Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan, often abbreviated as SK, is renowned as Canada’s “breadbasket” due to its vast ranches and wheat fields. Located in central Canada, it shares its borders with the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta to the east and west, respectively, and is adjacent to the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota to the south. The name “Saskatchewan” is believed to originate from an indigenous word referring to the numerous swift-flowing rivers that crisscross the region.

Covering an area of 651,900 square kilometers, Saskatchewan boasts approximately 352,000 square kilometers of forests and around 81,600 square kilometers of freshwater bodies. With a population of 1,033,381 (2011), over 60% of its residents reside in urban areas. Saskatchewan’s population is diverse, and its vast lands and expansive skies make it famous for its beautiful sunsets.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is one of the fast-track pathways for immigrating to Canada. It operates based on agreements between the federal government of Canada and the government of Saskatchewan. The SINP is categorized as a priority processing stream, resulting in quicker processing times compared to other immigration streams.

On July 10, 2018, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) announced that starting July 16, 2018, it would implement an Expression of Interest (EOI) invitation system, ending the previous quota-based application rush. However, Saskatchewan did not introduce a new scoring system and continues to use the previous 100-point scoring system, with a passing score of 60 points. Applicants can receive an additional 30 points for a Saskatchewan employer offer and 20 points for having family members in Saskatchewan.

Express Entry Stream (SIEE) Application Requirements:

  • Meet the criteria for one of the Express Entry categories: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
  • Score above 60 points on the Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
  • Language proficiency at a minimum of CLB 7.
  • Educational background of at least one year of post-secondary education, with a certificate, diploma, or degree (foreign credentials require Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA).
  • The applicant’s field or trained occupation must meet one of the following conditions:
  1. At least one year of paid, non-trade work experience in the past 10 years.
  2. At least two years of paid trade work experience in the past five years.
  3. At least 12 months of Canadian work experience (either trade or non-trade) in the past three years.
  • Occupation must be on Saskatchewan’s In-Demand Occupations List and classified as NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • For regulated occupations in Saskatchewan, provincial certification is required before applying.
  • Sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan.

Occupation In-Demand (OID) Stream Application Requirements:

  • Meet the requirements for one of the Express Entry categories: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
  • Score over 60 points on the Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
  • Language proficiency of at least CLB 4.
  • Educational level of at least one year of post-secondary education, with a certificate, diploma, or degree (foreign credentials require an Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA).
  • At least one year of relevant work experience within the past 10 years in an occupation classified under NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • If the applicant’s occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan, provincial certification is required before submitting an immigration application.
  • Sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan.

Employer Sponsorship Categories Application Requirements (International Skilled Worker and Saskatchewan Experience Categories):

Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker - Employment Offer

  • Applicants must have a long-term, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an occupation classified as NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3, or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan.
  • An Expression of Interest (EOI) score of at least 60 points.
  • The occupation does not need to be on Saskatchewan’s In-Demand Occupations List.
  • Annual quota: 5,000 spots.

Saskatchewan Experience Category:

  • Applicants must have a long-term, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an occupation classified as NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3, or in a designated trade.
  • The applicant must have worked for the employer offering the position for at least six months.

Student Category Application Requirements:

Saskatchewan Graduates: 

  • Graduation from an approved post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan, with a certificate, diploma, or degree.
  • At least six months (or 960 hours) of paid work experience in Saskatchewan.
  • A valid post-graduation work permit.
  • A job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an occupation related to the applicant’s field of study, classified as NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3, or a designated trade.
  • A valid SINP Job Approval Letter (JAL).
  • For occupations classified as NOC 4 or 5, a minimum language proficiency of CLB 4 is required.

Out-of-Province in Canada Graduates: 

  • Completion of at least one academic year of full-time study (8 months) at an accredited post-secondary institution in another Canadian province, with a certificate, diploma, or degree.
  • A valid post-graduation work permit issued by IRCC.
  • At least six months (or 960 hours) of paid work in Saskatchewan in a position related to the field of study, under a post-graduation work permit.
  • A job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an occupation related to the applicant’s field of study, classified as NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3, or a designated trade.
  • A valid SINP Job Approval Letter (JAL).
  • For occupations classified as NOC 4 or 5, a minimum language proficiency of CLB 4 is required.