Saskatchewan Immigration Draw Nominates 479 New Candidates

Saskatchewan has implemented a new draw from the province’s International Skilled Worker pool on June 20, 2019. This category falls under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), which authorizes the province to nominate employed immigrants to be eligible for permanent residence in Canada. Candidates with the following occupations in Saskatchewan’s Express Entry and Occupational In-Demand streams were invited to enter the draw:

• Accounting technicians
• Architectural technologists and technicians
• Bakers
• Paramedical occupations
• Medical laboratory technologists

Out of 479 invitations, a total of 268 fell under the Federal Express Entry System with a SINP registered profile. 211 of the remaining invitations went to those from the SINP’s Occupation In-Demand stream. They are, however, not the only streams to choose from. There are in fact 4 categories under the SINP stream, each with their own requirements. But before we get to the nitty-gritty of Saskatchewan Immigration, let’s have a look at why so many immigrants are setting their sights on Saskatchewan as their choice of destination.

Why Saskatchewan?

Job Opportunities

Saskatchewan offers a wealth of opportunities in the following sectors:

• Agriculture - produces 28% of Canada’s grain and over 54% of Canada’s wheat crop, generating 5% of GDP
• Service-based sector, including finance, insurance, and real estate - generating about 17% of GDP
• Natural resources, such as potash, uranium, coal, oil and natural gas

The unemployment rate is also lower than 4%, which is the lowest in Canada, and the minimum wage is currently around $10.50, making Saskatchewan an attractive option for those looking for excellent employment opportunities.

Quality of Life

The cost of living in Saskatchewan is exceptionally low. The average Saskatchewan family income is around $80, 000, which is higher than the Canadian average. Housing is also relatively affordable, for example, aspiring homeowners can purchase a home in Regina for roughly $338,800 or $352,000 in Saskatoon. Alternatively, the average rental for a one bedroom apartment in Saskatoon and Regina costs approximately $800 and $950 respectively, compared to Toronto, which will set you back around $2, 230. With 65% of Saskatchewan residents residing in urban areas, there is less pressure to drive up prices to meet urban demand. The province also has a combined sales tax of 11%, which is considerably lower than cities such as Quebec. With low housing costs and tax rates, as well as local natural resources helping to lower energy costs, it’s no wonder that Saskatchewan has attracted a vast number of immigrants.

Income

Saskatchewan has the fourth highest average income in Canada with a weekly average income of about $1, 010 compared to bigger cities such as Quebec, where one could expect a weekly income of about $929. Saskatchewan also has a low personal income tax rate, which ensures that residents will be able to keep more of their hard earned money. The Government has announced a new income support program called the Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) which will be implemented as of July 15, 2019. It is aimed at increasing independence and overcoming employment challenges.

Education

All Canadian citizens and residents younger than 20 have access to free public schooling up until Grade 12. After secondary school, there are a number of alternatives to further one’s education, such as the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, which are both centers for innovation, as well as the First Nations University of Canada. Skilled trades are also on offer in a number of apprenticeship programs, as well as at a choice of 9 regional technical colleges and 50 vocational schools. Another benefit is The Graduate Retention Program, which provides graduate students with automatic eligibility for a rebate of up to $20, 000 if they live and work in Saskatchewan for more than 7 years after graduation.

Health Care

As in the rest of the country, the government provides universal, publicly funded health care to all citizens and residents. Certain procedures such as cosmetic surgery and dentistry are however not covered but can be covered under affordable private health care options.

Economic Growth and Population

Saskatchewan has some of the fastest growing growing cities in Canada, such as Regina and Saskatoon. Another booming city is Estevan, which has coal, oil and gas industries that have notably contributed to a strong economy. Moosejaw is another strong industrial center, rich in agriculture. Another immigration option to consider might be the New Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, offering permanent residence to skilled foreign workers from 11 communities, including Saskatchewan.

Immigration Policies

Saskatchewan is a multicultural community, mainly due to the integration of foreign immigrants. Saskatchewan immigration accounts for a large part on the future development and growing economy and attracts approximately 10, 000 newcomers from over 180 nations annually through programs such as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. The SINP is offered to skilled workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, international students as well as a number of other in-demand occupations and speeds up the immigration visa application process.

Breathtaking Landscapes and Lakes

Saskatoon is not only the sunniest city in Canada but one of the most beautiful prairie locations in Saskatchewan with over 100,000 exquisite lakes just a short drive away. Other amazing locations include Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and Prince Albert National Park, where you can encounter wildlife such as bison, black bears, wolves, foxes, lynx, moose, deer, badgers amongst others.

Small Town Living

Saskatchewan is the perfect balance between city and country life. It is full of small city charm and has an extremely welcoming and friendly community of people. Small city living means fewer people commuting ie. less traffic. This affords most Sakatchewanians the luxury of being able to hop into their cars without the stress and anxiety of commuting for hours or relying on public transportation.

How Do I Apply?

The Saskatchewan PNP, also known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (Saskatchewan INP), is aimed at immigrants who are skilled and possess the necessary experience required by the province. It not only allows successful applicants to apply for residency but also fast tracks the application process.

