Because of the influx of immigrants from around the globe, Saskatchewan’s economy and population are expanding the fastest in Canada. Agriculture and vital natural resource sectors like forestry and fisheries are the main drivers of its economy.
Immigration is quite successful in Saskatchewan. Between 3,000 and 4,000 newcomers were admitted to the province annually, but that number has grown to 15,000.
This is remarkable, considering that Saskatchewan has just over a million population. The province is one of Canada’s most well-liked travel destinations for visitors.
Keep reading as we explain the process of relocating to Canada through the Saskatchewan immigrant nominee program.
Understanding the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), is a collection of immigration pathways enabling foreign nationals to become Canadian permanent residents.
The PNP is strategically designed to attract immigrants in areas that will benefit the province: skilled workers, workers in sectors with labor shortages, workers with job offers, and entrepreneurs.
The province operates several immigration streams divided into three categories:
- Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker
- Saskatchewan Experience
- Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm
1. International Skilled Worker Category – Saskatchewan
The International Skilled Worker Category is further divided into 3 sub-streams:
- Subcategory Saskatchewan Employment Offer
- Subcategory Saskatchewan Occupation-In-Demand
- Subcategory Saskatchewan Express Entry
Saskatchewan Employment Offer
Skilled workers who possess an employment offer for a professional occupation in the province can opt for Saskatchewan immigration through this sub-stream. Candidates with evidence of legal status in Canada and those outside Canada can apply to this subcategory.
Saskatchewan Occupation-In-Demand
Skilled workers who do not have an employment offer but are highly experienced in an occupation that is in demand in Saskatchewan can apply for this sub-stream in Saskatchewan PNP.
SINP publishes the list of professions not included in this substream. Candidates with evidence of legal status in Canada and those outside Canada can apply to this subcategory.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
Skilled federal Express Entry Pool workers who wish to reside and work in Saskatchewan can apply for this substream. Candidates with evidence of legal status in Canada and those outside Canada can also apply to this subcategory.
The Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupation-In-Demand substreams operate through an EOI—Expression of Interest system.
What are the Requirements for the Saskatchewan Express Entry Subcategory?
- Applicants must possess a profile in the Express Entry pool with a job seeker validation code and Profile number.
- They must secure at least 60 points in the points assessment grid in SINP.
- Offer valid results for language tests from a designated agency for testing corresponding to the results provided in the Express Entry profile.
- Applicants must also have completed one year of apprenticeship, training, or education at the post-secondary level, on par with Canada’s education system, resulting in a Degree, Certificate, or Diploma.
- Diplomas and Degrees obtained outside of Canada must be assessed for an Educational Credential Assessment.
- Possess a minimum of any one of the following experience requirements in your area of occupation, training, or education:
- 1 year of work experience in a (non-trades) skilled profession in the past 10 years
- 2 years of work experience in a skilled trade in the past 5 years; or
- 1 year of work experience in Canada (non-trades and trades) in the last 3 years
- Possess work experience in a high-skilled NOC occupation 0, B, A not included in the disqualified occupation list.
- Obtain suitable licensure in Saskatchewan if your profession is a skilled trade or regulated. A certificate from the Saskatchewan Trade Certification and Apprenticeship Commission is required for skilled trades.
- Have a Settlement plan and evidence for settlement funds.
2. Saskatchewan Experience Category
Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit
Skilled workers have worked in Saskatchewan province for at least 6 months and have a valid Work permit for this sub-stream.
Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with an Existing Work Permit
Semi-skilled agricultural workers have been in Saskatchewan province for at least 6 months and can apply for this sub-stream with a valid Work Permit.
Health Professional
Nurses, Physicians, and other health professionals working in Saskatchewan province for a minimum of 6 months and with a valid Provisional Work Permit can apply for this sub-stream.
Hospitality Sector Pilot Project
Overseas nationals who have worked in Saskatchewan province for at least six months in one of the 3 occupations can apply for this sub-stream.
Long Haul Truck Drivers
This sub-stream allows long-haul truck drivers working in Saskatchewan province with a valid provisional work permit to apply for a Canada PR visa.
Saskatchewan Student Stream
Overseas students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada or Saskatchewan province can apply for this sub-stream. It is further divided into 2 subcategories:
- Students who graduate from a Canadian institute
- Students who graduate from an institute in the Province of Saskatchewan
3. Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm
Entrepreneur
The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Subcategory permits applicants and their families to obtain, start, or collaborate in a business in the province. Applicants must be involved actively in managing the business and reside in Saskatchewan.
It has a process that includes 3 stages:
- EOI – Expression of interest
- Invite to submit an application
- Nomination
Successful candidates arrive in Canada on a Provisional Work Permit. After spending six months establishing their business in the province, they qualify to apply for a nomination.
International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur, Subcategory of Saskatchewan, aims to assist overseas students who graduate from institutions in the province to remain in Saskatchewan as Entrepreneurs and attract investment for their businesses.
Farm Operators/Owners
Individuals with farming experience who intend to buy and operate a farm in the province can apply for this subcategory of Saskatchewan. It also has a pathway for young farmers who wish to establish themselves in Saskatchewan.
Successful candidates are directly offered the Canada PR Visa. While processing their PR visa application, specific candidates can also arrive in Saskatchewan with a provisional work permit.
Saskatchewan PNP Draws
The province regularly holds the Saskatchewan PNP draw. Through the draws, it looks for candidates in the IRCC Express Entry pool who can fulfill the requirements of any Saskatchewan immigration stream aligned with Express Entry. SINP explores candidates in the Express Entry pool and invites them personally to reside and work in the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I immigrate to Saskatchewan?
Checking the eligibility requirements for the category or categories you are interested in will help you determine the category and subcategory you would fall under.
After completing this, the application process for the category you selected, which is the category of Interest (EOI), may occasionally be required as a “pre-application.” You will receive a score based on your responses when filing your EOI.
The SINP website is the application portal for those with the highest scores. An EOI is unnecessary in other circumstances, and you can apply immediately.
Is the Saskatchewan PNP easy?
The Saskatchewan PNP has a reputation for being easy. This may be true, depending on your situation. For example, suppose you’re a skilled worker living abroad and meet specific criteria, or you’re an existing work permit holder residing in Saskatchewan.
In that case, it may be easy to immigrate to Saskatchewan permanently. In addition, if you meet specific criteria, Saskatchewan can be a good option for starting a business, including a farm operation.
How long does the Saskatchewan PNP take?
The processing time for the International Skilled Worker Category varies depending on the subcategory. The Express Entry and Occupation in Demand subcategory can take over 30 weeks.
However, the processing time for the Employment Offer subcategory is just 4 weeks, and the Saskatchewan Experience Category’s processing time can be just 1-2 weeks. This is because candidates are likely already living in Saskatchewan.
The processing time for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category and the Entrepreneur and Farm Category is 14 weeks.
