Internationally trained professionals will be able to put their knowledge and skills to work sooner with a new pilot project funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada and the private sector.
The Immigrant Access Fund (IAF) Saskatchewan received $450,000 through a multi-year agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, to provide microloans to help internationally trained professionals finance the costs of having their credentials recognized in Canada. Microloans are small loans that do not require applicants to be employed, have a credit history in Canada or have collateral.
IAF also received more than $1.7 million from the Government of Canada and $100,000 from the Morris Foundation.
"We are committed to developing strong and sustainable communities across the province," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "This pilot project will help align newcomers with jobs in their field of study and provide employers with more skilled workers to meet demands of our growing labour market."
For many internationally trained professionals, the cost of licensing exams, training and skills upgrading can present a significant barrier to credential recognition. The microloans provided through IAF Saskatchewan will provide financial assistance to internationally trained professionals to lessen some of these financial burdens. The loans will make it easier for them to find jobs that best suit their skills and experience.
In addition to providing loans to eligible clients, IAF Saskatchewan will collaborate with organizations that work with newcomers, post-secondary institutions and the private sector, to encourage them to refer their clients who need financial assistance.
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