The International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) reopened for 500 new applications on January 4, 2017. This SINP sub-category allows skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation to make an application for a provincial nomination certificate, which is then followed by an application for Canadian permanent residence. Interestingly, applicants do not require a job offer in order to make an application.
This is a ‘base’ sub-category, meaning that it is not ed with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system. Consequently, it is possible that individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry (for example, because of language ability) — as well as individuals who are eligible for Express Entry but who have so far not received an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence — may be eligible. Among other eligibility requirements, applicants must be highly-skilled in an in-demand occupation in the province. The current list contains 21 occupations across a range of industries, notably in engineering, trades, agriculture, health care, and IT. A full list of in-demand occupations may be found below.
Furthermore, it should be noted that this sub-category opened on numerous occasions throughout 2016. Typically, the intake cap is reached quickly, often within days, or even hours. The fact that this sub-category has reopened again so early in 2017 suggests that Saskatchewan will look to welcome many new applications this year too.
Saskatchewan, with its high standard of living and plentiful employment opportunities, has become an increasingly popular immigration destination over recent years.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements for SINP International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand
In order to be eligible under the Occupations In-Demand sub-category, applicants must:
- Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
- Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4;
- Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training comparable to the Canadian education system;
- The program of study must have resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate.
- Have at least one-year of paid work experience in the past ten years 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);
- Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
- Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
- Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the point assessment grid.
To review the points assessment grid, click here.
Occupations In-Demand
The table below represents the current list of in-demand occupations for the SINP International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand sub-category.
| NOC | Occupation | Skill Level | Mandatory certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0213 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | 0 | No |
| 0423 | Managers in Social, Community and Correctional Services | 0 | No |
| 0513 | Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors | 0 | No |
| 0714 | Facility Operation and Maintenance Managers | 0 | No |
| 0821 | Managers in Agriculture | 0 | No |
| 1224 | Property Administrators | B | No |
| 1225 | Purchasing Agents and Officers | B | No |
| 1252 | Health Information Management Occupations | B | No |
| 2161 | Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries | A | No |
| 2171 | Information Systems Analysts and Consultants | A | No |
| 2221 | Biological Technologists and Technicians | B | No |
| 2225 | Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and Specialists | B | No |
| 2231 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | B | No |
| 2232 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | B | No |
| 2244 | Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors | B | No |
| 2253 | Drafting Technologists and Technicians | B | No |
| 2255 | Technical Occupations in Geomantic and Meteorology | B | No |
| 7253 | Gas Fitters | B | No |
| 7312 | Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics | B | No |
| 7321 | Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers | B | No |
| 7332 | Appliance Servicers and Repairers | B | No |