Expats talks about their career change overseas

Shutterstock.com

Written byEstelle Beaulandon 17 February 2023

Many people choose to change careers when their current job no longer suits them or when they want to find purpose in their professional life. Some decide to take the leap when moving abroad, by choice, by necessity, or by chance, just following the opportunities that arise. Expats who have switched careers talks to us about their experience.

If you're interested in moving to Saskatchewan, you can sign up for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This program enables the province to nominate you to the federal government for permanent residency.

There are three SINP categories:

International Skilled Worker: for skilled workers wishing to live and work in Saskatchewan;
Saskatchewan Work Experience: for foreign nationals already living and working in Saskatchewan;
Entrepreneur and Farm: for those planning to start a business or purchase and manage a farm in Saskatchewan.

If you are selected by Saskatchewan, you will receive a nomination certificate that will facilitate your application process for permanent resident status in Canada. For more information, visit the Canadian Immigration Service website.

Skilled workers in Saskatchewan

If you're looking to apply in the Skilled Worker category, you can do so if you have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, if your job falls under skill levels "0", "1", "2", or "3" (as per the National Occupational Classification), and it's not on the list of occupations excluded from the program. Alternatively, you're eligible if you've already been accepted under the Express Entry category of Canada Immigration Services.

Experience in Saskatchewan

To apply under this category, you must already be living in Saskatchewan with a valid permit. Requirements may vary depending on your profile.

Holders of a valid work permit

You may apply under this sub-category if you have been working in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months, with a valid work permit, and meet the following conditions:

you have an offer for a permanent full-time job classified in categories 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC);
you are in possession of a letter of approval requested by your employer via PCIS;
the position for which you have a permanent job offer must be the same as the one you have held in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months, with the same employer;
if your designated job belongs to TEER "4" or "5" of the NOC, you must prove that your language level is at least level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB);
if, in Saskatchewan, the practice of your profession is governed by a professional order, you must prove your eligibility for membership.

Canadian graduates

This sub-category is for people who have obtained a Canadian post-secondary diploma from a recognized institution.
If you obtained your diploma in Saskatchewan, you must meet the following conditions:

you have a valid post-graduation work permit;
you have a permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for a position in your field of study;
you have worked for at least 6 months (780 hours) in Saskatchewan;
you are in possession of a letter of approval requested by your future employer via PCIS;
if your job falls into NOC categories TEER "4" and "5", you must prove that your language level is at least level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

If you earned your degree outside Saskatchewan, you must have studied full-time for at least 8 months in addition to the above requirements.

Long-haul truck drivers

You're eligible to apply in this sub-category if you've been employed with a Saskatchewan-based transport company endorsed by PCIS for a minimum of 6 months or have a history of at least 6 months with such a transport company. Your work permit should have been issued based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Additionally, you'll need to provide a permanent, full-time job offer from your current employer and secure the employer-requested letter of approval through the PCIS. Lastly, you must attain a CLB level of 4 or higher.

Healthcare professionals

If you hold a temporary work permit, have been employed for a minimum of 6 months in the healthcare sector as a nurse, doctor, or another healthcare professional, and satisfy the requirements for practicing your profession in Saskatchewan, you could be chosen in the Healthcare Professionals sub-category.

Hotel and restaurant professionals

Individuals who have a minimum of 6 months (780 hours) of experience working in the restaurant or hotel industry in Saskatchewan or have a history of at least 6 months in this sector in the province are eligible to apply in this sub-category. Additionally, they should have a high school diploma and English proficiency at CLB level 4 or higher. As an applicant, securing a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer recognized in Saskatchewan is necessary, along with submitting the employer-requested letter of approval via PCIS.

Employees in the agricultural sector

To work in Saskatchewan as a farm worker or nursery and greenhouse worker, you need a permanent full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. You should have been employed by that employer for at least 6 months or have a history of at least 6 months in the same position with a valid temporary permit. A high school education or higher is required, and you must demonstrate a language proficiency level of CLB 4 or higher. Additionally, you need a letter of approval requested by your employer through PCIS.

Farmers

If you have a passion for farming in Saskatchewan, you should have $500,000 CAD and a minimum of 3 years of farming experience. It's essential to commit to buying a farm or farmland in the province, along with submitting a $75,000 CAD deposit. Additionally, plan to spend at least 5 working days in the region and arrange a meeting with a PCIS representative.

Contractors

If you're looking to apply in the contractor category, start by expressing your interest online. If you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you'll be placed in a pool of candidates where your profile will be assessed and ranked using a points grid. Candidates with the highest rankings will receive invitations to apply in the contractor category.