Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

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Saskatchewan Immigrant
Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces of Western Canada.

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Saskatchewan is home to one of the country’s most rapidly growing economies and populations, thanks largely to the arrival of immigrants from around the world..

Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces of Western Canada. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and important natural resources industries like forestry and fishing. It boasts two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as vast expanses of pristine wilderness. Saskatchewan is very successful with immigration. The province was welcoming between 3,000 and 4,000 newcomers per year. That number has now grown to 15,000. This is particularly impressive when considering that Saskatchewan’s population is just over 1 million. The province is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for newcomers.
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Overview of the Saskatchewan PNP

The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program, officially the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) launched in 1998.

It was launched to help address economic and labour market needs through immigration to the province.

Saskatchewan’s provincial program has been very successful. Seven out of 10 newcomers to the province immigrated through the SINP. The province also has a high employment rate for newcomers, around 76 percent. Retention rates are also high, with over 85 percent of newcomers choosing to stay in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan is a popular destination among newcomers. The Saskatchewan PNP program has a reputation of being an “easy PNP”. This may be because of the variety of immigration options it provides immigration candidates.

Saskatchewan has an enhanced sub-category and many base sub-categories. The enhanced sub-category is called Saskatchewan Express Entry and is under the International Skilled Worker Category.

Enhanced means that the sub-category is aligned with the Express Entry system, which is the system that the federal government uses to manage permanent residence applications through the country’s three main economic class immigration programs.

The Express Entry system gives a candidate a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence during an Express Entry draw.

If you get a nomination from an enhanced provincial program, you get an extra 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You also get your nomination through your Express Entry profile.

The majority of Saskatchewan’s sub-categories are base streams. This means that they are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates who get a provincial nomination are required to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Saskatchewan Immigration Streams:

If you wish to immigrate to Saskatchewan, then you have four options to choose from:

  • International Skilled Worker Category
  • Saskatchewan Experience Category
  • Entrepreneur and Farm Category
  • International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.

The International Skilled Worker Category is for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Experience Category is for foreign workers who are already living in Saskatchewan, including holders of a current work permit and international graduates.

The Entrepreneur and Farm Category is for individuals who wish to own and actively operate a business or a farming operation in Saskatchewan.

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for international students graduating from an eligible post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and who are planning to start a business in the province.

International Skilled Worker Category

The International Skilled Worker Category consists of three pathways: Employment Offer This sub-category is for skilled workers who have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. Occupations In Demand This sub-category is for 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

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

Application Fee: CAD $350

Processing Time:

Category
Average Processing Time
Employment Offer
4 weeks
Occupations In Demand
35 weeks
Saskatchewan Express Entry
37 weeks

Minimum Requirements:

  • Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
  • Score a minimum of 60 points out of 110 on the point assessment grid.
Sub-Category
Is a job offer required?
Additional Requirements
Employment Offer
Yes
  • Meet language requirements (CLB 4)
  • Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet licensure requirements if necessary
  • Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past ten years in the intended occupation;
Occupations In Demand
No
  • 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.
  • Get proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by Saskatchewan;
  • Have enough money to settle in the province and have a settlement plan.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
No
  • Be in the Express Entry pool and have 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
  • Get 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 enough money to settle in the province and have a settlement plan.

How it works:

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

You must first register your EOI on the SINP Apply Online portal, where you will be asked to fill out a form. Answers on the form will be used to assess your eligibility.

To enter the EOI pool, you must score a minimum of 60 out of 110 points in the EOI Points Grid. The EOI Points Grid assesses you based on five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age and connections to the Saskatchewan labour market, and adaptability.

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

At this point, you can apply for a provincial nomination from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). You can do this through the same portal.

If you have a job offer and you’re applying through the Employment Offer sub-category, you can apply directly without needing to register an EOI.

After your application is approved, you can then apply for permanent residence directly to IRCC. If you’re applying through the Express Entry sub-category, Saskatchewan will enter the details of your nomination into the system. This means you will get an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, which will effectively guarantee to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.

Saskatchewan Experience Category

The Experience Category consists of six pathways:

Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit

This sub-category is for skilled workers who have been working in Saskatchewan for at least six months and who hold a valid work permit.

Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

This sub-category is for semi-skilled workers who have been working for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering them a job, or who have previously worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months. They must also have a full-time permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer as a General Farm Worker (NOC 8431) or Nursery and Greenhouse Worker (NOC 8432).

Health Professionals

This sub-category is for physicians, nurses, or other health care workers who have worked for at least six months in Saskatchewan.

Hospitality Sector Project

This sub-category is for food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or housekeeping and cleaning staff in Saskatchewan. They must have been working for at least six months in the province.

