The popular International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has reopened for 500 new applications, as February 14, 2017.

Through this sub-category, eligible candidates in the federal Express Entry pool may apply for a provincial nomination certificate from Saskatchewan. A provincial nomination certificate through this sub-category gives the candidate 600 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and that candidate will then be in line for selection at a subsequent draw from the pool.

The SINP targets prospective immigrants with the skills and experience needed to respond to Saskatchewan’s labour market and community needs. As candidates for the Express Entry sub-category must be in the IRCC Express Entry pool, all candidates must be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and the Canadian Experience Class.

(Update: Since this article was first published, the SINP International Skilled Worker - Express Entry sub-category has closed for new applications.)

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the SINP's International Skilled Worker - Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, candidates must:

• Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
• Have been accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool and have an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code;
  • The Number and Code must be included in the SINP application.
• Provide language test results from a designated testing agency that match the language level declared in their Express Entry profile;
• Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training which is comparable to the Canadian education system and which has resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate;
• Have a minimum level of work experience related to their field of education or training in a highly skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) that is considered to be in-demand in Saskatchewan (See in-demand occupations list below);
  • At least one year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades); OR
  • At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years; OR
  • At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
• Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
• Hold a certificate of qualification (also known as a letter of invitation) in their skilled trade from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission if their work experience is in a skilled trade;
• Have proof of sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
• Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid.

SINP In-Demand Occupations List for Express Entry sub-category

Points Assessment Grid

Candidates will be assessed points according to the following five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection(s) to the Saskatchewan labour market and adaptability. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points on the Points Assessment Grid in order to be eligible for nomination.

Selection Factors

Factor 1: Education and Training

The applicant will receive points for his or her education according to documented proof of completed post-secondary education and/or training programs from a nationally or provincially recognized institution or regulatory body.

Copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees for any education/training with complete transcripts must be included in order to receive points under this selection factor.

Factor 2: Skilled Work Experience

Points are calculated under this selection factor according to documented proof of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, B or a designated trade) in the applicant's intended occupation in the previous ten years. Two points are awarded for each year of work experience in the most recent five years, and one point is awarded for each year in the six to ten year period prior to applying.

The applicant must show at least one year of full-time, or part-time equivalent, paid work experience in his or her her intended occupation in order to be eligible.

Documentation must include a letter of reference from the supervisor or Human Resources officer for each work experience listed, the applicant’s official work book, or other official government documentation.

Factor 3: Language Ability

The applicant will receive points for his or her ability in either of Canada’s official languages, English or French. If proficient in both, the applicant should choose the language that he or she is most comfortable with.

Proof of language proficiency is required in the form of official results of a recent SINP-approved language test, such as the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS, General Training), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF).

Applicants must score a minimum of CLB 4 in order to be eligible.

Factor 4: Age

The applicant will receive points according to his or her age on the date of application to the SINP.

Factor 5: Connections to the Saskatchewan Labour Market and Adaptability

The applicant will receive points for his or her connection to the Saskatchewan labour market and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Saskatchewan as a permanent resident through document proof of a high skilled employment offer.

To find out if you are eligible the SINP, or other Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment today.