Saskatchewan has launched a test program which provides a facilitated means for Ukrainian skilled workers to obtain work permits through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The newly-developed immigration model uses a “virtual selection system” wherein prospective Canadian employers, the province of Saskatchewan, and reliable source-country educational institutions, facilitate the processing of work permits for Ukrainian tradespeople.

The province has partnered with Ukrainian-based, Kiev Youth Labour Centre (KYLC), an organization which maintains a database of thousands of qualified Ukrainian trade workers.

The prairie province is currently focused on filling positions in its specialty welder sector. The Kiev centre conducted a targeted recruitment program, candidate pre-screening, credentials verification, and initial testing for Northern Steel, one of Canada’s largest producers of steel tanks for the petroleum industry.