Saskatchewan’s Immigration Approach

Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration

Provincial Context & Approach

Provincial Context

Demographic Challenges Ageing population

Declining birth rates

Increasing retirement

Labour Market Challenges Lowest unemployment rate in Canada

Record participation, job postings and earnings

Economy will produce ~80,000 employment opportunities over next 5 yrs.

Increasing Competition 100% of Canada’s net labour growth from immigration as of 2011/12

100% of Canada’s net population growth from immigration as of 2030

Provincial Approach

Provincial Labour Force Approach Educate and Train Youth

Attract those from Across Canada

Expand Immigration

Provincial Immigration Strategy (2009) Aims to address ~ 1/3 of the provincial labour shortage, through:

• Balanced Immigration Levels

• Increased Entrepreneur Immigration

• Building Partnerships & Enhancing Cooperation

• Effective Settlement & Retention Services

• Increased Opportunities for International Education

• Enhanced Program Integrity

Federal & Provincial Immigration

Temporary Status

Visiting Canada Temporary Resident Visa

Studying in Canada* Temporary Resident Visa Study Permit

Working Temporarily in Canada* Temporary Resident Visa Work Permit (may require LMO)

* TRs may be eligible to apply for PR status from within Canada.

Permanent Status

Immigrating to CanadaPermanent Resident Visa Immigration Categories:

• Economic (PNPs, FSWP, CEC, Live-in Caregivers, Investors, Entrepreneurs)

• Family• Refugees / Humanitarian

Canadian Citizenship

Citizenship Certificate

Federal Immigration

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Federal-provincial agreement

Provincially-administered, made-in-Saskatchewan immigration program

Eligibility reflects Saskatchewan’s economic & labour market needs

SINP nominations and work permits are “fast-tracked” through Federal immigration system

Provincial Immigration

Labour Market Categories: • Employer-driven; nominees have the skills, experience and education to

economically establish in the Province• Skilled Workers (NOC A, B or 0)

• Health Professionals (healthcare professionals w/ SK experience)

• Family Members (post-secondary w/ related work experience)

• Students (education and in-province work experience)• Pilot projects developed with provincial associations and employers to

respond to specific labour market shortages • Truck Drivers

• Hospitality

Business Categories• Nominees have the net worth and expertise to establish businesses or

farming operations in the Province

Provincial Immigration

Saskatchewan Immigration Trends

Immigration Trends - Landings

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Saskatchewan Permanent Resident Landings 2000 - 2010

Total Landings Provincial Nominees Federal

Low levels of immigration over last several decades (~1,750 annually) through federal classes

SINP has increased landings significantly over the past decade

Immigration Trends – Country of Birth

SINP Nominees by Country of Birth (Top 10)(2006 – 2010)

Country % of Nominees

Philippines 36.5%

China 10.5%

Pakistan 7%

Ukraine 7%

India 5%

United Kingdom 3%

Bangladesh 3%

Vietnam 3%

Korea 2%

Russia 2%

Occupations

SINP Nominees by Occupation (2010)

Occupation Category % of Nominees

Sales and Service 40%

Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators 18%

Health 10%

Business, Finance and Administration 9%

Natural and Applied Sciences 6%

Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion 5%

Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities 5%

Management 4%

Primary Industry 2%

Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport 1%

Immigration Trends - Occupation

Immigration Trends - Destination

SINP Nominees by Intended Destination (Top 10)(2006-2010)

Destination % of NomineesSaskatoon 38%Regina 31.5%North Battleford 3%Lloydminster 3%Prince Albert 2%Swift Current 2%Estevan 2%Yorkton 2%Humboldt 1%Moose Jaw 1%

Service Hubs

Settlement and Retention

Settlement and Retention

Over 2000 - 2008, SK’s retention rate for Provincial Nominees was 86% - these nominees continued to reside in SK.

Retention factors determined recent federal program evaluation for Provincial Nominees include:• Extent of economic establishment

• Knowledge of official language(s)

• Education

• Perceived opportunity

• Network of family / friends

Challenges to Immigrant Integration Recognition of international credentials and work

experience.

Limited English

Social supports• Direct (social relations)• Indirect (facilitating access to services)

Cultural differences and prejudice/racism

Settlement and Retention

Approach to Service Delivery Emphasis on strengths

Emphasis on timely access to relevant information and services:• Information, orientation and planning as early as possible in

the immigration process• Expedited connections to relevant services based on needs

identification• Flexible and accessible services

Settlement and Retention

Service Delivery ModelInformation, Orientation and Referrals

Settlement and Integration Programs

Language Training Programs

International Qualifications Recognition

•Immigration Websitewww.saskimmigrationcanada.ca•ASK – About Saskatchewan• Welcoming Communities • Regional Newcomer Gateways

• Settlement Advisors• Community Connections

• Language Assessment Services• Stage 1 English•ELT•English for Employment•At Work English

• Bridge to Licensing •English for Licensing

Settlement and Retention

Thank you

Tim HelfrichA/Director, Community Partnerships and

Settlementtim.helfrich@gov.sk.ca