Saskatchewan

What is Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program? (SINP)

Saskatchewan is home to one of Canada's fastest-growing economies and populations, largely due to the influx of immigrants from around the world. As one of the Prairie provinces in Western Canada, Saskatchewan's economy is predominantly based on agriculture and key natural resource industries such as forestry and fishing. The province features two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, along with vast stretches of pristine wilderness.

Saskatchewan has been highly successful in attracting immigrants. The province, which once welcomed between 3,000 and 4,000 newcomers annually, now sees around 15,000 new arrivals each year. This achievement is particularly notable given Saskatchewan's population of just over 1 million, making it one of Canada's most popular destinations for newcomers.

Overview of the Saskatchewan PNP

The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program, officially known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), was launched in 1998 to address the province's economic and labor market needs through immigration.

The SINP has been remarkably successful, with seven out of ten newcomers to the province immigrating through this program. Saskatchewan boasts a high employment rate for newcomers, approximately 76 percent, and impressive retention rates, with over 85 percent of newcomers choosing to stay.

Saskatchewan is a popular destination for immigrants, partly due to the perceived ease of its PNP program. This reputation is bolstered by the variety of immigration options it offers.

The program includes an enhanced sub-category and several base sub-categories. The enhanced sub-category, known as Saskatchewan Express Entry, falls under the International Skilled Worker Category.

An enhanced sub-category aligns with the federal Express Entry system, which manages permanent residence applications through Canada’s three main economic class immigration programs. The Express Entry system assigns candidates a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), with the highest-ranking candidates invited to apply for permanent residence during Express Entry draws.

Receiving a nomination from an enhanced provincial program awards an additional 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The nomination is processed through the candidate's Express Entry profile.

Most of Saskatchewan’s sub-categories are base streams, which are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates receiving a provincial nomination through these streams must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

 SINP includes the following categories-

1.     International Skilled Worker

·       Employment Offer

·       Occupations in Demand

·       Express Entry

2.     Saskatchewan Experience Stream

·       Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit

·       Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

·       Health Professionals

·       Hospitality Sector Project

·       Haul Truck Driver Project

·       Students Stream

3.     Entrepreneur and Farm Category

·       Entrepreneur Sub-Category

·       Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

4.     International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

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Saskatchewan Immigration Streams:

Ø International Skilled Worker

Employment Offer

The Employment Offer Sub-Category of the Saskatchewan PNP International Skilled Worker category is designed for skilled workers who have a job offer from a qualified employer in Saskatchewan. To be eligible for this stream, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Points: Score at least 60 points out of 100 on the Saskatchewan INP point assessment grid.
• Work Experience: Have at least one year of work experience in the intended occupation within the past ten years.
• Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4.
• Licensure: Provide proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the intended occupation is in a regulated profession or compulsory apprenticeship trade.
• Job Offer: Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.

Occupations In Demand

Processing Time: 35 weeks

Requirements:

• Meet language requirements (CLB 4).
• Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training.
• Have a minimum level of work experience related to your field of education or training, in an in-demand skilled occupation.
• Provide proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by Saskatchewan.
• Have sufficient funds to settle in the province and a settlement plan.

This sub-category targets highly skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan who do not yet have a job offer in the province.

Saskatchewan Express Entry

Processing Time: 37 weeks

Requirements:

• Be in the Express Entry pool with an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
• Meet language requirements.
• Have at least one year of post-secondary education or training.
• Have a minimum level of work experience related to your field of education or training in an in-demand skilled occupation.
• Provide proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by the SINP.
• Have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade, if your work experience is in a skilled trade.
• Have sufficient funds to settle in the province and a settlement plan.

This sub-category is for candidates already in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Express Entry pool with skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan.

How it works:

Saskatchewan uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories.

To begin, you must register your EOI on the SINP Apply Online portal and complete the required form. Your answers on this form will be used to assess your eligibility.

To enter the EOI pool, you need to score at least 60 out of 110 points on the EOI Points Grid. This grid evaluates you based on five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connections to the Saskatchewan labor market and adaptability.

If you are selected, you will receive an invitation to apply during an EOI draw.

Once invited, you can apply for a provincial nomination from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) through the same portal.

For those with a job offer applying through the Employment Offer sub-category, you can apply directly without the need to register an EOI.

After your application is approved, you can apply for permanent residence directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you’re applying through the Express Entry sub-category, Saskatchewan will enter the details of your nomination into the Express Entry system. This will grant you an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.

Ø Saskatchewan Experience Stream

The Saskatchewan Experience Category includes six pathways:

Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit

Requirements:

• Hold a valid work permit
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer in an eligible occupation
• Have worked for the employer offering the permanent job for at least six months
• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4
• Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
• Provide proof of eligibility for licensure if required

This pathway is for skilled workers who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months with a valid work permit.

Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

Requirements:

• Have been employed for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering the job, or have previously worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in one of the following occupations:
• NOC 8431: General Farm Worker
• NOC 8432: Nursery and Greenhouse Worker
• Meet additional criteria of the sub-category

This pathway is designed for semi-skilled workers who have been employed for over six months with a valid work permit or have prior work experience in Saskatchewan for at least six months, and who have a job offer as a General Farm Worker or Nursery and Greenhouse Worker.

