How to apply for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Located in the heart of the Canadian prairies, the province of Saskatchewan is known for its scenic provincial parks, recreational opportunities, and quality of life. Newcomers make up 10 per cent of the population in Saskatchewan, including immigrants from the Philippines, China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. One appeal of Saskatchewan is its small-town feel. The provincial capital is Regina , with a population of around 230,000 people, and the other major city is Saskatoon . Agriculture is one of the primary industries in Saskatchewan, in addition to mining, manufacturing, food processing, energy, and life sciences.

One avenue for newcomers looking to settle in Canada is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) . The criteria for each PNP program vary, depending on the economic needs of the province. Newcomers can apply to live in Saskatchewan through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). Here is what you need to know about how SINP works and how to apply.

In this article:

• Overview of Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• How to qualify for a Saskatchewan PR nomination through SINP
• Step-by-step application process for SINP
  
• Where to get more information on SINP

Overview of Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The provincially run Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program was established to accelerate the immigration process for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and students who can contribute to Saskatchewan’s economy. There are four main SINP categories that newcomers can apply for PR under:

1. International Skilled Worker : for foreign skilled workers who wish to work and live in Saskatchewan.
2. Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience: for foreign workers who have been working in Saskatchewan with a valid work permit for at least six months.
3. Entrepreneur : for international graduates from a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution and entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in the province.
4. Farm Owner and Operator : for experienced farmers who wish to own a farm in Saskatchewan.

How to qualify for a Saskatchewan PR nomination through SINP

Depending on your qualifications, education, work experience, or entrepreneurial skills, there are multiple streams under SINP that individuals can apply for.

Requirements for sub-categories under International Skilled Worker

• Must score at least 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid .
• Have an offer for a permanent, full-time job that is listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 (previously skill level A, B, skill type 0), or is a designated trade
• Have at least one year’s work experience in your intended occupation in the past 10 years
• Be eligible for a Saskatchewan licence for regulated professions and trades , if applicable
• Minimum language benchmark (CLB) 4 in French or English.

• Must score at least 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid
• Have completed post-secondary education, training, or apprenticeship comparable to Canada, or have earned a diploma, certificate or degree.
• Have work experience in a highly skilled job that is not on the SINP excluded occupation list
• Have a minimum of one year, full-time work experience in a skilled occupation in the past 10 years. Experience must be related to your occupation and education. Occupation must be NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 (previously skill level A, B, skill type 0) and considered to be in-demand in Saskatchewan at time of application
• May need to provide proof of professional status or eligibility for licensure
• Minimum language benchmark (CLB) 4 in French or English
• Live outside of Canada or have proof of legal status in Canada
• Have proof of settlement funds and settlement plan.

• Must have a valid Express Entry profile in the IRCC Express Entry system and job seeker code
• Must score at least 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid
• Must have a language test result that meets the EE language requirements
• Have post-secondary education or training comparable to at least one year of Canadian education
• Must have earned a diploma, certificate, or degree
• Have experience in a job that is not in the Excluded Occupation List
• Skilled professionals must have at least one year work experience in past 10 years
• Skilled tradespeople must have at least two years work experience in a trade in the past five years
• Both skilled professionals and tradespeople must have one year work experience in Canada in the past three years
• Work experience must be in field of post-secondary education or training
• May need to provide proof of professional status or eligibility for licensure
• Have proof of settlement funds and settlement plan.

Requirements for sub-categories under the streams for Workers with Saskatchewan Work Experience

• Have an offer for a permanent, full-time job that is listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 (previously skill level A, B, skill type 0), or is a designated trade from a Saskatchewan employer
• Have a valid SINP job approval letter
• Have worked for more than six months for the employer offering a job
• Job must be in the same career as the one you have been working in for the past six months
• Minimum language benchmark (CLB) 4 in French or English if job officer is in a NOC TEER 4 (previously skill level C) occupation
• Can prove you are eligible for Saskatchewan licensure if occupation is regulated in the province.

