Big News for Healthcare workers who want to move to Canada
Health Care Workers Invited to Apply for Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program
Saskatchewan has officially opened new opportunities for healthcare professionals through its Provincial Nominee Program. As a result, skilled healthcare workers now have a clearer and faster pathway toward Canadian permanent residence.
This update comes at a time when Saskatchewan is actively addressing labour shortages in its healthcare sector.
Why Choose Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan offers a high standard of living along with a relatively low cost of living. Therefore, newcomers can enjoy affordable housing, lower daily expenses, and a balanced lifestyle.
Moreover, the province consistently attracts immigrants by maintaining lower selection scores and conducting frequent draws. As a result, candidates have a higher chance of receiving invitations compared to other provinces.
Consequently, Saskatchewan has become one of the most attractive destinations for skilled immigrants, especially healthcare professionals.
Saskatchewan’s Focus on Healthcare Professionals
To strengthen its healthcare system, Saskatchewan introduced a dedicated pathway for international healthcare workers on December 22, 2021.
This pathway targets professionals with experience in high-demand healthcare occupations. Therefore, candidates with specialized medical backgrounds now benefit from focused selection draws.
Eligible occupations include:
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Occupational Therapists
- Diagnostic Cardiac and Medical Sonographers
- Continuing Care Assistants
- Psychologists
As a result, occupations previously excluded are now actively invited.
Understanding the International Healthcare Worker EOI
An International Healthcare Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a direct application. Instead, it signals your interest in working in Saskatchewan’s healthcare sector.
Through this EOI, Saskatchewan can identify qualified foreign-trained healthcare professionals. Consequently, selected candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply for provincial nomination.
Moreover, this system helps connect international workers with Saskatchewan healthcare employers, increasing the likelihood of job offers.
Healthcare Occupations Eligible Under This Stream
Previously, many medical occupations appeared on Saskatchewan’s excluded occupation list. However, the province revised its approach to meet urgent healthcare needs.
The EOI system now accepts applications for the following health-sector occupations:
- 1252 – Health Information Management Practitioner
- 3012 – Registered Nurse and Registered Psychiatric Nurse
- 3122 – Chiropractors
- 3124 – Nurse Practitioner
- 3131 – Pharmacist
- 3141 – Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologist
- 3142 – Physical Therapist
- 3143 – Occupational Therapist
- 3211 – Medical Laboratory Technologists
- 3212 – Medical Laboratory Technicians and Pathologists’ Assistants
- 3214 – Respiratory Therapists and Cardiopulmonary Technologists
- 3215 – Medical Radiation and MRI Technologists
Therefore, healthcare professionals now have expanded eligibility under Saskatchewan’s nomination system.
Saskatchewan Healthcare Draw Updates
In January 2022, Saskatchewan conducted its first healthcare-specific draw of the year. This marked a major shift, as healthcare occupations had been excluded since the province introduced its EOI system in September 2018.
At that time, Saskatchewan had divided occupations into:
- Regulated occupations requiring professional certification
- Excluded occupations, which included most healthcare roles
However, the province revised this strategy to address workforce shortages.
January 12, 2022 Healthcare Draw Highlights
On January 12, 2022, Saskatchewan issued 104 Invitations to Apply. These invitations targeted candidates under both the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand categories.
To qualify, candidates needed:
- An EOI score of 68
- Work experience in a selected healthcare occupation
The invited occupations included:
- 3211 – Medical Laboratory Technologists
- 3234 – Paramedical Occupations
- 4151 – Psychologists
- 3216 – Medical Sonographers
- 3143 – Occupational Therapists
- 3215 – Medical Radiation Technologists
As a result, candidates matching these roles with the required EOI score received invitations.
What This Means for Future Applicants
Given Saskatchewan’s continued labour needs, more healthcare-specific draws are likely. Therefore, healthcare professionals should prepare their EOIs early.
Moreover, candidates with regulated occupations should ensure licensing readiness, as professional certification remains essential.
Get Expert Guidance Today
Overall, Saskatchewan continues to create strong opportunities for healthcare workers. With lower cut-off scores and targeted draws, the province offers one of the most practical PR pathways in Canada.
If you work in healthcare and want to explore Saskatchewan immigration options, expert guidance can make a critical difference. Get in touch with our specialists today to understand your eligibility and prepare a strong application.
