Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): Things to Know

Saskatchewan is a place of natural wonders and diverse cultures. Its stunning landscapes, lively culture, and welcoming locals make it an attractive destination for everyone.

Saskatchewan welcomes nearly 10 percent of its residents from nations like the Philippines, China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Its charm lies in a cozy, small-town ambiance, with Regina, the capital, housing around 230,000 people, while Saskatoon serves as the other primary urban hub. The province’s economic vitality is rooted in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, food processing, energy, and life sciences.

Newcomers seeking settlement in Canada often explore the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as a pathway. Each PNP program sets its criteria based on the province’s economic requirements. To settle in Saskatchewan, newcomers can pursue residency by applying through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.

What is Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program?

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers different pathways to Canadian immigration. It invites non-Canadians to apply for residency in Saskatchewan and nominates successful applicants for permanent residency with the federal government in Canada.

SINP aims to streamline immigration for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and students eager to contribute to Saskatchewan’s economy. Newcomers can apply for PR under four primary categories SINP offers. They are:

1. International Skilled Worker: Designed for skilled foreign workers aspiring to work and settle in Saskatchewan.
2. Work Experience: Intended for foreign workers with at least six months of valid work experience in Saskatchewan.
3. Entrepreneur category: Targets foreign individuals aspiring to acquire or partner in a business within Saskatchewan while residing in the province.
4. Farm Owner and Operator category: Tailored for experienced farmers seeking ownership of farms in Saskatchewan.

International Skilled Worker Program

1. Employment Offer

This category is for those skilled foreign workers with a job offer in Saskatchewan. The mandatory requirements include the following:

• Achieve at least 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Possess an offer for a permanent, full-time job in the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 or a designated trade.
• Have at least one year’s work experience in the intended occupation in the past ten years.
• Be eligible (if applicable) for a Saskatchewan license
• Language Benchmark (CLB): A minimum of 4 in French or English.

2. Occupation In-Demand

For skilled foreign workers without a job offer in Saskatchewan, mandatory requirements include the following:

• Achieve at least 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Completed post-secondary education/training/apprenticeship degree/ diploma.
• Work experience in a highly skilled job not on the excluded occupation list.
• Minimum one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation in the past ten years.
• Occupation must be In-demand in Saskatchewan.
• Language Benchmark (CLB) minimum of 4 in French or English.
• Live outside Canada or proof of legal status.
• Proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.

3. Saskatchewan Express Entry

This category is for qualified candidates from the IRCC Express Entry system. The mandatory requirements include the following:

• Valid EE profile in the IRCC Express Entry system with a job seeker code.
• Achieve at least 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Language test results meeting EE language requirements.
• Post-secondary education or training equivalent to at least one year of Canadian education.
• Must earn diploma/certificate/ degree.
• Experience in a job not on the Excluded Occupation List.
• Skilled professionals: at least one year of work experience in the past ten years.
• Skilled tradespeople: at least two years of work experience in a trade in the past five years.
• Both must have one year of work experience in Canada in the past three years.
• Work experience in the field of post-secondary education or training.
• Proof of professional status and eligibility for licensure.
• Proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.

Note: You may refer to the latest program guidelines.

Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience

Under this category falls the student stream sub-category. This is for international students who have completed their studies at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada and aspire to reside and work in Saskatchewan.

To become eligible, you must:

• Graduate from a program equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study
• Provide documents related to certificate, diploma, or degree program.
• At least six months (or 780 hours) of paid job in Saskatchewan related to your field of study on a PGWP
• Receive a full-time job offer in your field of study from an approved employer in an occupation in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 or in a designated trade.
• Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
• If the job offer falls under the NOC TEER 4 occupation, a CLB of 4 or higher in French or English is required.

Entrepreneur Program

1. International Graduate Entrepreneur

For EOI applicants and international students graduating from a Saskatchewan institution aspiring to become entrepreneurs, they must

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Complete a full-time post-secondary degree/diploma in a Saskatchewan institution for at least two years.
• Hold a valid PGWP with at least 24 months remaining.
• Reside in Saskatchewan during the academic program.
• Minimum CLB Level of 7.

Once you receive an invitation and SINP approval, applicants must:

• Live in Saskatchewan and actively own and operate a business for at least one year before applying.
• Own at least 33% of the business and participate in day-to-day management.
• Prove the business generates the minimum required revenue for one year.
• Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) post-application approval.

2. SINP Entrepreneur Program

For foreign national entrepreneurs desiring to live in Saskatchewan and establish, own, or partner in a business, they must:

• Meet the criteria of the EOI candidate pool and complete the Points Assessment Grid.
• Possess a minimum of CAD 500,000 in Net Business and Personal Assets.
• Hold at least three years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience in the past ten years.
• Plan on investing a minimum of CAD 300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon or a minimum of CAD 200,000 in other communities.

