The Government of Saskatchewan has conducted its first draw of 2018 for its Provincial Nominee Program's Entrepreneur Stream.
A total of 251 international entrepreneurs were invited to apply for a provincial nomination in the draw, which took place on January 17, 2018. Candidates in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)'s 'Expression of Interest' pool who had 80 or more points were invited to apply.
This stream, which is also referred to as the SINP Entrepreneur Category, allows successful applicants to start, obtain or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and actively manage it while residing in the province with their accompanying family members, if applicable. Successful applicants first receive a temporary work permit, allowing them to work in Saskatchewan. They can then apply 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 into the SINP Entrepreneur pool of candidates. The SINP's unique points grid has a strong focus on local labour market needs and business innovation. 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.
Three more draws are scheduled to take place for this category this year on April 18, July 18 and October 17.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| January 17, 2018 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 80 or above | 251 | |
| October 31, 2017 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 80-135 | 265 | |
| July 19, 2017 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 180-145 | 98 | |
| May 24, 2017 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 80-140 | 142 | |
| March 2017 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 95–135 | 107 | |
| December 2016 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 120–130 | 14 | |
| September 2016 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 110–135 | 57 | |
| May 2016 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 110–155 | 88 | |
| October 2015 | Points range | Total Invitations Issued |
| 110–155 | 70 | |