There are 4 major categories under the SINP, namely:

• International Skilled Worker Category
• Saskatchewan Work Experience Category
• Entrepreneur Category
• Farm Owner and Operator Category

International Skilled Worker Category

The maximum number of applicants as of April 1, 2019, with an employment offer was 4,000 with about 3, 615 applicants currently being accepted.

There are 3 subcategories:

• Employment Offer
• Occupation In-Demand
• Saskatchewan Express Entry

Employment Offer

This applies to skilled workers employed in Saskatchewan and meets the following requirements:

Those ineligible to apply are as follows:

Occupation In-Demand

This category is specifically for candidates who are highly skilled in an in-demand occupation but do not have an employment offer in Saskatchewan. Occupations forecast to be in-demand over the next 5 years include:

This category no longer uses thresholds. Instead, if found eligible you will be required to submit an Expression of Interest(EOI), which is essentially an online pre-application. Those who possess attributes which fulfill Saskatchewan Immigration and labor needs will be entered into the International Skilled Worker EOI system and issued an “Invitation to Apply”. Candidates will then be required to create an EOI profile including the following:

Candidates will then be entered into the EOI pool of eligible candidates and will be ranked based on information provided in your profile and “Invitations to Apply” are done through Expression of Interest Draws. Candidates may only have 1 profile, which will be valid for 1 year. There is currently no longer thresholds for applications which means it might be more likely that you will be accepted.

The following individuals are ineligible to apply:

Saskatchewan Express Entry

This category applies to skilled workers who are in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry Pool and would like to live and work in Canada. An Expression of Interest must be submitted and those deemed eligible will receive an invitation to submit an application based on the points scored on your EOI profile. There are no longer thresholds for this category, which may increase the probability of your application being approved. An application fee of $300 is also required upon application in order to complete the process.

The following criteria must be met in order to be deemed eligible:

Those deemed ineligible to apply for the Saskatchewan Express Entry are as follows:

Saskatchewan Work Experience

This category is aimed at immigrants who are currently employed and living in Saskatchewan, in possession of a valid working visa, and would like to apply for residency. The maximum number of applicants as of April 1, 2019, were as follows:

• Existing Work Permits & Health Professionals - 1200 with 1145 remaining applicants to be accepted
• Students -1300 with 1190 to be accepted
• Hospitality Workers - 200 with 195 still to be accepted
• Long haul Truck Drivers - 50 with 49 still to be accepted in 2019

This category is divided into the following sub-categories:

• Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit
• Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
• Health Professionals
• Hospitality Sector Project
• Long-Haul Truck Driver Project
• Students

Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit

This is aimed at skilled workers working in Saskatchewan for the past 6 months with a valid work permit and meet the following requirements:

The following can't apply through this sub-category:

Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

This category applies to those in possession of a valid work permit, working in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months and meet the following criteria:

The following can't apply through this sub-category:

Health Professionals

This category applies to skilled workers who have been employed full time for at least 6 months on a temporary work permit as a physician, nurse or other health professional. Each occupation has its own set of criteria:

Hospitality Sector Project

This subcategory is aimed at individuals currently employed in Saskatchewan’s hospitality industry who wish to apply for permanent residency and meet the following criteria:

The following can't apply through this sub-category:

Long-Haul Truck Drivers

This subcategory applies to long-haul truckers employed in Saskatchewan by an approved trucking firm for at least 6 months on a temporary foreign work permit. If the firm extends an offer of permanent employment, the trucker may apply for permanent residency as long as the following criteria are met:

The following can't apply through this sub-category:

Students

This subcategory is dedicated to students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada and would like to apply for nomination by the SINP and meet the following criteria:

Entrepreneur Category

This category is for those who would like to own and run a business in Saskatchewan. Candidates are required to take an active managerial role in the company. Applications are based on the EOI system. The number of applicants who were issued invitations as of May 2, 2019 were 43, with average EOI scores ranging from 120 - 135. The next EOI pool selections are scheduled to take place on the following dates:

• July 4, 2019
• September 5, 2019
• November 7, 2019

There are 4 steps in the application process:

• Expression of Interest (EOI) submission to the SINP
• EOI Selection and Invitation to Submit an Application
• Business Establishment
• Nomination

The minimum program requirements are as follows:

Once assessed, you will be ranked in the EOI pool of candidates and if invited, you will need to submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that matches the information submitted in your EOI.

Farm Owner and Operator Category

This category is for individuals who would like to purchase and operate a farm in Saskatchewan and is strictly for business in primary agricultural production ie. crops and livestock. In order to be approved for nomination you will need the following:

The Young Farmer Stream

This stream was created to allow young farm families to establish themselves and farming operations in rural areas of Saskatchewan. To be approved for nomination in this stream, you'll need to:

The maximum number of applications was 50 as of April 1, 2019, with 46 applications to be accepted in 2019.

With all these options at your fingertips, you might feel inundated with facts and a bit unsure of which program is right for you. Not to worry! Our 3 knowledgeable RCIC professionals have been through the process themselves and are ready and waiting to help you take the next step in your journey towards settling in Saskatchewan. Simply follow this link to receive your assessment today.