Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces of Western Canada. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and important natural resources industries like forestry and fishing. It boasts two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as vast expanses of pristine wilderness.

The SINP is Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Saskatchewan Provincial Nomination Certificate, which will allow that foreign national to apply for Canadian permanent residence with processing times that are faster than other Canadian immigration classes.

The SINP accepts applications under the following categories:

International Skilled Worker Category
Saskatchewan Experience Category
Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Each of these categories may have one or more sub-categories.

This category accepts applications from skilled workers who plan to live and work in the Province of Saskatchewan.Applicants are measured based on a points system and can be nominated under one of three sub-categories.

1. International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer

This sub-category is for skilled workers with a skilled job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible under the International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer sub-category, applicants must:

Have legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
Demonstrate sufficient language proficiency through a minimum language test score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 across all four language competencies (reading, writing, speaking, listening) from a designated testing agency;
Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer that is registered with the SINP in either an occupation in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Matrix as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B, OR in a designated trade in Saskatchewan;
Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past ten years in the intended occupation;
Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the job offer is in an occupation that is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing; and
Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the point assessment grid.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Assessment Grid

Candidates in the SINP’s International Skilled Worker Category Expression of Interest (EOI) pool are assessed according to the following five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection(s) to the Saskatchewan labor market and adaptability. To enter the SINP EOI pool, candidates are required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points in the EOI Points Grid, among other eligibility requirements, in order to be considered.

2. International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand

This sub-category is for highly skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan, who do not yet have a job offer in the province.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible under the Occupations In-Demand sub-category, applicants must:

- Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
- Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4;
- Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training comparable to the Canadian education system;
  - The program of study must have resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate.

Note: As of April 1, 2018, all applications to the Occupations In-Demand Sub-Category must include an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.

Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past ten years related to their field of education or training, in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) that is considered to be in demand in Saskatchewan
Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the point assessment grid

3. International Skilled Worker – Saskatchewan Express Entry

This sub-category enables the province to nominate individuals who are already in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool and have skilled work experience, language ability, and necessary education and other factors to help them settle successfully and integrate into Saskatchewan’s labor market and communities.

As candidates must be in the federal Express Entry pool, all candidates must be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the SINP’s International Skilled Worker – Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, candidates must:

Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
Have been accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool and have an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code;
- The Number and Code must be included in the SINP application.
Provide language test results from a designated testing agency that match the language level declared in their Express Entry profile;
Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training which is comparable to the Canadian education system and which has resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate;
Have a minimum level of work experience related to their field of education or training in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) that is considered to be in-demand in Saskatchewan (See in-demand occupations list, below);
- At least one year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades); OR
- At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years; OR
- At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
Hold a certificate of qualification (also known as a letter of invitation) in their skilled trade from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission if their work experience is in a skilled trade;
Have proof of sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Assessment Grid

This category is for foreign workers that are currently living in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Experience Category accepts applications under the following sub-categories:

Existing Work Permit

This sub-category is for individuals who have been working in Saskatchewan for at least six months under a valid work permit.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible under the Saskatchewan Experience – Existing Work Permit sub-category, candidates must:

Have a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);
Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) level 0, A, or B occupation, OR in a designated trade;
Have worked for at least six months for the employer offering the permanent job, under a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
- The job offer must be for the same position that the candidate has been working in for the past six months.
Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 if the job offer is in a NOC C occupation (a designated trade);
- The language test must be from a designated testing agency and must have been taken within two years of the date of application.
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
Have proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensure.

Health Professionals

This sub-category is for individuals who have worked as a physician, a nurse, or in another health profession in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

Minimum Requirements for Physicians

In order to be eligible as a physician under the health professionals sub-category, candidates must:

Have a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
Have been practicing as a physician in Saskatchewan for at least six months;
Have an offer of permanent, full-time employment that is:

Issued by a provincial health authority or the health education institution where they are currently employed; and/or
Verified with documents that describe their permanent arrangement to practice medicine in a Saskatchewan medical office;
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
Obtain a letter of support from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CoPSS) that states the candidate’s type of license, license expiry date, and support for the candidate to obtain permanent residence status in Saskatchewan.

If applicable, the candidate will also require a letter from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada indicating that he or she has licensing in a particular specialty.

Minimum Requirements for Nurses

To be eligible as a nurse under the SINP`s Saskatchewan Experience – Health Professional`s sub-category, applicants must:

Have a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
Have been practicing as a nurse in Saskatchewan for six months or more;
Have an offer of permanent, full-time employment issued by a Saskatchewan Regional Health Authority, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, or another publicly-funded health employer; and
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Minimum Requirements for Other Health Professions

In order to be considered eligible under the Other Health Professions sub-category, candidates must:

Have completed a post-secondary training course of at least one academic year, related to their intended health occupation;
Have a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) level 0, A, B, or C health occupation;
Have worked for the employer offering the job, in the same job position, for a minimum of six months;
Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 if the job offer is in a NOC C occupation;
- The language test must be from a designated testing agency and must have been taken within two years of the date of application.
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
Have proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensure.

