Are you an entrepreneur interested in immigrating to Canada and establishing your business in Saskatchewan? The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program (SEP) offers a pathway for individuals and
families seeking permanent residency through business ownership or investment in the province.
The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program (SEP) offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residency through business ownership in Saskatchewan.
Through this program, individuals can obtain a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) to establish or manage a business in the province and eventually gain permanent residency.
Key Steps:
● Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI online, outlining your business plan and qualifications.
● Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation based on your EOI ranking and submit a formal application.
● Business Establishment: Set up and operate your business in Saskatchewan for a minimum period.
● Provincial Nomination: Upon meeting program requirements, receive a nomination from the province.
● Permanent Residency Application: Apply for Canadian permanent residency with your nomination certificate.
Submitting an EOI:
- Create a Profile:
Register on the SINP’s online OASIS system: https://immigration.saskatchewan.ca/apex/f p=305:101:3888086121921::::: - Submit an EOI: Provide information about your business plan, qualifications, and net worth.
Minimum Criteria: Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements allows entry into the EOI pool, where candidates receive a score based on various factors.
Important Points:
● No Minimum Score: Unlike ISW, there’s no minimum score to enter the EOI pool for entrepreneurs.
● EOI Score Importance: While not the sole factor, the EOI score
significantly influences selection invitations.
● Other Factors: The SINP considers “other factors for business and
settlement success” beyond the score.
● No EOI Updates: Once submitted, you cannot update your EOI. Age points are based on your submission date.
To enter the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program (SEP) Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, candidates must meet the following minimum criteria:
● Net Business and Personal Assets: Possess a minimum of $500,000 CAD in combined net business and personal assets.
● Business Experience: Demonstrate at least three years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience within the past ten years.
● Investment Commitment: Intend to invest a minimum of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 CAD in other Saskatchewan communities.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program Points Grid
| Factor | Description | Points | Required Documents | Unique Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 20 or less | 0 | Birth certificate, Passport, National identity card | |
| 21-29 | 10 | |||
| 30-39 | 15 | |||
| 40-54 | 10 | |||
| 55+ | 0 | |||
| Exploratory Visit | Minimum 5 working days in Saskatchewan, evidence of relevant business contacts | 15 | Passport/visa, Exploratory Visit Report | Demonstrates commitment and understanding of local business environment. |
| Official Language Ability | English/French | |||
| No language test | 0 | |||
| CLB level 4 | 5 | IELTS general, CELPIP general, or TEF test results | ||
| CLB level 5 | 10 | |||
| CLB level 6+ | 15 | |||
| Education/Qualifications | Highest qualification considered (max 15 points) | |||
| Trade/occupational certification (1 year+) | 10 | Certificate of apprenticeship including program details | Provides practical skills relevant to business venture. | |
| Education certificate, degree, or diploma | 5 | Official transcripts | Formal education can support business success. | |
| Bachelor/Post-graduate degree in Business, Agriculture, or Science/Technology | 15 | Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise. | ||
| Net Business & Personal Assets (CAD) | ||||
| $500,000-$549,999 | 0 | Third party financial verification report | Financial resources are crucial for establishing a business. | |
| $550,000-$749,999 | 5 | |||
| $750,000-$999,999 | 10 | |||
| $1,000,000+ | 15 | Significant financial resources enhance candidacy. |
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program Points Grid (Section 2: Business Experience)
| Factor | Description | Points | Unique Note | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurial or Farming Experience | Years of relevant experience managing or owning a business | 10-20 | Demonstrates relevant skills and experience for business success. | Resume, Organizational charts, Business registration/licence, Tax registration, Third party financial verification report |
| 4-7 years | 10 | |||
| 8 or more years | 15 | |||
| 4-7 years with 50%+ ownership | 15 | |||
| 8+ years with 50%+ ownership | 20 | |||
| Business Revenue (CAD) | Annual revenue of your most recent business venture | 5-20 | Higher revenue indicates potential for business growth and sustainability. | Third party financial verification report |
| $50,000 - $99,999 | 5 | |||
| $100,000 - $249,999 | 10 | |||
| $250,000 - $499,999 | 15 | |||
| $500,000+ | 20 | |||
| Innovation (Max 10 Points) | Evidence of innovative initiatives or achievements | Up to 10 | Sets your business apart and demonstrates potential for growth. | Third party financial verification report, Proof of patent, Organizational charts, Export trade documentation |
| Previous experience in: | ||||
| - Export trade | 10 | |||
| - Registered patents | 10 | |||
| - Gazelle business status | 10 | |||
| Total Possible Points for Section 2: | 50 | |||
Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program Points Grid (Section 3: Business Establishment Plan)
| Factor | Description | Points | Unique Note | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | Total equity investment in your business | 0-20 | Higher investment demonstrates greater commitment and financial resources. | Business Establishment Plan, Conditional purchase/sales agreement, Invoices, License and/or registration, Third party financial verification report |
| $200,000-$349,999 | 0 | |||
| $350,000-$499,999 | 5 | |||
| $500,000-$749,999 | 10 | |||
| $750,000-$999,999 | 15 | |||
| $1,000,000+ | 20 | |||
| Investment in Key Economic Sectors | Aligns with provincial economic development goals (Max 15 points) | Up to 15 | Demonstrates potential contribution to Saskatchewan's growth. | Business Establishment Plan, Conditional purchase/sales agreement, Exploratory visit report, Resume, Education credentials |
| - Science & Technology | 15 | |||
| - Manufacturing | 15 | |||
| - Export | 15 | |||
| - Rural Business Development | 15 | |||
| - Rural Business Succession | 15 | |||
| Total Possible Points for Section 3: | 35 |
What’s Next in the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Program?
Selection and Application:
- Periodic Draws: The SINP conducts regular “EOI Selections,” inviting top-ranking candidates from the pool to submit full applications.
- Application Process: Selected candidates have 20 days to pay a $2,500 processing fee and identify a financial review service.
- Complete Application: Submit your application, supporting documents, and Business Establishment Plan within 90 days.
- Business Establishment Plan: This plan expands on your EOI, outlining:
- Business establishment details aligning with your points grid scores (investment amount, sector).
- Ownership proof (at least 33.3%) of a Saskatchewan business (unless investing $1 million or more).
- Commitment to active participation and management.
- If establishing a new business in Regina or Saskatoon, plans to create two local employment opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (non-relatives).
- Third-Party Verification: Submit a third-party verification report within 180 days of receiving the invitation.
- Interview: An in-person or online interview is part of the assessment process.
Business Performance Agreement and Arrival:
- Successful Applicants: You will receive a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) outlining your business, investment, and other details.
- Sign and Submit BPA: Review and sign the BPA within 30 days.
- Temporary Work Permit: Obtain a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) to arrive in Saskatchewan and establish or purchase your business.
- Arrival Meeting: Attend an arrival meeting in Saskatchewan within 18 months of receiving the SINP Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
Provincial Nomination and Permanent Residency:
- Nomination Eligibility: After six months of complying with the BPA and operating your business, you may apply for provincial nomination.
- Maintain Legal Status: Ensure you have at least six months remaining on your TWP when applying for nomination.
- Permanent Residency: Upon provincial nomination, apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status.