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

This sub-category is for those who have been working at an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

Students

This sub-category is for students who graduated from a post-secondary institution anywhere in Canada, and who worked in Saskatchewan for at least 24 months. Students who graduated from a Saskatchewan institution need to have worked in the province for just 6 months.

Application Fee: None

Processing Time: 1-2 weeks

Minimum Requirements:

Category
Is a job required?
Minimum Requirements
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit
Yes
  • Have a valid work permit,
  • Have a permanent, full-time job offer from in an eligible job,
  • Have worked for at least six months for the employer offering the permanent job,
  • Meet the language requirement of CLB 4,
  • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
  • Have proof of eligibility for licensure if required.
Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
Yes
  • Have been working for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering a job; or,
  • Have previously worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months;
  • Have a permanent full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in the following National Occupation
      Classification (NOC) occupations:
    • NOC 8431: General Farm Worker
    • NOC 8432: Nursery and Greenhouse Worker
  • Meet other criteria of the sub-category.
Health Professionals
Yes

Requirements differ for physicians, nurses and other health professionals. However, generally, the candidate must

  • Have a valid work permit,
  • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter,
  • Have a permanent, full-time job offer,
  • Must meet other requirements.
Hospitality Sector Project
Yes
  • Have a valid work permit for Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453); Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641); or Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661),
  • Be employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months, working for an approved employer;
  • Have a permanent, full-time job offer from an approved employer;
  • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter;
  • Have at least a high school education,
  • Meet the language requirement of CLB 4.
Long Haul Truck Driver Project
Yes

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

  • Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree outside or in Saskatchewan,
  • Meet the language requirement of CLB 4,
  • Have worked for at least six months in Saskatchewan,
  • Hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP),
  • Have a permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation,
  • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

How it works:

You must first determine if you’re eligible for one of the sub-categories. Once you’re ready to apply, you can do so at SINP Apply Online.

Complete your application, upload all of the required documents in PDF format and submit. After you do this, you will receive an email confirming that your application was submitted.

Saskatchewan then assess your application and make a final decision. If you are successful, you will receive a provincial nomination. You can then use this nomination to apply for permanent residence directly with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

This sub-category is for people who wish to invest in Saskatchewan by establishing, acquiring or partnering in a business in the province. You’re expected to take on an active management role in the business.

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

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

Application Fee: CAD $2,500

Processing Time: 14 weeks

Minimum Requirements:

  • Must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD (or $300,000 through the Young Farmer Stream),
  • Must have accumulated your net worth through legal means (verified to at least 80 percent).
Sub-Category
Additional Requirements
Entrepreneur Sub-Category
  • Must have at least three years of entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years,
  • Must have a minimum equity investment of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or of $200,000 CAD in another Saskatchewan community.
  • Must have a Business Establishment Plan (BEP);
  • Must own at least one-third of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan (unless their total investment is $1,000,000 CAD or higher);
  • Must create or maintain at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan (if business is in Regina or Saskatoon),
  • If you’re purchasing a business in Saskatoon or Regina, you must maintain the number of Canadian or permanent resident workers at the time of purchase,
  • You must live in Saskatchewan with your family,
  • You must sign a business performance agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will be provided by the SINP after the application is approved.
  • The business must meet additional requirements.
Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category
  • Must have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience,
  • Must have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity.

The Young Farmer Stream has additional requirements:

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

How the Entrepreneur Sub-Category works:

The Entrepreneur Category has four steps. First, you must register your Expression of Interest to the SINP, and you will be given a point score. Those with the highest points are selected in each draw.

If successful, you will be selected and invited to submit an application. You will then have to submit an application directly to the SINP through the SINP Apply Online system.

While your application is being assessed, you will be contacted for a final interview, after which you will be sent a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) for you to review and sign. You must email the BPA within 20 days. After submitting the BPA, you will then receive your SINP Entrepreneur Approval Letter and a Temporary Work Permit Support letter.

The next step is to apply for a temporary work permit within three months, move to Saskatchewan, and establish your business. You must attend an arrival meeting within 18 months of the date on your SINP Entrepreneur Approval letter.

You must arrive in Saskatchewan within 18 months after receiving your first Temporary Work Permit Support letter.

After you transfer your funds in Canada, maintain legal status in Canada and run your business according to the Business Performance Agreement (BPA) for at least six months, you can then request provincial nomination. With a nomination, you will be able to apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.

How the Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category works:

You must first make sure you have all the required documents. Include your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and an employee in your current farming operation in your application.

You may be contacted by the SINP if they need clarification, additional documents, or an interview.