Hospitality Sector Project

This sub-category is for individuals that are currently working in Saskatchewan as food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or housekeeping and cleaning staff for at least six months. The employer must receive approval from the Province of Saskatchewan before the applicant begins work in Canada.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered eligible under the Hospitality Sector Project sub-category, applicants must:

Hold a valid work permit for one of the following occupations:
- Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453);
- Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641); or
- Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661).
Be employed in Saskatchewan for six months or more, working for an approved Saskatchewan Hospitality employer;
Have an offer of permanent, full-time employment from an approved Saskatchewan Hospitality employer;
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter;
Have completed, at minimum, a high school education (or its equivalent); and
Demonstrate language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher across all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) on a language test from a designated testing agency taken within two years of the date of application.

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

This sub-category is for individuals who are currently working for an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan. Drivers must be working in Saskatchewan for their current employer for a minimum of six months before applying.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible under the Long Haul Truck Drivers Project sub-category, applicants must:

Have been working for an SINP-approved Saskatchewan trucking firm for at least six months on a temporary work permit;
Have a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license;
Have an offer of full-time, permanent employment from their employer (which must be a SINP-approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan);
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
Demonstrate language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher across all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) on a language test from a designated testing agency taken within two years of the date of application.

Students

This sub-category is for students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. Among the requirements, the student must have worked in Saskatchewan for at least twenty-four months before applying, or for six months if the institution is in Saskatchewan.

Minimum Requirements for Graduates of Saskatchewan Institutes

In order to be eligible as a graduate of a Saskatchewan institute under the Students sub-category, candidates must:

Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Saskatchewan;
- The program must have been equivalent to at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 as demonstrated on a designated language test taken within the past two years if the job offer is in an NOC level C occupation;
Have a minimum of six months (960 hours) of paid work experience in Saskatchewan;
- Eligible types of work experience in Saskatchewan include: on-campus, off-campus, co-op terms, graduate fellowships that can be verified by the institution, and work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.
Have applied for and received a valid post-graduation work permit from IRCC;
Have a current, permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an NOC level 0, A, or B occupation or trade, OR a job offer requiring post-secondary education; and
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Minimum Requirements for Graduates of Canadian Institutes (Outside Saskatchewan)

To be eligible under the Students sub-category as a graduate of a Canadian institute outside of Saskatchewan, applicants must:

Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada (outside of Saskatchewan);
- The program must have been equivalent to at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 as demonstrated on a designated language test taken within the previous two years if the job offer is in an NOC level C occupation;
Have a minimum of 24 consecutive months (two years) of paid full-time work experience (minimum 3,840 hours) in Saskatchewan after graduation and after receiving a valid post-graduation work permit;
- Eligible types of work experience in Saskatchewan include work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.
Have a valid post-graduation work permit from IRCC;
Have a current, permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in a NOC level 0, A, or B occupation, OR a designated trade, OR a job offer requiring a post-secondary education; and
Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

This category is for individuals who wish to own and actively operate a business or farming operation in Saskatchewan.

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

This sub-category is for individuals who wish to invest management talent and capital in Saskatchewan by establishing, acquiring, or partnering in a business the province. Candidates are expected to take on an active management role in the business. This sub-category functions on an Expression of Interest model.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be considered eligible under the Entrepreneur Category, applicants must:

Meet the minimum entry criteria to submit an EOI to the SINP:
- A minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, verified by a Ministry-approved professional third party;
- Accumulation of net worth through legal means, verified to at least 80 percent by a Ministry-approved professional third party;
- At least three years of entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years; and
- A minimum equity investment of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or a minimum of $200,000 CAD in any other Saskatchewan community.
Have and be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of their Business Establishment Plan (BEP);
Own at least one-third (33.33 percent) of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan unless their total investment is $1,000,000 CAD or higher;
Create or maintain a minimum of two jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan (non-relative workers) if establishing a new business in Saskatoon or Regina;
If purchasing an existing business in Saskatoon or Regina, the applicant must maintain the business’ staffing complement (the number of Canadian or permanent resident workers) in place at the time of purchase.
Reside in Saskatchewan with their dependent family members; and
Sign a business performance agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will be provided by the SINP after the application is approved.

