Licence Waiver

Licence Waiver Program Changes

APEGS has updated the Licence Waiver Program following amendments to the Administration of Fees Policy approved by Council. Beginning with the 2027 licensing year, new licence waiver eligibility requirements will apply. These changes may affect current licence waiver holders, members-in-training and anyone who may apply for a licence waiver in the future.

Review the Changes

What is a Licence Waiver?

A licence waiver is a granted exemption from paying the licence fee portion of the annual fees for one licensing year.

Annual fees consist of two components:

  • Membership fee: The fee required to maintain your status as an APEGS member. This fee applies to all members.
  • Licence fee: The fee required to hold a licence to practise professional engineering or professional geoscience in Saskatchewan.

Eligible professional member or licensee applicants may apply for a licence waiver. If granted, the licence fee for the applicable licencing year will be waived.

    Licence Waiver Eligibility

    Who Can Apply

    You can apply for a licence waiver if all of the following apply:

    • You are not engaged in the practice of professional engineering or professional geoscience on any project, facility, or property located in Saskatchewan.
    • You are in good standing; and
    • You are in one of the following situations:
      • unemployed;
      • retired from practising engineering or geoscience (in Saskatchewan and in any other regulated jurisdiction);
      • your preferred address registered with APEGS is outside Saskatchewan;
      • a full-time student not practising professional engineering or geoscience; or
      • on a job-protected leave such as medical leave, parental leave, or disability leave. For additional information, refer to the Government of Saskatchewan’s Job Protected Leaves webpage.

    Who Cannot Apply

    You are not eligible for a licence waiver if you are:

    • employed in Saskatchewan in any capacity, including non-engineering and non-geoscience jobs;
    • living in Saskatchewan and practising professional engineering or professional geoscience outside Saskatchewan, including remotely for projects or clients located outside Saskatchewan;
    • the sole Official Representative for an organization holding a Certificate of Authorization in Saskatchewan;
    • a Temporary Licensee;
    • a member-in-training; or
    • not in good standing.

    Important: If your circumstances change and you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for a licence waiver, you must reactivate your licence. This includes situations such as obtaining employment in Saskatchewan or undertaking professional engineering or geoscience work. See the Reactivating Your Licence section below for complete requirements and instructions.

    Responsibilities While on a Licence Waiver

    If your licence waiver application is approved, you remain subject to certain professional obligations and restrictions:

    • You are not permitted to practise professional engineering or professional geoscience in Saskatchewan.
    • You may continue to use the protected title and designation associated with your Saskatchewan registration, as provided for under The Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act.
    • You are required to participate in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program.

    When Can I Apply for a Licence Waiver?

    Licence waiver applications are accepted only at the following times:

    • At the time of licensure; or
    • During the annual licensing period.

    Eligibility and Timing Requirements

    To be eligible, you must submit your licence waiver application before paying the applicable fees and before the payment deadline.

    Current Licensing Year Cut Off

    Licence waiver applications for the current licensing year must be submitted by October 31, even if the applicable payment deadline occurs after October 31. Members approved after October 31 are not eligible to apply for a licence waiver for the current licensing year. After October 31, applications will be accepted only for the upcoming licensing year during the annual renewal period.

    Upcoming Licensing Year Deadline

    Applications for a licence waiver for the upcoming licensing year are accepted only during the annual license period. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. (CST) on December 31. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for the upcoming licensing year.

    How to Apply for a Licence Waiver

    New Members

    1. Do not pay any fees until your licence waiver application has been reviewed and you have received a decision.
    2. Submit a Licence Waiver Application before the deadline noted in your membership approval correspondence.
    3. APEGS will review your waiver application and notify you of the decision.
    4. Pay the applicable fees by the deadline communicated to you.
      • If your waiver is granted, you must pay the reduced fee amount.
      • If your waiver is not granted, you must pay the full amount of the original invoice

    Important:

    • Licence waivers for the current licensing year are available only until October 31.
    • Applications received after October 31 will not be accepted for the current licensing year.

    Existing Members Renewing Membership

    1. Do not pay any fees until your licence waiver application has been reviewed and you have received a decision.
    2. Submit a Licence Waiver Application by 5:00 PM Central Standard Time on December 31.
    3. APEGS will review your waiver application and notify you of the decision.
    4. Pay the applicable fees by the deadline communicated to you..
      • If your waiver is granted, you are required to pay the reduced fee amount.
      • If your waiver is not granted, you will pay the full amount of the original invoice.

    Important:

    • Applications received after 5:00 PM Central Standard Time on December 31 will not be accepted.
    • Failure to pay your invoice by the prescribed payment deadline may result in your file becoming inactive and your status changing to not in good standing.

      Reactivating Your Licence

      If you are on a licence waiver and no longer meet the eligibility requirements for a licence waiver, you must immediately notify APEGS and reactivate your licence for the remainder of the licensing year.  You may not undertake professional engineering or professional geoscience work in Saskatchewan until your licence has been reactivated. Follow the steps below to reactivate your licence:

      1. Email membership@apegs.ca to request a Return to Active Practice form.
      2. Submit the completed form to APEGS for review.
      3. Once your request has been processed, APEGS will issue an invoice for the prorated licence fee for the remainder of the licensing year.
      4. Pay the applicable fees upon receiving the invoice.

      Consequences for Non-Compliance

      Practising professional engineering or professional geoscience in Saskatchewan while on a licence waiver may result in a compliance action.