The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers an attractive pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking to settle in Saskatchewan. The province welcomes newcomers from around the world and fosters their integration into its vibrant and growing communities.
A Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency in Saskatchewan:
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers a pathway for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to immigrate to and become permanent residents of Saskatchewan. Established in 1998, the SINP helps address the province’s economic and labor market needs through targeted immigration programs.
Program Highlights:
- High Success Rates: Seven out of ten newcomers to Saskatchewan immigrate through the SINP, demonstrating its effectiveness.
- Strong Employment Outcomes: Newcomers in Saskatchewan boast a high employment rate of around 76%.
- Retention Rates: Over 85% of newcomers choose to stay in Saskatchewan, reflecting the province’s appeal and supportive environment.
- Variety of Immigration Options: The SINP offers numerous immigration streams catering to different skills, experiences, and business aspirations.
Enhanced and Base Sub-categories:
- Saskatchewan Express Entry: This enhanced sub-category aligns with the federal Express Entry system, granting additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to nominated candidates, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Base Streams: These sub-categories are not aligned with Express Entry, with nominated candidates applying directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Saskatchewan Immigration Streams:
Explore the four main immigration streams offered by the SINP:
- International Skilled Worker Category: For skilled workers seeking to live and work in Saskatchewan.
- Saskatchewan Experience Category: For foreign workers already residing in Saskatchewan, including work permit holders and international graduates.
- Entrepreneur and Farm Category: For individuals aiming to establish and actively operate a business or farm in Saskatchewan.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category: For international students graduating from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan and planning to launch a business in the province.
International Skilled Worker Category:
The International Skilled Worker Category within the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers four pathways for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Saskatchewan.
Choose your path:
- Tech Talent Pathway: Ideal for highly skilled individuals with a job offer in one of 11 designated tech occupations within Saskatchewan. Learn more about the specific requirements and eligible jobs.
- Employment Offer: Suitable for skilled workers who have secured a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation.
- Occupations In Demand: Open to highly skilled individuals with experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan, even without a pre-existing job offer.
- Saskatchewan Express Entry: Designed for skilled workers already participating in the federal Express Entry pool, with relevant work experience and an Express Entry Profile Number.
Key details:
- Application Fee: CAD $350
- Processing Time: Varies based on sub-category (4-37 weeks on average).
- Minimum Requirements:
- Proof of legal status, if residing in Canada.
- Minimum score of 60 points on the point assessment grid (out of 110).
Sub-category specifics:
| Sub-category | Job Offer Required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Talent Pathway | Yes | Meet language requirements; valid job offer; relevant work experience; licensure (if applicable). |
| Employment Offer | Yes | Meet language requirements (CLB 4); valid job offer; relevant work experience; licensure (if applicable). |
| Occupations In Demand | No | Meet language requirements (CLB 4); post-secondary education/training; relevant work experience; licensure (if applicable); financial self-sufficiency plan. |
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | No | Express Entry profile with valid Job Seeker Validation Code; meet language requirements; post-secondary education/training; relevant work experience; licensure (if applicable); skilled trade certificate (if applicable); financial self-sufficiency plan. |
Application Process:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Required for Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories. Register your EOI through the SINP Apply Online portal and meet the minimum score of 60 points on the EOI Points Grid.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected through the EOI system, you will receive an ITA, allowing you to apply for a provincial nomination.
- Provincial Nomination: Submit your application for a provincial nomination through the SINP Apply Online portal.
- Permanent Residence Application: Once nominated, apply for permanent residence directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Fast Track with Express Entry:
- For the Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, your nomination directly adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the federal Express Entry pool, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Saskatchewan Experience Category
The Saskatchewan Experience Category (SINP-SE) offers streamlined pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers, agriculture workers, healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, long-haul truck drivers, and international students already living and working in Saskatchewan.
Benefits:
- Fast processing: Applications typically processed within 1-2 weeks.
- No application fee: Offers financial accessibility to permanent residency.
- Variety of pathways: Cater to diverse skills, experiences, and career aspirations.