Health Professionals

Requirements:

• Vary for physicians, nurses, and other health professionals but generally include:
• Holding a valid work permit
• Having a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
• Having a permanent, full-time job offer
• Meeting other specific requirements

This pathway is for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

Hospitality Sector Project

Requirements:

• Hold a valid work permit for one of the following positions:
• Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453)
• Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641)
• Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661)
• Have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months by an approved employer
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from an approved employer
• Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
• Have at least a high school education
• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4

This pathway targets food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and housekeeping and cleaning staff who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

Requirements:

• Have been employed by an approved trucking firm for at least six months with a work permit
• Hold a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license
• Have a full-time, permanent job offer from their employer
• Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
• Meet the language requirement of CLB 4

This pathway is for long haul truck drivers who have been working for an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

Students Stream

Requirements for the Students Stream:

Graduates of Saskatchewan Institutes:

• Education: Graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan. The program must be equivalent to at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4, demonstrated by a designated language test taken within the past two years if the job offer is in a NOC level C occupation.
• Work Experience: Minimum of six months (960 hours) of paid work experience in Saskatchewan. Eligible work experience includes on-campus, off-campus, co-op terms, graduate fellowships verified by the institution, and work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Applied for and received a valid post-graduation work permit from IRCC.
• Job Offer: Current, permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in a NOC level 0, A, or B occupation or trade, or a job offer requiring post-secondary education.
• SINP Job Approval Letter: Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Graduates Outside of Saskatchewan Institutes:

• Education: Graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada (outside of Saskatchewan). The program must be equivalent to at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB score of 4, demonstrated by a designated language test taken within the previous two years if the job offer is in a NOC level C occupation.
• Work Experience: Minimum of 24 consecutive months (two years) of paid full-time work experience (minimum 3,840 hours) in Saskatchewan after graduation and after receiving a valid post-graduation work permit. Eligible work experience includes work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Possess a valid post-graduation work permit from IRCC.
• Job Offer: Current, permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in a NOC level 0, A, or B occupation, a designated trade, or a job offer requiring post-secondary education.
• SINP Job Approval Letter: Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Ø Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

Requirements:

• Must have at least three years of entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years.
• Must make a minimum equity investment of CAD $300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or CAD $200,000 in another Saskatchewan community.
• Must have a Business Establishment Plan (BEP).
• Must own at least one-third of the equity in a business in Saskatchewan (unless the total investment is CAD $1,000,000 or higher).
• Must create or maintain at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan if the business is in Regina or Saskatoon.
• If purchasing a business in Regina or Saskatoon, must maintain the number of Canadian or permanent resident workers at the time of purchase.
• Must reside in Saskatchewan with your family.
• Must sign a business performance agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, provided by the SINP after application approval.
• The business must meet additional requirements.

This sub-category is for individuals looking to invest in Saskatchewan by establishing, acquiring, or partnering in a business. Applicants are expected to take on an active management role in the business.

How the Entrepreneur Sub-Category Works:

The Entrepreneur Category involves four steps:

1. Register Your Expression of Interest (EOI):
• Submit your EOI to the SINP and receive a point score.
• Candidates with the highest points are selected in each draw.
2. Submit an application:
• If selected, you will be invited to apply directly to the SINP through the SINP Apply Online system.
3. Application Assessment:
• During the assessment, you will be contacted for a final interview.
• After the interview, you will receive a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) to review and sign. Email the signed BPA within 20 days.
• Upon submission of the BPA, you will receive your SINP Entrepreneur Approval letter and a Temporary Work Permit Support letter.
4. Establish Your Business:
• Apply for a temporary work permit within three months.
• Move to Saskatchewan and establish your business, attending an arrival meeting within 18 months of the date on your SINP Entrepreneur Approval letter.
• Maintain legal status in Canada and run your business according to the BPA for at least six months.
• Request provincial nomination once these conditions are met.

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

This sub-category is for experienced farmers with substantial capital who wish to invest in a farming operation and settle in Saskatchewan.

Requirements:

• Must have relevant knowledge and experience in farm operations.
• Must have a viable and well-considered proposal for a commercial farming opportunity in Saskatchewan.

The Young Farmer Stream has additional requirements:

• Must have at least three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management, or practical farming.
• Must have the potential to supplement farming income with the spouse's or common-law partner's marketable employment skills based on education and experience.

Application Fee: CAD $2,500

Processing Time: 14 weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (or CAD $300,000 through the Young Farmer Stream).
• Must have accumulated net worth through legal means, verified to at least 80 percent.

How the Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category Works:

1. Prepare Your Application:
• Ensure you have all required documents, including those for your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and an employee in your current farming operation.
2. Submit Your Application:
• Email your application to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
3. Application Review:
• The SINP may contact you for clarification, additional documents, or an interview.
4. Receive Approval:
• If successful, you will receive:
• Nomination Approval and Request for Approval Letter
• Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
5. Good Faith Deposit:
• The letter will detail how to make a refundable CAD $75,000 Good Faith Deposit by wire transfer, which must be received within three months.
• Once the payment is received, sign and return the BPA to receive your provincial nomination.

Ø International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

This category is designed for international graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan who plan to start a business in the province. Approved candidates must operate and manage their business in Saskatchewan for at least one year to qualify for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

Details:

• Application Fee: None
• Processing Time: 14 weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must have completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma of at least two years from a designated learning institution in Saskatchewan
• Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that is valid for at least two years
• Must have resided in Saskatchewan for the duration of their academic program
• Must meet the language requirement of CLB 7

How It Works:

The process is similar to the Entrepreneur Category and involves four steps:

1. Register Your Expression of Interest (EOI):
• Submit your EOI to the SINP and receive a point score.
• Candidates with the highest scores are selected in each draw.
2. Submit an application:
• If selected, you will be invited to submit an application directly to the SINP through the SINP Apply Online system.
• You must also submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that aligns with the information in your EOI.
3. Sign the Business Performance Agreement (BPA):
• If your application is successful, you will need to sign a BPA based on your submitted BEP.
4. Operate Your Business:
• Actively manage and operate your proposed business according to the terms of the BPA.
• Fulfill the BPA requirements before your PGWP expires.

Once the conditions of the BPA are met, you can apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. With this nomination, you can then apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence.

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