• Have an offer for a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer that is listed as a General Farm Worker or Nursery and Greenhouse Worker
• Have a valid Job Approval Letter
• Job offer must be in the same career as you have been working for past six months
• Have worked for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering a job
• Work permit must be for:
  • Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
  • International Experience Canada
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program
  • Applicants must apply as a physician , nurse , or other health professional
  • Must have a valid temporary work permit issued by IRCC
  • Must have worked for at least six months for an employer offering you a permanent job under your work permit. Job offer must be for the same position as the one you have worked for. The work must be as a health professional
  • Must meet SINP criteria.
  • You must have obtained a certificate, diploma, or degree
  • Must have worked for a minimum of six months (or 780 hours) of paid employment in the province, including co-op placement and graduate fellowship
  • Possess current valid post-graduate work permit from IRCC
  • Have been offered a full-time job offer in your field of study from an approved employer in a occupation in the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously skill level A, B, or skill type 0) or in a designated trade
  • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
  • If the job offer is classified as a NOC C occupation, you must have a CLB of 4 or higher in French or English.

  If you graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institute:

  • Must have graduated from a program equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study
  • Must have obtained a certificate, diploma, or degree
  • Must have worked for a minimum of six months (or 780 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan in a job related to your field of study on a post-graduate work permit
  • Have been offered a full-time job offer in your field of study from an approved employer in a occupation in the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously skill level A, B, or skill type 0) or in a designated trade
  • Job offer must require post-secondary education
  • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
  • If the job offer is classified as a NOC TEER 4 (previously skill level C) occupation, you must have a CLB of 4 or higher in French or English.
  • Must have a valid work permit issued by IRCC as a:
    • Food/Beverage Server
    • Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper
    • Housekeeper/Cleaning Staff
    • Have been working with an SINP Hospitality-approved employer for at least six months (780 hours)
      • If you are not yet working in Saskatchewan, you can apply as a Food/Beverage Server. You must have proof of having worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months as a server
      • Must be working for an SINP-approved trucking firm for at least six months on a temporary work permit issued by IRCC
      • If you are not yet working in Saskatchewan, you may apply if you have proof you worked in the province previously for a minimum of six months as a Long-Haul Truck Driver
      • Have a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s licence or will apply for one when you arrive in the province
      • Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an approved trucking firm
      • Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
      • Must have a CLB of 4 or higher in English in all four categories.

      Requirements for sub-categories under the streams for Entrepreneur

      Stream	Criteria	Mandatory requirements
      International Graduate Entrepreneur	For international students who have graduated from a Saskatchewan institution and want to become an entrepreneur.

      • Be at least 21 years of age
      • Completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma for at least two years in an eligible Saskatchewan institution
      • Have a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit with at least 24 months remaining
      • Have lived in Saskatchewan during the academic program
      • Have a minimum CLB Level of 7

      After you’ve been invited to apply and approved by SINP, you must:

      • Live in Saskatchewan and actively own and operate a business for at least one year prior to applying
      • Own at least 33 per cent of the business and take part in day-to-day management
      • Prove the business is generating the minimum required revenue for one year
      • Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) after your application is approved.
      • Must meet the eligibility criteria of the EOI candidate pool and complete the Points Assessment Grid
      • Have a minimum of $500,000 CAD in Net Business and Personal Assets
      • Have at least three years relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience in the past 10 years
      • Plan on investing a minimum of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon or minimum of $200,00 CAD in other communities
      • If you’re invited to apply, must submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that includes:
        • Plan to establish a business that aligns with the Entrepreneur Category Points Grid
        • Ownership of at least one-third of the equity of the business in Saskatchewan, unless your investment is $1,000,000 CAD or higher
        • Commitment to day-to-day management
        • Create two employment opportunities in Saskatchewan for Canadians or PRs who are not your relatives.

        Requirements for sub-categories under the streams for Farm Owner and Operator

        • Have a personal net worth of at least $500,000 CAD that was accumulated legally
        • Have at least three years experience in:
          • Farm ownership
          • Farm management
          • Practical farming experience
          • Have a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD that was accumulated legally
          • Be under the age of 40 at the time of applying
          • Have at least three years experience in:
            • Farm ownership
            • Farm management
            • Practical farming experience

            Step-by-step application process for SINP

            To follow are the steps involved in applying for SINP:

            1. Confirm you qualify

            Once you have identified which sub-category you’d like to apply under, it’s important to make sure you meet all the mandatory requirements before completing your application. If your application is incomplete, then your application will be closed and you will need to reapply.

