Saskatchewan is a province in the very centre of Canada that has a flourishing economy thanks to an abundance of natural gas, oil, minerals, and potash. With friendly environments, an affordable cost of living, abundance job opportunities, and more sunshine each year than any other province in Canada, Saskatchewan is a major destination for new Canadians to settle. But, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program plays an important role in Saskatchewan’s burgeoning economy and population.
Saskatchewan is home to big cities like Saskatoon and Regina, as well as many smaller local communities. The population is about 1.1 million people.
The province’s major industries sectors include:
- Agriculture (especially wheat);
- Oil and gas exploration;
- Technology (especially in Saskatoon and Regina)
- Mining (the province is the world’s leader in the export of potash and uranium).
Many of the recent migrants to Saskatchewan come from Asia, especially Indians and the Philippines.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is part of Canada’s Nominee Program. It’s an economic-class immigration program that allows participating Canadian provinces and territories to select a set number of foreign skilled workers, businessmen and international graduates of Canadian higher institutions for Canadian permanent residence.
The SINP program is divided into four immigration categories:
- International Skilled Worker
- Saskatchewan Experience
- Entrepreneurs
- Farm Owners and Operators
International Skilled Workers
This Saskatchewan PNP category is for foreign workers who have education, language proficiency, work experience in one of the 19 occupations listed as in-demand in the province, or other abilities and looking to immigrate to Saskatchewan.
Eligible candidates can be nominated under three sub-categories:
- Express Entry Sub-category
- Occupation In-Demand Sub-category
- Employment Offer Sub-category
Express Entry applicants nominated by the SINP receive an extra 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
In order to stand a chance for a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan, Express Entry applicants are required to create both a valid Express Entry profile and another Expression of Interest (EOI) profile registered with the SINP. The Occupation In-Demand sub-category is quite similar to the Express Entry sub-category but grant nominations outside the Express Entry system.
Express Entry candidates who already have a job offer from a Canadian employer registered with the SINP may be eligible for the Employment Offer sub-category.
Work Experience
Applicants with work experience in Saskatchewan and a valid job offer may be able to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence of Canada through one of five Saskatchewan Experience sub-categories.
- Existing Work Permit
- Health Professionals
- Hospitality Sector Project
- Long-Haul Truck Driver Project
- Students
Each of these sub-categories listed above requires a minimum of six months of eligible work experience as a temporary foreign skilled worker in Saskatchewan and a permanent or full-time job offer from an approved employer from some specified sector, among other criteria.
Entrepreneurs
The Category is for those who want to invest, own and operate a business in Saskatchewan. This SINP category operates on an Expression of Interest basis that scores applicants on business experience, their business establishment plan and other factors. Successful applicants are first approved for a two-year temporary work permit and can apply for a nomination for permanent residence if they meet all the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement.
Farm Owners and Operators
Experienced farmers with sufficient capital and proven farming experience may be eligible for this SINP category if they wish to buy and operate a farm in the province.
This aspect also includes a Young Farmer Stream that is open to eligible candidates under the age of Forty (40). This category encourages young farm families to start farming operations in rural areas of Saskatchewan.