Eligibility requirements vary based on the sub-category. See the table below for details:
| Sub-Category | Job Offer Required? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit | Yes | Valid work permit, permanent job offer, 6 months work experience with the employer, CLB 4 language, SINP Job Approval Letter, licensure if applicable. |
| Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit | Yes | 6 months work permit with the offering employer or 6 months experience in Saskatchewan, permanent full-time job offer in specific NOC occupations, meet other criteria. |
| Health Professionals | Yes | Requirements vary by profession, generally includes valid work permit, SINP Job Approval Letter, permanent job offer, and meeting additional criteria. |
| Hospitality Sector Project | Yes | Valid work permit in specific NOC occupations, 6 months employment in Saskatchewan with an approved employer, permanent job offer, SINP Job Approval Letter, high school education, CLB 4 language. |
| Long-Haul Truck Driver Project | Yes | 6 months work permit with an approved trucking firm, Saskatchewan Class 1A driver's license, permanent job offer, SINP Job Approval Letter, CLB 4 language. |
| Students | Yes | Degree outside or in Saskatchewan, CLB 4 language, 6 months work experience in Saskatchewan, Post-Graduate Work Permit, permanent job offer in field of study from a Saskatchewan employer, SINP Job Approval Letter. |
Entrepreneur and Farm Category
The Entrepreneur and Farm Category within the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers two exciting pathways for skilled individuals and families seeking permanent residency in Saskatchewan:
Eligibility:
- Application Fee: CAD $2,500
- Processing Time: 14 weeks on average
- Minimum Net Worth: CAD $500,000 (CAD $300,000 for Young Farmer Stream)
- Legally Accumulated Net Worth: Verified to at least 80%
Build Your Business:
Entrepreneur Sub-Category: Become a business owner and contribute to Saskatchewan’s vibrant economy.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Net Worth | $500,000 CAD (verified legal source) |
| Entrepreneurial Experience | 3 years within the past 10 years |
| Minimum Equity Investment | Regina/Saskatoon: $300,000 CAD; Other Communities: $200,000 CAD |
| Business Plan | Required (Business Establishment Plan, BEP) |
| Business Ownership | Minimum 1/3 equity (unless total investment ≥ $1 million CAD) |
| Job Creation | 2+ jobs for Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents (Regina/Saskatoon) |
| Existing Workforce | Maintain current level (if purchasing a business in Regina/Saskatoon) |
| Family Residency | Live in Saskatchewan with your family |
| Business Performance Agreement | Sign with the Government of Saskatchewan |
Cultivate Your Farm:
Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category: Own and operate your own commercial farm in Saskatchewan.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Net Worth | $500,000 CAD (verified legal source) |
| Farm Operation Knowledge and Experience | Demonstrated expertise and experience |
| Farming Proposal | Viable and well-considered plan for a commercial Saskatchewan farm |
Young Farmer Stream (within Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category):
Additional requirements for young farmers seeking entry and potential income supplementation.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Farm Ownership/Management/Practical Experience | Minimum 3 years of experience |
| Spouse/Partner's Skills | Marketable employment skills to supplement farm income (based on education/experience) |
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This category within the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is designed for international graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan who aspire to become business owners in the province. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to establish and manage a business in Saskatchewan, paving the way for permanent residency.
Benefits:
- Direct route to permanent residency: Upon successfully operating your business for a designated period, you can apply for a provincial nomination, significantly enhancing your chances of obtaining permanent residence status in Canada.
- Support for business establishment: Saskatchewan offers resources and programs to assist international entrepreneurs in setting up and thriving in the province.
- Contribution to Saskatchewan’s economy: New businesses create jobs and diversify the province’s economic landscape.
Eligibility:
- Age: 21 years old or older
- Education: Completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma (minimum two years) from a designated learning institution in Saskatchewan.
- Work Permit: Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) with a minimum validity of two years.
- Residency: Lived in Saskatchewan throughout the duration of your academic program.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated English language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher.
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: 14 weeks on average
Process:
- Register your Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive a point score. The SINP selects candidates with the highest scores in each draw.
- Submit a formal application through the SINP online system. This includes a detailed Business Establishment Plan (BEP) aligned with your EOI information.
- Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) based on the BEP.
- Actively operate your proposed business in accordance with the BPA. Fulfill all BPA requirements before your PGWP expires.
- Apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence upon meeting the BPA conditions. This nomination enables you to apply for permanent residence directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Some categories, such as the International Skilled Worker category, require a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. Others, like the Entrepreneur category, do not.
- I don’t meet all the eligibility requirements for a specific category. Can I still apply?
It’s best to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each category before applying. Some categories may have flexibility for certain situations, but generally, it’s not recommended to apply if you don’t meet the minimum requirements.
The official SINP website provides detailed information on each category, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and processing times. You can also contact an immigration professional for personalized guidance.
The SINP has several categories designed for various skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and farm owners. Some popular categories include the International Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, and Occupation In-Demand sub-categories.
Applying through the SINP can significantly increase your chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada compared to the federal Express Entry system. This is because provincial nominations carry additional points in the overall points-based system.
The SINP is a provincial immigration program administered by the Government of Saskatchewan that nominates skilled workers and entrepreneurs for permanent residence in Canada.