Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
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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Table of Contents
Overview of the Saskatchewan PNP
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program, officially the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) launched in 1998.
It 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 per cent. Retention rates are also high, with over 85 per cent 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 getting 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 four pathways:
Tech Talent Pathway
This sub-category is for highly skilled workers who have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in one of 11 tech occupations. Learn more.
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 have skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan.
Learn more about the International Skilled Worker Category
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Talent Pathway | Yes |
|
Employment Offer | Yes |
|
| Occupations In Demand | No |
|
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | No |
|
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 receiving 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.
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Experience Category
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Minimum Requirements:
| Category | Is a job offer required? | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit | Yes |
|
| Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit | Yes |
|
| Health Professionals | Yes | Requirements differ for physicians, nurses and other health professionals. However, generally, the candidate must
|
| Hospitality Sector Project | Yes |
|
| Long Haul Truck Driver Project | Yes |
|
| Students | Yes |
|
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.
Learn more about the Entrepreneur Sub-Category
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.
Learn more about the Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category
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 |
|
| Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category |
The Young Farmer Stream has additional requirements:
|
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.
Submit your application by sending an email to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
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 fulfil 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.
Learn more about the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
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.
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
Contact us for Assistance
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CanadaVisa.com was founded as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. Since its launch in 1994, CanadaVisa has grown into one of the globe's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. If you want to immigrate to Canada through the PNP or another skilled worker pathway, the first step is to complete a free CanadaVisa assessment form. If you are eligible for Canadian immigration, a member of the Cohen Immigration Law team will reach out to provide you with as much assistance as possible.
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