Minimum Requirements for Businesses

For a business to be considered eligible under this category, all of the following criteria must be met:

The business must have the potential for creating economic benefit to Saskatchewan, as assessed by SINP immigration officer;
The business can be a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation, but must meet the legal requirements of the community in which it operates;
The business must be a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services; and
The business must be considered a “permanent establishment” as defined under subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985.

Additional Requirements for Business Succession

If purchasing a previously existing Saskatchewan business, the following requirements must be met:

The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past three years;
The applicant must complete an exploratory visit to meet the previous owner(s);
Reasonable efforts must be taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
There must be a complete change in ownership where the applicant assumes full control of the business; and
The applicant must commit to maintaining employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents above the minimum required, as well as maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

If purchasing a previously existing Saskatchewan business from a SINP Entrepreneur Nominee, the following requirements must be met:

The business must have been in continuous operation by the previous owner for at least three years;
The business must demonstrate a net profit for at least two of the previous three years;
The previous owner must be either a Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen;
The applicant must complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s);
Reasonable efforts must be taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
There must be a complete change in ownership where the applicant assumes full control of the business; and
The applicant must commit to maintaining employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Additional Requirements for Joint Ventures Between SINP Program Applicants

If proposing a joint venture with another SINP applicant in the operation of a new business, the purchase of an existing business, or a partnership with a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen, the following requirements must be met:

The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past three years;
Applicants must complete an exploratory visit to meet the previous owner(s) or business partner(s);
Reasonable efforts must be taken to establish a fair market value for the business or investment amount;
Any succession must result in a complete change in ownership where the applicants assume full control of the business;
Applicants must maintain employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents; Applicants are not required to create additional jobs.
Applicants must clearly indicate in their application form that they are proposing a joint venture with a program applicant or a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, and identify their proposed business partners;
Each prospective applicant must submit their individual EOI simultaneously;

NOTE: Each prospective applicant in a joint venture application will be evaluated individually. Selection from the EOI pool for processing will depend on their individual abilities to meet eligibility criteria and earn points. If a partner is not selected from the pool, all other partners must update their business proposal in order to remain eligible for the EOI points previously earned. If all partners are selected from the pool and approved, each will sign a separate Business Performance Agreement, and each partner must meet the terms of his/her agreement to be nominated. If one or more partners fail to meet the terms of their Business Performance Agreement, all remaining partners must update their performance agreements to ensure they continue to meet program criteria.

Minimum Investment Requirements

An investment will be considered eligible if it is essential to the establishment and operation a new business, or to the purchase, improvement, and operation of an existing business. Some investments may considered eligible within limitations.

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

This sub-category is for experienced farmers with considerable capital looking to invest in a farming operation and settle in the province of Saskatchewan.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible as a farm owner/operator, applicants must:

Have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, verified by a Ministry-approved professional third party;
Demonstrate through documented proof that the claimed net worth was accumulated through legal means, verified by a Ministry-approved professional third party;
- The third party must also verify that the claimed net worth of the applicant’s spouse has been accumulated through legal means.
Have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience, demonstrated through documentation; and
- This refers to active ownership of a farming operation using agricultural practices similar to those used in Saskatchewan-based farming.
- The applicant is required to demonstrate how this knowledge and experience relates to owning and actively operating a Saskatchewan farm through the submission of a Résumé and a Farm Establishment Plan.
- The Résumé must clearly identify the applicant’s other work experience (if applicable), including job title, place of employment, responsibilities, and business skills.
Have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity.
- Farm proposal viability refers to the feasibility of establishing the proposed farming operation in Saskatchewan.
- The proposal must sufficiently illustrate the candidate’s intent to reside in the province.

Minimum Requirements for the Young Farmer Stream

Applicants who are under 40 years of age are eligible to meet the Farm sub-category’s amended criteria to be considered for nomination under the Young Farmer Stream. To be eligible under this stream, applicants must:

Have a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD, verified by a Ministry-approved professional third party;
Demonstrate through documented proof that the claimed net worth was accumulated through legal means, verified by a Ministry approved professional third party;
Have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience, demonstrated through documentation;
Have at least three years experience in:
- Farm ownership;
- Farm management; or
- Practical farming experience;
Have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity; and
Have the potential to supplement their farming income with their accompanying spouse/common-law partner’s marketable employment skills, based on education and experience.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Immigration to Canada – an exciting journey!

International Skilled Worker Category

1. International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer

Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Assessment Grid

2. International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand

3. International Skilled Worker – Saskatchewan Express Entry

Expression of Interest (EOI) Points Assessment Grid

Saskatchewan Experience Category

Existing Work Permit

Health Professionals

Hospitality Sector Project

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

Students

Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

Additional Requirements for Business Succession

Additional Requirements for Joint Ventures Between SINP Program Applicants

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

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