The latest draw for Saskatchewan's Entrepreneur stream, an important component of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), has resulted in 98 international entrepreneurs being invited to apply to the program. Candidates in the unique 'Expression of Interest' pool for this program who had 80 or more points on July 19 were invited to apply. This cut-off threshold is the joint-lowest in the history of the program.
The government of Saskatchewan refers to this stream as the SINP Entrepreneur Program, and through this program successful applicants can start, obtain or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and be actively involved in managing it, while residing in province with their accompanying family members, if applicable. Successful applicants first obtain a work permit, allowing them to work in Saskatchewan, before applying for permanent residence after fulfilling the terms of a Business Performance Agreement.
Among the eligibility criteria for entrepreneur candidates is a minimum net worth requirement of $500,000 CAD and an equity investment requirement of $200,000 (this figure is raised to $300,000 if the investment is made within the cities of Saskatoon or Regina). There are additional requirements for the business, which must have the potential for creating economic benefit to Saskatchewan, as assessed by a SINP immigration officer.
Eligible candidates are assigned a score out of 160 upon entry to the SINP Entrepreneur pool of candidates. The unique points grid has a strong focus on local labour market needs; for example, candidates who plan an investment in a key economic sector may obtain more points, as do candidates who conduct an exploratory visit to Saskatchewan for at least five working days with evidence of contact with relevant business personnel. Other factors include one's age, level of education, language ability, entrepreneurial experience, and more besides.
Future draws are scheduled for the following dates:
- October 18, 2017
- January 17, 2018
Recent SINP Entrepreneur Program draws
The table below shows the history of invitations to apply issued under the SINP Entrepreneur Program.
| Expression of Interest (EOI) Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 2017 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 180-145 | 100 | 98 | |
| May 24, 2017 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 80-140 | 105 | 142 | |
| March 2017 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 95–135 | 110 | 107 | |
| December 2016 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 120–130 | 120 | 14 | |
| September 2016 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 110–135 | 115 | 57 | |
| May 2016 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 110–155 | 120 | 88 | |
| October 2015 | Points range | Average points of invitees | Total Invitations Issued |
| 110–155 | 125 | 70 | |