The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is the main immigration programme of the province of Saskatchewan, covering both skilled worker and entrepreneur categories.
Saskatchewan has one of Canada’s fastest-growing economies and populations, largely thanks to the arrival of immigrants from around the world.
Saskatchewan is one of the prairie provinces of Western Canada. Its economy rests mainly on agriculture and important natural resource industries such as forestry and fisheries. The province has two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as vast tracts of unspoilt wilderness.
Saskatchewan has been highly successful in attracting immigration. The province once received between 3,000 and 4,000 newcomers a year. That figure has now risen to 15,000. This is all the more striking given that Saskatchewan’s population is little more than 1 million. The province is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for immigrants.
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SINP overview
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), officially known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, was launched in 1998 and falls under theProvincial Nominee Program (PNP)federal system.
The programme was launched to help meet economic and labour market needs through immigration to the province.
Saskatchewan’s provincial programme has been highly successful. 7 in 10 newcomers to the province immigrate through the SINP. The province also has a high employment rate for newcomers, at around 76%. Retention is high too, with more than 85% of newcomers choosing to remain in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan is a popular destination for immigrants. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has a reputation as an “easy nominee programme”. This may be down to the range of immigration options the programme offers candidates.
Saskatchewan has one enhanced sub-category and several base sub-categories. The enhanced sub-category is known as Saskatchewan Express Entry, within the International Skilled Worker category.
Enhanced means the sub-category is linked to theExpress Entrysystem, which the federal government uses to manage Applications for Permanent Residence (APR) through Canada’s 3 main economic immigration programmes.
The Express Entry system scores candidates against theThe Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-scoring candidates are invited to submit an Application for Permanent Residence in Express Entry draws.
If a candidate receives a nomination from an enhanced provincial programme, they gain an additional 600 CRS points, all but guaranteeing that they will receive anInvitation to Apply (ITA)to apply for permanent residence. Candidates also receive the nomination through their Express Entry profile.
Most of Saskatchewan’s sub-categories are base streams. This means they are not linked to the Express Entry system. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination must apply directly toImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Immigration streams
Candidates wishing to immigrate to Saskatchewan have 4 options to choose from:
- International Skilled Worker category: for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan.
- Saskatchewan Experience category: for foreign workers already living in Saskatchewan, including those holding a valid work permit and international graduates.
- Entrepreneur and Farm category: for individuals who wish to own and actively operate a business or farming operation in Saskatchewan.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur category: for international students who have graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and plan to start a business in the province.
International Skilled Worker
Detailed article on theInternational Skilled Worker.
The International Skilled Worker category comprises four routes:
- Tech Talent Pathway:This sub-category is for highly skilled workers with a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in one of 11 technology occupations.
- Employment Offer:This sub-category is for skilled workers with a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
- Occupations In-Demand:This sub-category is for highly skilled workers with experience in an occupation in demand in Saskatchewan, but without a job offer in the province.
- Saskatchewan Express Entry:This sub-category is for candidates already in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry pool with skilled work experience in an occupation in demand in Saskatchewan.
Application fee
- Application fee: CAD 350
Processing time
| Category | Average processing time |
|---|---|
| Job offers | 4 weeks |
| Occupations In-Demand | 35 weeks |
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | 37 weeks |
Minimum requirements
- Hold evidence of legal status, if residing in Canada
- Score a minimum of 60 out of 110 points on the points assessment grid
| Sub-category | Is a job offer required? | Additional requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Talent Pathway | Yes | – Meet the language requirement – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet the licensing requirement (where needed) – Have at least one year of work experience in the past 5 years in the intended occupation, or 6 months if working for the supporting employer |
| Job offers | Yes | – Meet the language requirementCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet the licensing requirement where needed – Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past 10 years in the intended occupation |
| Occupations In-Demand | No | – Meet the language requirement (CLB 4) – Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training – Have the minimum level of work experience relating to the field of education or training, in a skilled occupation in demand – Hold evidence of professional status or licensure if required by Saskatchewan – Have sufficient funds to settle in the province and a settlement plan |
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | No | – Be in the Express Entry pool and hold an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code Meet the language requirement – Have at least 1 year of post-secondary education or training – Have the minimum level of work experience relating to the field of education or training in a skilled occupation in demand – Hold evidence of professional status or licensure if required by the SINP – Hold a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade, if the work experience is in a trade – Have sufficient funds to settle in the province and a settlement plan |
How it works
Saskatchewan usesExpression of Interest (EOI)for the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories.
