Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

1. International Skilled Worker (ISW): Express Entry

This is a sub-category program in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. This program targets skilled workers who have recent work experience in a high-skilled occupation. Having a job offer is not a requirement to apply through this category. All successful applicants through this program will receive an additional 600 points towards the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which will guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canadian Permanent Resident status.

To apply through this program, all applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), which is ranked through points system. Highest ranked candidates will be issued invitations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have work experience in your field of education or training, either:
  • – One year work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades)
  • – Two years’ work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years
  • – Twelve months’ work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades)
• Must be in the IRCC Express Entry Pool.
• Must score at least 60 points out of 110 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Must provide a valid languages test result that also matches the results declared in the Express Entry profile.
• Have a diploma, certificate, or degree from a post-secondary study or training program, or an apprenticeship, of at least one year in length.
• – if obtained outside Canada, applicants must submit an educational credential assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
• Must show proof of Professional Status or Licensure.
• Must demonstrate settlement funds and settlement plan.

If the eligibility requirements are met, then potential applicants can create a profile in the SINP online system OASIS. After the profile is complete, candidates will be assigned a point score out of 110 points based on the information provided. Candidates need to obtain at least 60 points out of 110 points to be eligible to submit an EOI. Candidates must understand that obtaining 60 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations will be given to candidates with highest ranking points.

Candidates applying through OASIS can gain points through two different factors:

a. Labour Market Success:

Applicants can gain points from this factor through:

• Education and Training
• Skilled work experience
• Language ability
• Age

b. Connection to Saskatchewan Labour market and adaptability:

Applicants can gain points from this factor through:

• Close family relative in Saskatchewan
• Past work experience in Saskatchewan
• Past student experience in Saskatchewan

Combining points from both factors, applicants can obtain up to 110 points.

After meeting all the requirements, top-scoring candidates who receive an EOI can then apply through SINP for nomination. A non-refundable fee of $350 is required to complete the application. If nominated, applicants will receive an email confirmation of their nomination and will be given 30 days to decide whether they want to accept the nomination or not. Applicants who accept the nomination will receive an additional 600 points to their CRS score which will guarantee an ITA. After receiving an ITA, applicants have 60 days to submit their permanent residency applications.

2. ISW: Occupations In-Demand

This is a sub-category program in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. This program targets skilled workers in key occupations. Unlike the ISW: Express Entry category, the ISW: Occupation In-Demand category is not aligned with the federal Express Entry System. This means that applicants applying through this program can directly apply to the Canadian government for Permanent Resident status without having to create an Express Entry profile or receive an ITA in an Express Entry draw.

Potential candidates who are applying through this program can either be outside Canada, or inside Canada with a legal valid status. Having a job offer is not required to apply through this program.

Similar to Express Entry, candidates must submit an EOI which is ranked using a points system. Highest ranked candidates will be issued invitations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must score at least 60 points out of 110 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Must show a language score of at least CLB 4
• Have a diploma, certificate, or degree from a post-secondary study or training program, or an apprenticeship, of at least one year in length.
  • – if obtained outside Canada, applicants must submit an educational credential assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
• Must show proof of Professional Status or Licensure.
• Must demonstrate settlement funds and settlement plan.
• Must have at least 1 year of work experience in the past 10 years in in their field of study or training in an occupation at NOC level (0, A, B)
  • – That work experience must have been obtained in an occupation that is not on the SINP Excluded Occupations List

If the eligibility requirements are met, then potential applicants can create a profile in the SINP online system OASIS. After the profile is complete, candidates will be assigned a point score out of 110 points based on the information provided. Candidates need to obtain at least 60 points out of 110 points to be eligible to submit an EOI. Candidates must understand that obtaining 60 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations will be given to candidates with highest ranking points.

Candidates applying through OASIS can gain points through two different factors:

a. Labour Market Success:

Applicants can gain points from this factor through:

• Education and Training
• Skilled work experience
• Language ability
• Age

b. Connection to Saskatchewan Labour market and adaptability:

Applicants can gain points from this factor through:

• Close family relative in Saskatchewan
• Past work experience in Saskatchewan
• Past student experience in Saskatchewan

Combining points from both factors, applicants can obtain up to 110 points.

After meeting all the requirements, top-scoring candidates who receive an EOI can then apply through SINP for nomination. A non-refundable fee of $350 is required to complete the application. If nominated, applicants can apply directly to the Canadian government for Permanent Resident Status.

3. ISW: Employment Offer

This is a sub-category program in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. Unlike the other sub-categories of the ISW category, this category does not have a specific list for qualified occupations to be eligible to apply. Candidates can be working inside or outside Canada and would be eligible to apply if they have a valid job offer from an employer is Saskatchewan.

