Saskatchewan’s Health Talent Pathway

The Health Talent Pathway aligns with Saskatchewan’s broader goals of addressing workforce shortages in critical health care roles, ensuring both urban and rural communities have access to essential services. It is an integral part of the province’s strategy to recruit and retain skilled health care workers from abroad.

Key Takeaways

• The Health Talent Pathway came into effect in 2024 to streamline health care recruiting in Saskatchewan. 
• To qualify, applicants must have an eligible job offer or be currently working with a Saskatchewan employer in a designated health care profession. 
• There are two streams within the Health Talent Pathway, one is Express Entry aligned and the other is non-Express Entry. 

What Is The Saskatchewan Health Talent Pathway? 

In August 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the Health Talent Pathway, which is designed to support the province’s Health Human Resources (HHR) action plan. The new pathway is intended to cover all healthcare recruitment for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). 

“SINP plays an important role in building a stronger health care system,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Streamlining immigration and credential recognition processes for internationally trained health care workers will help improve our recruitment efforts and enhance access to health care services for Saskatchewan residents.” 

The reality is that Saskatchewan needs additional healthcare workers, and a significant number of the healthcare workers it recruits in the coming years (and even decade) will be immigrants to Canada. This immigration pathway reflects that demand. 

The Health Talent Pathway is split into two streams: Express Entry Aligned and Non-Express Entry. You may qualify for these programs if you are living and working in Saskatchewan or elsewhere in Canada, or ​​if you live outside Canada. Refugee claimants are not eligible. 

The requirements for each program are different, so it’s important to consider your eligibility for each program carefully. 

Eligibility For Saskatchewan Health Talent Pathway

As outlined above, there are two streams within the Saskatchewan Health Talent Pathway. We’ve compared the requirements for each below:

Eligibility Status

• Non-Express Entry: Open to applicants inside or outside Canada, but must not be a refugee claimant.
• Express Entry: Same eligibility as non-Express Entry, but applicants must have a valid Express Entry profile and Job Seeker Code.

Language Proficiency

• Non-Express Entry: Minimum of CLB 5 in English/French, though employers may request higher scores.
• Express Entry: CLB 7 or higher required.

Work Experience

• Non-Express Entry:
  • If in Saskatchewan: Six months of full-time work (780 hours) with the employer offering the job.
  • If outside Saskatchewan: One year of work experience in the intended occupation within the last five years.
• Express Entry: One year of high-skilled related work experience within the past five years in the intended occupation (inside or outside Canada).

Job Offer

• Non-Express Entry: Must have a valid full-time health sector job offer in an eligible profession (see below) and a valid SINP Job Approval letter.
• Express Entry: Same as non-Express Entry. You must have a valid full-time health sector job offer in an eligible profession (see below) and a valid SINP Job Approval letter.

Licensing

• Non-Express Entry: Must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing, if applicable.
• Express Entry: Must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing, if applicable.

Education

• Non-Express Entry: Post-secondary education related to the job is required, minimum of two year diploma. 
• Express Entry: Post-secondary education related to the job is required, minimum of two year diploma. Same educational requirements as non-Express Entry.

Application Processing

• Non-Express Entry: Standard SINP processing times.
• Express Entry: Usually six months or less for permanent residency applications.

Residency Intention

• Non-Express Entry: Must demonstrate intent to reside and work in Saskatchewan.
• Express Entry: Must demonstrate intent to reside and work in Saskatchewan.

Application Process 

To apply for the Saskatchewan Health Talent Pathway, follow these steps:

1. Create an Account: Log in or create an account at SINP Apply Online, using your EOI profile if applicable.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out all sections and upload required documents in PDF format.
3. Submit and Pay: Save and submit the application. Pay the fee (for Express Entry or Occupation In-Demand streams only).
4. Confirmation: After submission, you’ll receive an email confirming your application has been received.

For more details, visit the official SINP page.

Eligible Occupations Table

Non-Express Entry Targeted Health Talent Pathway Occupations

Same As Express Entry Professions, PLUS