Your Guide to Saskatchewan's Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

There are several ways to move to Saskatchewan, also known as the "Land of the Living Skies," under its own pathway for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This guide will help you determine if the SINP is the right choice for you by walking you through what you need to know about the program.

What is the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)?

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a provincial immigration program that allows Saskatchewan to nominate individuals who have the skills and experience needed in the province for permanent residency in Canada. The SINP enables the province to select immigrants who are best suited to fill labor market gaps, contributing to the province's economic growth and development. It also evaluates applicants based on factors such as education, work experience, language skills, and connections to the Saskatchewan labor market.

Streams Under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

The SINP consists of several streams, each catering to different types of applicants. Below is a breakdown of the main categories:

Saskatchewan Experience

The Saskatchewan Experience stream is designed for foreign nationals who are already working and living in the province on a valid work permit. This stream is ideal for individuals who have established themselves in Saskatchewan and wish to transition to permanent residency. It includes sub-categories such as Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit, Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker, Long-Haul Truck Driver Project, Students, and Hospitality Sector Pilot Project. Each sub-category has its own specific criteria but generally requires proof of work experience and employment in Saskatchewan.

International Skilled Worker Stream

This stream is for skilled workers outside Canada who have experience in occupations that are in demand in Saskatchewan. It includes pathways like Employment Offer for those who have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, Saskatchewan Express Entry for candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool, and Occupation in Demand for those without a job offer but with relevant skills and experience.

If applying through the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream without a job offer, you need to create an Express Entry profile with the federal government and indicate Saskatchewan as your preferred province. You should then register on the SINP online portal and submit required documents such as proof of education, language proficiency, and work experience. After review by Saskatchewan authorities, a successful application will receive a provincial nomination, which you can use to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the federal system.

Business Immigration

The Business Immigration stream is aimed at entrepreneurs and farm operators who are interested in starting or purchasing a business in Saskatchewan. This stream focuses on applicants with the financial resources, experience, and vision to establish successful businesses that will contribute to the province's economy. It consists of three sub-categories: Farm Owner and Operator, Entrepreneur, and International Graduate Entrepreneur. These categories cater to individuals who can manage a business or farm and create job opportunities for local residents.

Preparing for the SINP

To prepare for your SINP application, you need to understand the eligibility criteria, gather the required documents, and consider the associated costs and processing times. Depending on the stream under which you are applying, you may be required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points on the SINP assessment grid, with points awarded for education, work experience, language skills, and connections to the province. Some key documents required include language test results, proof of education and work experience, and settlement funds. The typical processing time is around six months, although this can vary.

The SINP is a popular choice due to its relatively fast processing times and flexible criteria. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency without necessarily needing a job offer, provided you application meets the requirements for in-demand occupations or the Express Entry stream. For information or updates on changes to Canada’s immigration policies, please refer to IRCC’s website. For personalized advice, reach out to a trusted Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). And if you’ve just arrived in Canada and need support, Thrive in Canada is here to help. Explore our website for resources that will make your transition as seamless as possible.