Saskatchewan is one of the fastest-growing economies of Canada and has a growing population, primarily because of many immigrants from around the world moving to the province. The economy is driven by agriculture. It is also supported by forestry and fishing, which are natural resources-powered industries. Two of Canada’s major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, are in this province, adding to its economic potential. It also has an enormous spread of wilderness which is largely unexplored.
Saskatchewan is one province that has had a good experience with immigration, with around 15,000 immigrants visiting the place every year. Over the years, it has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for newcomers in Canada.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) was launched in 1998 to resolve the shortage of the country’s economic and labour market needs. With a high employment rate of around 76 percent and retention rates of approximately 85 percent, the province offers the best opportunity for immigrants to find a new permanent home in the country.
The province offers an enhanced sub-category called the Saskatchewan Express Entry. It comes under the International Skilled Worker Category. It is aligned with the Express Entry System used by the Federal Government to manage the applications for permanent residence from potential immigrants. Candidates get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Top-ranked candidates get an invitation to apply for permanent residence during the next Express Entry draw.
A nomination from an enhanced provincial program can get you an extra 600 CRS points. It also assured you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Most of the SINP sub-categories are base streams; they are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates with a provincial nomination can apply to the IRCC directly for permanent residence.
There are four options available to choose from:
The International Skilled Worker Category:
This category is for skilled workers looking to live and work in Saskatchewan. It consists of three pathways.
Employment Offer is for skilled workers with a valid job offer from a local employer.
Occupations in Demand – This sub-category is for super skilled workers with good experience in a local, in-demand occupation.
Saskatchewan Express Entry:
This sub-category deals with applicants already in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool with good work experience and highly skilled in an in-demand occupation in the province.
Application Fee: CAD 350
Additional Requirements for
Employment Offer:
Occupation in Demand
Saskatchewan Express Entry:
The province used an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories. Applicants must register the EOI on the SINP portal; provide answers to questions that determine their eligibility.
You must score at least 60 from 110 points to be eligible for the EOI pool. Your eligibility will be measured on education and training, experience, language expertise, age, and ability to adapt to the local market. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for an EOI draw. You can go ahead and apply for a provincial nomination from the SINP.
If you are applying through the Employment Offer and have a local job offer, you need not register an EOI. You can apply for permanent residence at IRCC if the application is approved. You will get an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System points while applying through the Express Entry sub-category. It will also assure an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next draw.
Saskatchewan Experience Category
There are six pathways in this category.
Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit – for skilled workers with a valid permit and working in the province for at least six months
Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit – for semi-skilled workers with a valid permit, working for more than six months for a local employer. They must also have a local job offer as a general farm worker or a nursery greenhouse worker.
Health Professionals – for physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals with six months of local work experience.
Hospitality Sector Project –for food and beverage professionals such as food counter attendants, helpers, and housekeeping staff with experience in working at local enterprises for at least six months.
Long Haul Truck Driver Project – for those working in a trucking firm in the province for at least six months
Students – for graduates from a post-secondary institution in Canada and with 24 months of local work experience. Students from a province-based institution can qualify with just six months of work experience.
Application Fee: None
For Skilled Worker with Existing Permit:
Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
Requirements differ for physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. The general requirements are
Long Haul Truck Driver Project
Students
Determine eligibility for one of the sub-categories and apply for the relevant category through the SINP portal. Upload the application and all relevant documents in PDF. You will get an email confirmation of application submission. Successful applicants will get a provincial nomination. You can then apply for permanent residence with the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Entrepreneur and Farm Category
Entrepreneur Sub-Category – for applicants wanting to invest in the province by starting, acquiring, or partnering with a business
Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category is for experienced farmers with large capital and looking to invest in a farming business locally.
Application Fee: CAD 2,500
Entrepreneur Sub-Category
Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category
How the Entrepreneur Sub-Category Works:
You must first register your Expression of Interest to the SINP and get the relevant point score. Applicants with the highest points are selected in each draw and allowed to apply the SINP. You will get a call for a final interview, after which you will get a Business Performance Agreement (BPA). You must review and sign it and email the BPA within 20 days. Next, you will receive the SINP Entrepreneur Approval Letter and a Temporary Work Permit Support letter. You will have to request a temporary work permit. It must be obtained within three months. An arrival meeting is also scheduled within 18 months of receiving your SINP Entrepreneur Approval letter. After running your business based on BPA for at least six months, you can request for provincial nomination. With this nomination, you can apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
How the Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category Works:
Collect and upload all the documents needed, including that of your spouse and partner, mention their names in the application, and send it to the relevant email address. Successful applicants will receive
You will know how to make a refundable CAD 75,000 Good Faith Deposit by wire transfer. The deadline for making the payment is three months. Sign the BPA and send it to the authorities. You will receive a provincial nomination. You can then apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
International graduates of post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan looking for entrepreneurial opportunities in the province can apply. The candidates approved must operate and manage a local business for at least one year to be approved for permanent residence.
Application Fee: None
Register your EOI to the SINP, and receive a point score. Applicants with the highest points are selected to apply. You must then apply directly to the SINP on their portal along with a Business Establishment Plan (BEP). The next step is to sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) based on the BEP submitted. Operate your proposed business according to the BPA terms and agreement. The next step is to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. When you get the nomination, you can apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.
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