Potential candidates with a job offer in the health professional or a food or beverage server are not eligible to apply through this sub-category. Candidates with a job offer but are currently not working in Saskatchewan could consider creating an Express Entry profile where 50 to 200 CRS points may be obtained for a qualifying job depending on the skill level of the position.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must score at least 60 points out of 100 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Must show a language score of at least CLB 4.
• Must show proof of Professional Status or Licensure if you have a job offer in a regulated profession or compulsory apprenticeship trade.
• Must have at least 1 year of work experience in the past 10 years in in their field of study or training in an occupation at NOC level (0, A, B)
  • – That work experience must have been obtained in an occupation that is not on the SINP Excluded Occupations List.

Unlike the other sub-categories of the ISW category, this category does not use the EOI system or skilled worker candidate pool. Eligible applicants can apply directly to the SINP through this category without having to create an account or submitting an EOI and waiting for an invitation.

However, potential candidates still need to acquire a minimum of 60 points out of 100 points. These points can be gained through two different factors:

a. Labour Market Success:

Applicants can gain points from this factor through:

• Education and Training
• Skilled work experience
• Language ability
• Age

4. Saskatchewan Experience: Existing Work Permits and Health Professionals

This is a sub-category program in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. This program targets the temporary foreign workers who are currently living in Saskatchewan and have made valuable contributions to the province.

The Saskatchewan Experience category in not linked to the federal Express Entry system. This means that applicants applying through this program can directly apply to the Canadian government for Permanent Resident status without having to create an Express Entry profile or receive an ITA in an Express Entry draw.

a. Skilled workers with existing work permits

This category targets skilled workers in occupations at NOC level (0, A, B). Workers must have at least six months of work experience in Saskatchewan with a valid work permit.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. Must be NOC (0, A, B)
• Must have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
• A minimum of six months work experience with the employer offering the job, and in the same position as the one stated in the job offer.
• Must have a proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if your occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires compulsory certification or licensure.

b. Semi-skilled Agricultural worker with existing work permit

General farm workers and nursery and greenhouse workers may apply through this sub-category. Only these jobs are eligible to apply through this sub-category if the meet the requirements.

Eligibility Requirements: language proficiency

• Must have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
• A minimum of six months work experience with the employer offering the job, and in the same position as the one stated in the job offer.
• Must have a valid Canadian work permit in one of the following:
  • – Seasonal agricultural worker program
  • – International experience
  • – Temporary foreign worker program
• Must have a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) proving that they have completed the equivalent of a Canadian secondary school education or above.
• Must have a minimum language score of CLB 4, if the job offer is in a NOC C occupation

c. Health Professionals

Physicians, nurses, and other health professionals may be eligible to apply through this sub-category. Applicants must have been working full-time in Saskatchewan with a temporary work permit for at least six months. Potential nurses and physicians must demonstrate they have the educational and professional qualifications to work in their field.

Eligibility Requirements: Physicians

• Must have a valid work permit and have been practicing as a physician in Saskatchewan for at least six months prior to applying.
• Must have a permanent full-time job offer from the job they work at
• Must demonstrate a plan provided with the job offer that the applicant will practice medicine permanently in Saskatchewan.
• Must have a SINP job approved letter.
• Must provide a letter from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan to verify a potential candidate’s licence and expiry date.

Eligibility Requirements: Nurses

• Must have a valid work permit.
• Must have a permanent full-time job offer from a publicly-funded health employer in Saskatchewan.
• Must have a SINP job approved letter.

Eligibility Requirements: Other Health Professionals

• Must be currently working in health jobs at NOC level (0, A, B)
• Must have a permanent full-time job offer from a health employer in Saskatchewan.
• Must have a minimum of six months worth of job experience with the employer offering them the job letter.
• Must have at least one year of post-secondary education or a job-specific training.
• Must have a SINP job approved letter.
• Candidates at NOC level (C) are required to provide a proof of language ability of CLB 4 or higher.
• Candidates must show they are eligible for licensure. (if required)

5. Saskatchewan Experience: Students

This program targets international graduates who have studied in Saskatchewan. they are likely to have already integrated well into life in the province during their studies, contributing significantly to the community and economy. However, this program is not limited to graduates from Saskatchewan. Any graduates who have studied in a recognized Canadian College or University can apply through this program.

Eligibility Requirements: Studied and graduated in Saskatchewan.

• Must have obtained a Certificate, degree, or diploma from a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
• A minimum of six months of paid employment in Saskatchewan.
• Must have a permanent full-time job offer at NOC level (0, A, B) in the field of study from a Saskatchewan employer.
• Must have a SINP job approved letter.
• Candidates at NOC level (C) are required to provide a proof of language ability of CLB 4.

Eligibility Requirements: Studied and graduated elsewhere in Canada.

