The Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour recently made changes to the Student Category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), making it easier for international students to qualify for this fast-track permanent residency option.

To be eligible for this category, international graduates of Canadian post-secondary academic institutions must have worked for a Saskatchewan employer on a Post-Graduation Work Permit for a period of at least six months. Previously the occupation had to be in the international graduate's field of study. This requirement has now been removed to make qualification easier.

"The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates the many benefits that international students bring to the economy, demographics, education, and culture of the province," stated Rob Norris, Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour.

This s the SINP more closely with the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Since the Student Category of the SINP was established, 158 international graduates have been nominated by the province to become permanent residents. Approximately 3,500 foreign students study in Saskatchewan annually.