Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan is a Canadian province bordering the United States of America to the South. It has two major cities, Regina and Saskatoon. Saskatchewan is covered in grassland, coniferous trees, rivers, and lakes. The provincial capital, Regina, is home to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, housing exhibits on natural history and the people of Canada's First Nations.

Saskatchewan's population used to be primarily rural, but it is becoming more urban. The population has been declining for many years; however, it is changing in recent years as oil sands, potash, and uranium development are driving an economic boom mirroring Alberta's boom. Farming remains the largest sector of the economy, along with the oil, gas, and mining sectors. Several attempts have been made to grow other sectors of the economy, such as scientific research and technology. 

Here's what you need to know to immigrate to Canada through Saskatchewan's PNP.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP, or Saskatchewan PNP) is an immigration program that favors prospective immigrants with in-demand job skills and work experience needed in the province. Applicants under the Saskatchewan INP receive a Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Certificate allowing them to apply for Canadian permanent residency. This is processed much faster than Canadian immigration programs in other provinces. Not sure how PNPs work? Here's a quick breakdown.

Below are the four major immigration categories under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program:

If You're a Skilled Worker Looking to Work in Saskatchewan

International Skilled Worker Category

In this category, the SINP can nominate skilled workers who want to live and work in the province. The prospective candidates will need to meet the criteria and skills that will help them to settle successfully in Saskatchewan, including but not limited to: education, skilled work experience, and language proficiency in English and/ or French.

The International Skilled Worker Category is divided into the following subcategories:

Employment Offer

This subcategory caters to skilled workers with a job offer for a skilled occupation in Saskatchewan.

If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this category, you must satisfy the following personal eligibility requirements.

Occupation In-Demand

This category caters to skilled workers who do not have a job offer in Saskatchewan but are highly skilled in an in-demand occupation in the province and meet the eligibility criteria of the subcategory.

Saskatchewan Express Entry

This subcategory is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Saskatchewan and are in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry Pool and meet all the eligibility criteria for the subcategory.

You must have an eligible Express Entry profile to be eligible for this program. Determining your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is a fantastic way to gauge your eligibility for both Express Entry and the SINP Express Entry program. Your CRS score determines how likely you are to be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada, and getting a provincial nomination is a significant factor in that. Find out your possible eligibility here. 

Please note that this is purely an accurate estimate of your score. Suppose you want to ensure your eligibility. In that case, you should still consult with an immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), who has years of experience helping dozens of hopeful applicants find their new home in Canada.

If You are Already in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Work Experience Category

This category is for foreign workers currently working and living in Saskatchewan on a valid work permit and who would like to apply for permanent residency through the Saskatchewan INP.

The Saskatchewan Experience Category is divided into the following subcategories:

Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit

This subcategory is for skilled workers who have been working in Saskatchewan for the past six months, with a valid work permit, and who meet the eligibility criteria for the subcategory.

Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

This subcategory is for agri-workers working in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months on a valid work permit. Candidates must also meet the criteria listed below.

Health Professionals Category

You can apply under this subcategory if you have worked on a temporary work permit as a nurse, physician, or health professional for at least six months. Each of these professions has specific eligibility requirements that need to be met.

Hospitality Sector Project

This subcategory is for foreigners currently working or has previously worked in Saskatchewan's hospitality sector and who want to apply for permanent residency in the province.

Long-Haul Truck Driver Project

This subcategory allows trucking firms to bring long-haul truck drivers to Saskatchewan. To qualify for this project, candidates must begin working on a temporary foreign work permit for an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan. If an approved trucking firm offers permanent employment, the trucker may apply to the Saskatchewan INP for permanent resident status after at least six months. The trucker must also meet the specific eligibility criteria of this subcategory.

Student

This subcategory is for students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada and received a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in Saskatchewan. The SINP must approve this job offer before the candidate applies. The employer must register on the SINP Employer website to get this approval. If the offer is approved, a Job Approval Letter will be issued. A copy of this document must be submitted along with the candidate's application to the SINP.

If You Want to Start a Business in Saskatchewan

Entrepreneur Category

This category is for individuals hoping to own and actively operate a business in Saskatchewan. Applicants must take on an active managerial role in the business. Please note applications under this category are based on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
The three steps leading up to nomination are as follows.

