Saskatchewan makes changes to immigrant nominee program

(Dec. 14/09) The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is changing the way employer applications will be processed under its Hospitality Sector Project.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, employers must submit a Recruitment and Settlement Plan to SINP if they plan to use the Hospitality Sector Project to facilitate permanent residency for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) they employ.  The project allows employees in select foodservice and hotel occupations (food/beverage server, food counter attendant/kitchen helper, or housekeeping/cleaning staff) to apply for permanent residency after six months of employment.

Employers will need to complete the Recruitment and Settlement Plan prior to the TFW’s arrival in Canada.  The application can be processed at the same time labour market opinion (LMO) applications are processed with Service Canada, but must be approved by SINP before the TFW arrives in Saskatchewan.  Registration will take two to four weeks to process.  If you currently employ TFWs who are approaching the six-month threshold, a settlement plan must be submitted to SINP by Dec. 31, 2009.

CRFA will continue to work with the province to ensure the Hospitality Sector Project assists employers with their labour needs. 

A letter regarding these changes was distributed to CRFA members in early November, and included a reminder for employers about the importance of abiding by all Saskatchewan Labour Standards, occupational health and safety regulations and other government requirements.  These rules apply to all employees, including foreign workers.  

For more information on CRFA-approved recruiters, click here.

If you have questions about SINP or these changes, please contact Courtney Hirota, Vice President Manitoba-Saskatchewan at chirota@crfa.ca or (877) 926-8557.