Once you are invited to apply, applicants must submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) including:

• Plan to establish a business aligning with the Entrepreneur Category Points Grid.
• Ownership of at least one-third of the business’s equity in Saskatchewan unless the investment is CAD 1,000,000 or higher
• Commit to day-to-day management.
• Create two job opportunities in Saskatchewan for Canadians or PRs who are not relatives.

How to Apply for SINP?

1. Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you meet the mandatory requirements for your chosen sub-category. Incomplete applications will be closed, necessitating reapplication.

2. Saskatchewan Express Entry (if applicable)

Submit an online profile through IRCC and meet any prerequisites for federal programs – Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.

Upon receiving the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) nomination, you will get an EE profile number and Job Seeker validation code. You may take up to 30 days to accept the nomination. Once received, IRCC will invite you to apply for PR within 60 days.

3. Create an account and Apply

• Create an account on SINP Apply Online.
• Complete various sections of the online application.
• Scan and upload all forms and necessary documents in PDF format, retaining originals.
• After submission, expect a confirmation email from SINP acknowledging receipt.
• Note: EOI-invited applicants can log in using their existing EOI profile account. For applicants with job offers, create a new account.

4. Specifically for Entrepreneur Category applicants

• Submit an EOI to the SINP as a way to begin.
• Following the assessment, your EOI Point Assessment will be confirmed. A Business Immigration Officer will contact you for an interview.
• If you meet the criteria, anticipate a final interview conducted in person or through video conferencing.
• Review and sign the provided Business Performance Agreement (BPA).

5. Specifically for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category applicants

• Submit an EOI to the SINP.
• High-scoring candidates will receive invitations to apply.
• Those with a valid post-graduate work permit (PGWP) must actively operate their proposed business.
• Eligible applicants can apply for PR nomination upon fulfilling the Business Performance Agreement (BPA) conditions.

6. Farm Owner and Operator Applicants

• Complete all documents listed in the SINP Farm Category Application Document Checklist.
• Submit a Skilled Worker Application, and SINP will issue a Letter of Receipt and file number.
• Email the financial report to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
• If your application is complete, expect an Acceptance of Application and a Request for Processing Fee letter.
• Pay the application processing fee, and SINP will evaluate your application and possibly request an interview.
• Upon selection, receive a Nomination Approval and Request for Deposit letter alongside a Business Performance Agreement.
• Expect a nomination package and guidance on PR application. You may also receive a Temporary Work Permit Support letter if early arrival in Saskatchewan is necessary for farm preparations.

7. Application fee (Only for Saskatchewan EE and Occupation In-Demand sub-categories)

Following an invitation to apply, applicants in the Saskatchewan EE and Occupation In-Demand sub-categories must remit a non-refundable CAD 350 application processing fee.
Upon approval, successful candidates in the Employment Offer and Occupations In-Demand categories will receive a nomination package via email. SINP will inform IRCC of the nomination, and you may apply for PR within six months of being nominated by the SINP.

8. Application Decision & PR Nomination

After approval, successful candidates in the Employment Offer and Occupations In-Demand categories will receive a nomination via email. SINP will inform IRCC of the nomination, and you may apply for PR within six months of being nominated by the SINP.

9. Temporary Work Permit

Upon SINP approval, your application proceeds to IRCC. SINP will furnish a support letter for a Temporary Work Permit. Once IRCC approves it, you can continue working while awaiting your PR visa.

10. Apply for PR

After successful application, the final step is to apply for PR through IRCC. The Canadian government has the discretion to decide on your permanent residency.

In conclusion, the SINP process may initially appear intricate with its diverse options and steps. However, adhering to the provincial government’s instructions is of utmost importance. Seeking guidance from authorized immigration representatives is equally essential. This approach can be your key to settling in Saskatchewan. For more information on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, you may visit the government website or email immigration@gov.sk.ca.

Our experienced team, consisting of immigration lawyers and overseas study experts, assists with diverse immigration needs, from setting up EE profiles to selecting PNP programs. Connect with us for expert assistance on your SINP journey and beyond.

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Latest SINP draws

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is crucial in addressing the province’s economic and labour market needs through targeted immigration. About 70% of newcomers to Saskatchewan immigrate through the SINP.

In the latest SINP draw held on June 13, 2024, 120 applicants were invited for permanent residency (PR) under the occupation-in-demand and Express Entry categories. This included 32 candidates from the Occupations In-Demand category and 88 from the Express Entry category, all with scores of 88 or above.

By following the application steps and submitting an Expression of Interest, applicants can enhance their chances of settling in Saskatchewan. As a pivotal pathway for immigrants in Saskatchewan, SINP remains the most popular immigration route for obtaining PR in Canada.

The article offers general information and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Seek guidance from a professional advisor for specific assistance. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee complete precision. Author opinions may change over time. ImmiLaw Immigration and its affiliates do not explicitly or implicitly endorse third-party advice, opinions, information, products, or services.

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