Step 1: Create an EOI

Candidates need to make an (EOI) to the Saskatchewan INP indicating that they want to own or run a business in the province.

Step 2: Get Your ITA

Successful candidates will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) based on a list of program requirements.

Step 3: Provincial Nomination

Once you receive your ITA, you must submit your required documents and pay your processing fees. Once you pay them and you've waited out the processing time, you will get your Provincial Nomination.

The province has also introduced an International Graduate Stream for international students over 21 years old and graduating from an educational institution in Saskatchewan with a qualification of at least two years and who would like to start or run their own business. Applicants will need a two-year Post-graduate work permit and a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 7.

If You Want to Buy or Start a Farm in Saskatchewan

Farm Owner and Operator Category

This category is for candidates who want to immigrate to Saskatchewan to buy and run a farm there. If the candidates are under 40, they can be considered for nomination under the Young Farmer Stream. Eligibility for this stream is based on available equity, refundable cash deposit, a mandatory visit to Saskatchewan, farm operation knowledge and experience, and a practical proposal for a commercial farming opportunity.

Suppose any of these programs seem the perfect way to move to Saskatchewan. Why not start your journey as best as possible by consulting with a certified immigration expert like an RCIC? An RCIC can help you find the perfect program for you, ensure your eligibility and help you do everything you can to get your nomination.

Why Move to Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan offers many reasons to move there. Here are five of the best reasons to move to Saskatchewan:

Job Opportunities

Saskatchewan is a developing province of Canada that invites migrants to settle and contribute to the growing economy of Canada. Many job opportunities are available in Saskatchewan, particularly in the IT and agriculture industries.

Lower Sales Tax

Saskatchewan charges a 6% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the nationwide 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), resulting in a combined sales tax of 11% is lower than many other provinces in Canada.

Beautiful Landscapes

Saskatchewan has diverse cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and beautiful natural surroundings. The province has grasslands, coniferous forests, rivers, lakes, and charming small towns. 

Affordable Living

Saskatchewan is one of Canada's most affordable provinces. The average residence value in Weyburn, one of Saskatchewan's small towns, is $302,000, and the average household income is $126,000.

Family Reunification

Canada's highly generous family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. The government of Canada is committed to reuniting families and accepting up to 15,000 applications in 2022.

Your Best Way to the Prairies

Choosing the correct immigration path for you can be extremely difficult. Saskatchewan alone has 12 different streams. Each of these paths comes with specific requirements distinct from other provinces. For example, it may very well be that you are not eligible for immigration to British Columbia or Quebec but are suitable for a Saskatchewan INP. This is a significant reason why working with an RCIC can make all the difference in your application process.

An RCIC can create your EOI and Express Entry profiles, fill out your application forms, help you source and certify your documents, provide you with resources to help you improve your eligibility, represent you with certain government authorities and provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the rest of your application process.

FAQs

Can I Apply to the SINP and Another PNP at the Same Time?

Yes. However, remember each province has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so you must carefully review the requirements of each program before applying. Additionally, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs and can provide all required documentation for each application. Finally, we recommend you seek the advice of an immigration consultant like an RCIC to ensure you follow the correct procedures and meet all requirements for both programs.

Where are the Best Places to Live in Saskatchewan?

If you want to move to Saskatchewan, knowing which place is the perfect home for you is crucial. Saskatchewan has many great places to live, each with unique charm and attractions. Some of the best places to live in Saskatchewan include:

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful river valley, and many parks and trails. It is also home to the University of Saskatchewan, one of Canada's top research universities. 

Learn more about Saskatoon here.

Regina

Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan and is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and many cultural attractions. It is also home to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, one of Canada's top natural history museums.

Weyburn 

Weyburn is a small town of just 12,000 inhabitants but is honored to be called the Best Place to Live in the Prairies. It is one of Canada's most affordable cities, with an average residence value of $302,000 and a high average household income of $126,000.

Moose Jaw 

Moose Jaw is a small city in southern Saskatchewan known for its mineral spa, historic downtown, and many cultural attractions. It is also home to the Western Development Museum, one of Canada's best retellings of its national history.