Candidates must register an EOI on the SINP Apply Online portal, where they are asked to complete a form. The answers given in the form are used to assess eligibility.
To enter the EOI pool, candidates must score a minimum of 60 out of 110 points on the EOI Points Grid. The EOI Points Grid assesses candidates against five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection to the Saskatchewan labour market and adaptability.
If selected, the candidate receives an invitation to apply in an EOI draw.
Register or sign in to the SINP portal athere.
At this point, the candidate may apply for a provincial nomination from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This is done through the same portal.
Candidates who hold a job offer and apply through the Employment Offer sub-category may apply directly, without registering an EOI.
Once the application is approved, the candidate may apply for permanent residence directly to IRCC. If applying through the Express Entry sub-category, Saskatchewan enters the candidate’s nomination details into the system. This means the candidate receives an additional 600The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)points, all but guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
Saskatchewan Experience
Detailed article on theSINP Saskatchewan Experience.
The Experience category comprises 6 routes:
- Existing Work Permit Skilled Worker: this sub-category is for skilled workers who have worked in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months and holdwork permitis valid.
- Existing Work Permit Semi-Skilled Agricultural Worker: this sub-category is for semi-skilled workers who have worked for more than 6 months on a valid work permit for the employer making the job offer, or who have previously worked in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months. They must also hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer as a General Farm Worker (NOC 8431) or a Nursery and Greenhouse Worker (National Occupational Classification (NOC) 8432).
- Healthcare professionals: this sub-category is for physicians, nurses or other health workers who have worked in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months.
- Hospitality Sector Project: this sub-category is for food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or cleaning and housekeeping staff in Saskatchewan. They must have worked in the province for at least 6 months.
- Long-Haul Truck Driver Project: this sub-category is for those who have worked for an approved trucking company in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months.
- Students: this sub-category is for those who have graduated from a post-secondary institution anywhere in Canada and have worked in Saskatchewan for at least 24 months. Graduates of a Saskatchewan institution need only have worked in the province for 6 months.
Application fee
- None
Processing time
- 1–2 weeks
Minimum requirements
| Category | Is a job offer required? | Minimum requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Work Permit Skilled Worker | Yes | – Hold a valid work permit – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer for an eligible job – Have worked for at least 6 months for the employer offering the permanent job – Meet the language requirement of CLB 4 – Hold aSINP Job Approval Lettervalid – Hold evidence of eligibility for licensure where required |
| Existing Work Permit Semi-Skilled Agricultural Worker | Yes | – Have worked for more than 6 months on a valid work permit for the employer making the job offer – Have previously worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of 6 months – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupations: + NOC 8431: General Farm Workers + NOC 8432: Nursery and Greenhouse Workers – Meet the other criteria of the sub-category. |
| Healthcare professionals | Yes | Requirements differ for physicians, nurses and other health professionals. In general, however, candidates must: – Hold a valid work permit – Hold a valid SINP Job Approval Letter – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer – Meet the other requirements. |
| Hospitality Sector Project | Yes | – Hold a valid work permit as a Food and Beverage Server (NOC 6453) – Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641) – Cleaner/Housekeeping Staff (NOC 6661) – Have worked in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months, for an approved employer – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from an approved employer – Hold a valid SINP Job Approval Letter – Have a minimum level of education of secondary school – Meet the language requirement of CLB 4 |
| Long-Haul Truck Driver Project | Yes | – Have worked for an approved trucking company for at least 6 months on a work permit – Hold a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driving licence – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from the employer – Hold a valid SINP Job Approval Letter – Meet the language requirement of CLB 4. |
| Students | Yes | – Have graduated with a certificate, diploma or degree, either outside or within Saskatchewan – Meet the language requirement of CLB 4 – Have worked in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months – Hold aPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Hold a full-time, permanent job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation – Hold a valid SINP Job Approval Letter. |
How it works
Candidates must establish whether they are eligible for one of the sub-categories. When ready to apply, they may do so atSINP Apply Online.
