Commerce Joins Skilled Immigrant Integration Program: An Exciting Milestone

North Dakota has been selected to join the sixth cohort of the Skilled Immigrant Integration Program (SIIP) by World Education Services (WES). As part of the 2023–2024 SIIP cohort, North Dakota joins a select group of communities and states dedicated to advancing immigrant and refugee workforce inclusion across the United States.

The Skilled Immigrant Integration Program (SIIP) is a nationally recognized initiative driven by World Education Services (WES) that seeks to empower communities to create more inclusive and diverse workplaces. Through SIIP, member communities gain access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and networking opportunities that enable them to effectively integrate immigrant and refugee populations into their local workforce.

"This marks a significant milestone for us, and we're excited to share this news with our partners and the public," says North Dakota Department of Commerce Workforce Development Deputy Director Janna Pastir. “Our participation in SIIP allows us to collaborate with WES and fellow SIIP members on three key focus areas: promoting employer engagement, developing initiatives to enhance economic inclusion for immigrants and refugees, and participating in the SIIP alumni exchange. We believe that these initiatives will not only benefit our communities but also contribute to the broader mission of SIIP.”

Involvement in SIIP signifies Commerce's commitment to fostering an environment where immigrants and refugees are valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the economic growth and cultural richness of North Dakota.

For more information on the Office of Legal Immigration, visit https://ndgov.link/officeoflegalimmigration.