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 Canada  Permanent 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  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 Philippines36.5% China10.5% Pakistan7% Ukraine7% India5% United Kingdom3% Bangladesh3% Vietnam3% Korea2% Russia2%

Occupations SINP Nominees by Occupation (2010) Occupation Category% of Nominees Sales and Service40% Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators18% Health10% Business, Finance and Administration9% Natural and Applied Sciences6% Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion5% Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities5% Management4% Primary Industry2% Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport1% Immigration Trends - Occupation

Immigration Trends - Destination SINP Nominees by Intended Destination (Top 10) ( ) Destination% of Nominees Saskatoon38% Regina31.5% North Battleford3% Lloydminster3% Prince Albert2% Swift Current2% Estevan2% Yorkton2% Humboldt1% Moose Jaw1%

Service Hubs Settlement and Retention

 Over , 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 Model Information, Orientation and Referrals Settlement and Integration Programs Language Training Programs International Qualifications Recognition Immigration Website anada.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 Helfrich A/Director, Community Partnerships and Settlement