express Entry
- Applicants in Saskatchewan need to have worked for at least 6 months full time OR one year of of relevant work experience in the previous five years
- Applicants outside of Canada need to have worked one year in the intended occupation
- Meet the language requirements (CLB 5 at least)
- Be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing in NOC 2147, NOC 2173, and NOC 2133
- Provide approval letter from APEGS
- Have a post-secondary degree
- Prove your intent to work and reside in Saskatchewan
- Job offer along with a SINP Job Approval Letter
Express Entry
- Meet the same requirements as Non-Express Entry, including
- Work experience
- Education level
- Job offer
AND
- Meet federal Express Entry language requirement (CLB 7)
- Have a valid Express Entry Profile
- Have a valid Job Seeker Code
Disqualifying Factors
Practically anyone qualifies for the Tech Talent Pathway. One of the reasons that you may be denied on your application is if you are a refugee claimant. Otherwise, any other factors that lead to ineligibility include:
- Not providing the required documents when you submitted your application
- Not being able to prove that you plan to live and work in Saskatchewan
- There was an intentional misrepresentation of yourself in the application
Relevant Jobs
Below are the eleven tech occupations that are in high demand in Saskatchewan. The number beside the job title is their respective NOC code.
- 0213 Computer and information systems managers
- 2133 Electrical and Electronics engineers
- 2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- 2171 Information System analysts and consultants
- 2172 Database analysts and data administrators
- 2173 Software engineers and designers
- 2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- 2175 Web designers and developers
- 2281 Computer network technicians
- 2282 User support technicians
- 2283 Information system testing technicians
How to Apply
The first thing you’ll need to apply to the Tech Talent Pathway Program is a job offer. Other than that, you’ll have to make sure that you follow the application guidelines that the province of Saskatchewan provides.
Since this pathway is under the SINP, you’ll need to make an SINP account. Once you’re in, you can choose which pathway you’re applying for. Everything will be laid out for you, such as where you’ll input your information and what documents you’ll need. Once you think you haven’t missed anything, you can submit your application.
Processing times vary at the moment because of the backlog, but you might have to wait for about a year before you hear back.
Sources: SK Tech Talent Pathway