Released on November 18, 2008
Promoting Global Citizenship is the theme for International Education Week, November 17-21, 2008. Canada joins with 85 countries to celebrate the significant contribution that international education makes in preparing Canadians for the global world.
"The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates the many benefits that international students bring to the economy, demographics, education and culture of the province," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said.
The Ministry announced changes today to the Student Category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) that align with the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. International graduates of Canadian post-secondary schools are now eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program after six months of Saskatchewan work experience. Previously they had to work in their field of study. The expanded student category now accepts graduate applicants holding permanent full-time job offers in any occupation.
Since the inception of the SINP Student Category, 158 foreign students have been nominated to become permanent residents of the province.
In October, Minister Norris announced the expansion of the Graduate Retention Program. This program offers tuition rebates as high as $20,000 over seven years to graduates of approved programs, including international students, who live in Saskatchewan.
"This expansion to the Graduate Retention Program signals to graduates from anywhere in the world that Saskatchewan is the best place to establish their careers and pursue their goals," Norris said.
The most recent Department of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism statistics show that approximately 3,500 foreign students annually study in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Joy Johnson
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: joy.johnson@gov.sk.ca