Complete the application, upload all the required documents in PDF format and submit. Once this is done, the candidate receives an email confirming that the application has been submitted.
Saskatchewan then assesses the application and makes a final decision. If successful, the candidate receives a provincial nomination. They may then use that nomination to apply for permanent residence directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Entrepreneur and Farm
- Entrepreneur category: this sub-category is for those who wish to invest in Saskatchewan by establishing, acquiring or becoming a partner in a business in the province. Candidates are expected to take an active management role in the business.
- Farm Owner and Operator category: this sub-category is for experienced farmers with substantial capital who wish to invest in a farming operation and settle in Saskatchewan.
Application fee:
- $2.500 CAD
Processing time:
- 14 weeks
Minimum requirements
- Have a minimum net worth of CAD 500,000 (or CAD 300,000 through the Young Farmer stream);
- Have accumulated that net worth through lawful means (at least 80% of it verified).
| Sub-category | Additional requirements |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur | – Have at least 3 years of business experience in the past 10 years – Make a minimum capital investment of CAD 300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or CAD 200,000 in another Saskatchewan community – Have a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) – Own at least one-third of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan (unless the total investment is CAD 1,000,000 or more) – Create or maintain at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Saskatchewan (if the business is in Regina or Saskatoon) – If purchasing a business in Saskatoon or Regina, maintain the number of Canadian citizens or permanent residents employed at the time of purchase – Live in Saskatchewan with their family – Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, provided by the SINP once the application is approved – The business must meet additional requirements. |
| Farm Owner and Operator | – Have relevant knowledge and experience of farm operation – Have a viable proposal, considered for a commercial farming opportunity in Saskatchewan. |
| The Young Farmer stream has additional requirements: | – Have at least 3 years of farm ownership, farm management or practical farming experience – Have the potential to supplement farm income with the marketable employment skills of a spouse or common-law partner, based on their education and experience. |
How the Entrepreneur sub-category works
The Entrepreneur category has four steps. First, the candidate must register an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the SINP and is then scored. The highest-scoring candidates are selected in each draw.
If successful, the candidate is selected and invited to apply. They must then apply directly to the SINP through the SINP Apply Online system.
While the application is being assessed, the candidate is contacted for a final interview, after which they are sent a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) to review and sign. The candidate must email the BPA back within 20 days. Once the BPA is submitted, they receive an 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 the business. The candidate must attend an arrival meeting within 18 months of the date on the SINP Entrepreneur Approval Letter.
The candidate must arrive in Saskatchewan within 18 months of receiving the first Temporary Work Permit Support Letter.
Having transferred the funds to Canada, maintained legal status in Canada and operated the business in accordance with the Business Performance Agreement (BPA) for at least 6 months, the candidate may request a provincial nomination. With the nomination, they are able to apply for permanent residence directly to IRCC.
How the Farm Owner and Operator sub-category works
Candidates must ensure they have all the required documents. Include a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children and one employee in the current farming operation in the application.
Submit the application by emailing[email protected].
Candidates may be contacted by the SINP if clarification, additional documents or an interview are needed.
If the application is successful, the candidate receives two documents:
- A Nomination Approval Letter and Approval Request
- A Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
The letter explains how to make the refundable CAD 75,000 good faith deposit by bank transfer. This payment must be received within three months.
Once the payment is received and the candidate has signed and returned the BPA, they receive the provincial nomination.
With the nomination, the candidate may apply for permanent residence directly to IRCC.
Net worth assessment
The SINP assesses net worth through two financial service providers:
| Service provider name | Contact details |
|---|---|
| KPMG | 333 Bay Street, Suite 4600, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2S5, Telephone:416-777-3887, Email: [email protected] |
| MNP Ltd. | Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0J3, Telephone:306-790-7900, Email: [email protected] |
International Graduate Entrepreneur
Detailed article on theInternational Graduate Entrepreneur.