            2. For the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream only , applicants must submit a profile online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and meet the requirements for one of the following federal programs:

            1. • Federal Skilled Worker Program
               • Federal Skilled Trades Program
               • Canadian Experience Class

            You will then receive an Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker validation code. You have 30 days to accept the SINP nomination. After accepting the nomination, IRCC will invite you to apply for PR. You have 60 days to submit your application.

            3. Apply online

            Create an account and apply at SINP Apply Online .

            • Complete the different sections of the online application.
            • Scan and upload completed forms and required documents in PDF format.
            • Keep originals for your records.
            • Once your application is submitted, the SINP will send an email confirming they have received it.

            Note: Applicants who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) as an Expression of Interest (EOI) candidate will need to login using the same account they created for their EOI profile. If applying with a job offer, applicants need to create a new account.

            4. For Entrepreneur Category applications only

            • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the SINP.
            • Your application will be assessed and your EOI Point Assessment will be confirmed. During this time a Business Immigration Officer may contact you for an interview.
            • If you meet the criteria, you will be contacted for a final interview either in-person or by video conferencing.
            • You will be sent a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) to review and sign.

            5. For International Graduate Entrepreneur Category only

            • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the SINP.
            • Top scoring candidates will be invited to apply.
            • Establish your business: Applicants on a valid post-graduate work permit (PGWP) must operate their proposed business.
            • Once applicants fulfil the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement (BPA), they can apply to be nominated for PR.

            6. For Farm Owner and Operator applicants only

            • Submit all documents listed on the SINP Farm Category Application Document Checklist .
            • You may include your partner, spouse, and dependent children as part of your nomination. If you nominate any employee in your current farming operation, they must submit a Skilled Worker Application.
            • Once SINP has your application, they will send you a Letter of Receipt and file number.
            • Use the Letter of Receipt to retain a third-party financial service provider. They will assess the net worth of applicants to this category and you will receive a report.
            • Submit the financial report by email to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca
            • If your application is considered complete, you will be sent an Acceptance of Application and Request for Processing Fee letter.
            • Pay the $2,500 CAD application processing fee by wire transfer.
            • Your application will be evaluated by the SINP. You may be asked to do an interview.
            • If selected, you will receive a Nomination Approval and Request for Deposit letter and a Business Performance Agreement.
            • Applicants must send a refundable $75,000 CAD Good Faith Deposit by wire transfer within three months of receiving the nomination letter.
            • You’ll be sent a nomination package and information on how to apply for PR. You may also be issued a Temporary Work Permit Support letter if you need to come to Saskatchewan earlier to prepare your farm.

            7. Pay an application fee (Saskatchewan EE and Occupation In-Demand sub-categories only)

            After receiving an invitation to apply, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $350 CAD application processing fee.

            8. Receive decision on your application (Employment Offer and Occupations In-Demand)

            If your application has been approved, you will receive a nomination package by email and the SINP will notify IRCC of your nomination. You must apply for PR to IRCC within six months of being nominated by the SINP.

            9. Temporary Work Permit for International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer and Saskatchewan Experience Nominees

            Once your application is approved by the SINP, it will be sent to IRCC. SINP will provide you with a letter of support for a Temporary Work Permit. Once approved by the IRCC, you’ll be able to start or continue working while your PR visa is being processed.

            10. Apply for permanent residence

            If your application is successful, the last step is to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. It will be up to the Government of Canada to make the final decision on your permanent residency.

            Where to get more information on SINP

            For more information on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, call toll-free 1-833-613-0485 or email immigration@gov.sk.ca .

            If you’re looking for information on your application for permanent residence, contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada online or call toll-free 1-888-242-2100.

            The SINP process may seem daunting, as there are a number of options and steps involved. However, if you follow the instructions provided by the provincial government and consult with authorized immigration representatives, you’ll be able to realize your dream of settling in Saskatchewan.

            Things our lawyers want you to know

            This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.