• Must have obtained a Certificate, degree, or diploma from a recognized post-secondary educational institution from a program of at least one academic year of full-time study.
• A minimum of six months of paid employment in Saskatchewan
• Must have a permanent full-time job offer at NOC level (0, A, B) in the field of study from a Saskatchewan employer.
• Must have a SINP job approved letter.
• Candidates at NOC level (C) are required to provide a proof of language ability of CLB 4.

International graduates with a job and a job offer in the food and beverage service industry, or any industry covered by the Hospitality Sector Project, must apply through that sub-category.

6. Saskatchewan Experience: Hospitality Workers

This program targets candidates working in Food and beverage service, Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations and Light duty cleaners. This program is for the “unskilled” occupations in Canada who are not eligible to apply through the Express Entry system.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a valid Canadian work permit in either NOC 6513, 6711, or 6731.
• Must have an offer for a permanent, full-time job from an approved Saskatchewan Hospitality employer, and a valid SINP job letter.
• Must have completed secondary school education to the equivalent of Canada’s Grade 12.
• Must be working for an employer approved by the Hospitality Sector Project.
• Must have at least six months’ work experience in Saskatchewan, while meeting all required work and performance standards.
• Must demonstrate an English language ability of at least a CLB level 4 or higher.

7. Saskatchewan Experience: Long-haul Truck Drivers

This program targets long-haul truck drivers who want to immigrate to Saskatchewan. Applicants who are working on LMIA based work permit in Saskatchewan for an approved trucking firm may be eligible.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a permanent, full-time job offer from their current employer, which must be a SINP-approved trucking firm, and a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
• at least six months’ work experience with a SINP-approved trucking firm.
• Must have a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s licence.
• Must have an English language ability of at least a CLB level 4 or higher.

8. Entrepreneurs

This program targets Entrepreneurs who want to start, purchase, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and their families. Candidates can obtain a temporary work permit in order to establish or purchase a business in Saskatchewan and settle there. Candidates can apply for provincial nomination for permanent resident status after six months of running the business successfully.

To apply, candidates must create a profile in SINP’s online system OASIS and submit an EOI. Candidates who meet the minimum requirement will enter the pool and receive a score and a rank. Unlike ISW, there is no minimum score requirement for Entrepreneur candidates to receive an invitation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have a minimum of $500,000 CAD in net business and personal assets.
• Demonstrate at least three years’ experience in the last ten years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience.
• Intend to invest at least $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or at least $200,000 CAD in another Saskatchewan community.

Applicants can earn points for their profiles through the following:

1. Human capital

• Age
• Exploratory visit
• Official language ability: English/French
• Education
• Net business and personal assets

Total possible points for section 1: 75

2. Business experience

• Entrepreneurial of farming experience
• Business revenue (CAD)
• Innovation

Total possible points for section 2: 50

3. Business establishment plan

• Investment amount (CAD)
• Investment in key economic sectors

Total possible points for section 3: 35

Total possible points overall: 160

The SINP will issue invitations to the top-ranking candidates, who may then submit a full application to the program. Candidates have 20 calendar days from receiving the invitation to pay a non-refundable fee of $2500 CAD as a processing fee. The complete application including all the documents required must be submitted within 90 days of receiving the invitation.

9. International Entrepreneurs

This program targets students who finished a post-secondary study in the province of Saskatchewan and have plans to manage their own business. This program follows an EOI and point based system. candidates need to obtain an ITA to apply through this program.

In order to be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the requirements for each phase of the program.

Eligibility Requirements: Submitting EOI

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have completed a full-time Saskatchewan post-secondary degree or diploma of at least two years in length from a recognized and eligible Saskatchewan institution.
• Must hold a post-graduate work permit with at least 24 months of eligibility remaining.
• Must have resided in Saskatchewan during their academic program.
• Must have language test scores on an approved language test in either English or French at a minimum CLB level of 7.

Eligibility Requirements: Business Establishment

• Reside in Saskatchewan and actively operate your business on a day-to-day basis.
• Establish, purchase, or continue to operate your business as per the requirements of your BPA and BEP.
• If you are continuing to work to meet your BPA commitments, you must submit the Business Establishment Progress Report 12 months after the Approval Letter date.
• When you have fulfilled the terms of your BPA, including meeting minimum income requirements, submit your application for nomination.

After being granted provincial nomination, an applicant must apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent resident status.

10. Farm owner and operator

This program targets farm owners and operators and invites them to Saskatchewan to operate a farming business. This category demands a particular background and investment from its applicants in order to be eligible.

Eligibility Requirements:

• proof of a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD
• proof of knowledge and experience of farm operation, through documents such as education credentials and work experience, which the SINP can verify through interview.
• a proposal for a farming opportunity. The SINP clarifies that this needs to be practical and well thought-out.

Applicants must also visit the province for at least five days to explore opportunities in the proposed area and meet with a SINP representative. Applicants must submit a refundable deposit of $75,000 CAD and sign a performance agreement. This acts as a commitment to purchase and actively operate a farm in Saskatchewan.