If your application is successful, you will receive two documents:

  • Nomination Approval and Request for Approval Letter
  • Business Performance Agreement (BPA).

The letter will explain how you can make the refundable CAD $75,000 Good Faith Deposit by wire transfer. It must be received within three months.

Once the payment is received, and you sign the BPA and send it back, you will be receiving a provincial nomination.

With a nomination, you can then apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.

Evaluating your net worth

The SINP evaluate your net worth through two financial service providers:

Name of Service Provider
Contact Details
KPMG

333 Bay Street, Suite 4600

Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2S5

Phone: 416-777-3887

Email: SINPverification@kpmg.ca
MNP Ltd.

Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0J3

Phone: 306-790-7900

Email: mnp.sinp@mnp.ca

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

This category is for international graduates of eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, who are planning to start a business. Approved candidates must operate and manage a business in Saskatchewan for at least a year to be eligible for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

This category is for international students graduating from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan and who are planning to start a business in the province. Approved candidates will have to operate and manage a business in Saskatchewan for at least a year to be eligible for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

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 that is at least two years in duration from a Saskatchewan designated learning institution,
  • Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that is valid for at least two years,
  • Must have lived 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. It also has four steps. First, you must register your Expression of Interest to the SINP, and you will be given a point score. Those with the highest points are selected in each draw.

If successful, you will be selected and invited to submit an application. You will then have to submit an application directly to the SINP through the SINP Apply Online system. You must also submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that corresponds to the information you submitted in your EOI.

If you pass this stage, you will have to sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA). This will be based on the BEP you submitted.

The next step is to actively operate your proposed business, within the terms of the BPA. You must fulfill the BPA requirements before your PGWP expires.

After the conditions of the BPA are met, you can then apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. With a nomination, you will be able to apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.

Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is to identify which category and sub-category you would be eligible for by checking the eligibility criteria for the category or categories you are interested in. Once you do this, you should check the application procedure for your chosen category.

In some cases, you will have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as a “pre-application”. Based on the answers you give while submitting your EOI, you will be given a point score. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply through the SINP website.

In other cases, an EOI will not be required and you may be able to apply directly.

The Saskatchewan PNP has a reputation of being easy. This may be true depending on your situation.

For example, if you’re a skilled worker living abroad and you meet certain criteria, or you’re an existing work permit holder living in Saskatchewan, it may be easy to make permanently immigrate to Saskatchewan.

In addition, if you are looking to start a business, including a farm operation, Saskatchewan can be a good option if you meet certain criteria.

Processing times can vary.

The processing time for the International Skilled Worker Category varies depending on the sub-category. The Express Entry and Occupation in Demand subcategory can take over 30 weeks. For the Employment Offer subcategory, however, the processing time is just 4 weeks.

For the Saskatchewan Experience Category, processing times can be just 1-2 weeks. This is because candidates are likely already living in Saskatchewan.

The processing time for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category and the Entrepreneur and Farm Category is 14 weeks.

Yes.

You do not need to have an Express Entry profile to immigrate to Saskatchewan, unless you are looking to immigrate through the Express Entry subcategory under the International Skilled Worker category.

To be eligible for the Occupation In-Demand subcategory, your occupation should NOT be on the province’s Excluded Occupation List.

Yes.

To learn about how to calculate the Saskatchewan PNP points according to the Points Assessment Grid, visit this webpage.

If you wish to immigrate to Saskatchewan, there are a few options to choose from, depending on your situation.

Skilled workers who live abroad and who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan may be eligible through the International Skilled Worker Category.

The Saskatchewan Experience Category targets foreign workers who are already in Saskatchewan such as work permit holders and international students. Under this category, there are dedicated sub-categories for work permit holders, students, health professionals, workers in the hospitality sector and long-haul truck drivers.

Entrepreneurs who wish to own and actively operate a business or a farming operation in Saskatchewan should immigrate through the Entrepreneur and Farm Category.

Finally, the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for international graduates of a post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan, who wish to start a business in the province.

If you are looking to immigrate to Saskatchewan through the International Skilled Worker category, you need to score at least 60 out of 110 in the Points Assessment Grid.

However, there are other additional requirements that you must meet, regarding your language skills, education, work experience, licensure, and settlement funds.

Learn more about the requirements on the International Skilled Worker category webpage.

Universities:

  • University of Regina
  • University of Saskatchewan

Colleges:

  • Campion College
  • Luther College
  • St. Thomas More College
  • The First Nations University of Canada
  • St. Peter’s College
  • Briercrest College & Seminary
  • College of Emmanuel and St. Chad
  • Horizon College & Seminary
  • Lutheran Theological Seminary
  • St. Andrew’s College
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