This category is for international students who have graduated from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan and plan to start a business. Approved candidates must operate and manage a business in Saskatchewan for at least one year to qualify for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Application fee
- None
Processing time
- 14 weeks
Minimum requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma lasting at least 2 years from aDesignated Learning Institution (DLI)in Saskatchewan
- Hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for at least 2 years
- Have lived in Saskatchewan throughout their programme of study
- Meet the language requirementCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7
How it works
The process is similar to the Entrepreneur category and also has 5 steps. First, the candidate must register an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the SINP and is then scored. The highest-scoring candidates are selected in each draw.
If successful, the candidate is selected and invited to apply. They must then apply directly to the SINP through the SINP Apply Online system. The candidate must also submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) consistent with the information given in the EOI.
If they pass this stage, the candidate must sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA). This agreement is based on the BEP submitted.
The next step is to operate the proposed business actively, under the terms of the BPA. The candidate must meet the BPA requirements before the PGWP expires.
Once the conditions of the BPA are met, the candidate may apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. With the nomination, they are able to apply for permanent residence directly to IRCC.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The first step is to establish which category and sub-category the candidate is eligible for, by checking the eligibility criteria for the category or categories of interest. Having done so, the candidate should check the application process for the category chosen.
In some cases, the candidate must submit anExpression of Interest (EOI)as a “pre-application”. Candidates are scored on the basis of the answers given when submitting the EOI. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply through the SINP website.
In other cases, an EOI is not required and candidates may apply directly.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has a reputation for being straightforward. Whether that holds true depends on the candidate’s circumstances.
For example, if the candidate is a skilled worker living abroad and meets certain criteria, or holds a work permit and is already living in Saskatchewan, immigrating permanently to Saskatchewan may well be straightforward.
Equally, for those wishing to start a business, including a farming operation, Saskatchewan may be a good option provided certain criteria are met.
Processing times vary.
Processing times for the International Skilled Worker category vary by sub-category. The Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories can take more than 30 weeks. For the Employment Offer sub-category, however, the processing time is just 4 weeks.
For the Saskatchewan Experience category, processing can take as little as 1–2 weeks. This is because candidates are likely to be living in Saskatchewan already.
Processing time for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category and the Entrepreneur and Farm category is 14 weeks.
Yes. Candidates do not need an Express Entry profile to immigrate to Saskatchewan, unless they wish to immigrate through the Express Entry sub-category of the International Skilled Worker category.
To qualify for the Occupations In-Demand sub-category, the candidate’s occupation must not appear on the province’s Excluded Occupation List.
Yes.
To find out how Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program points are calculated under the points assessment grid, visitthe Saskatchewan Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Candidates wishing to immigrate to Saskatchewan have several options to choose from, depending on their circumstances.
Skilled workers living abroad who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan may be eligible through the International Skilled Worker category.
The Saskatchewan Experience category targets foreign workers already living in Saskatchewan, such as work permit holders and international students. Within this category there are sub-categories reserved for work permit holders, students, health professionals, hospitality sector workers and long-haul truck drivers.
Entrepreneurs who wish to own and actively operate a business or farming operation in Saskatchewan should immigrate through the Entrepreneur and Farm category.
Finally, the International Graduate Entrepreneur category is for international students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and wish to start a business in the province.
Candidates wishing to immigrate to Saskatchewan through the International Skilled Worker category need to score at least 60 out of 110 points on the points assessment grid.
There are, however, further requirements the candidate must meet, relating to language skills, education, work experience, licensing and proof of funds.
University
- University of Regina
- University of Saskatchewan
College
- St. Andrew’s College
- Campion College
- Luther College
- St. Thomas More College
- First Nations University of Canada
- St. Peter’s College
- Briercrest College & Seminary
- College of Emmanuel and St. Chad
- Horizon College & Seminary
- Lutheran Theological Seminary
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