Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer, In-Demand, and Express Entry Subcategories

The International Skilled Worker (ISW) category is a major component of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This category is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world who can contribute to Saskatchewan's economy. It includes multiple subcategories, each tailored to different applicant profiles and circumstances.

The ISW category allows Saskatchewan to nominate candidates for permanent residency who possess the skills and experience needed in the provincial labour market. Some subcategories require a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, while others allow candidates to apply based on their occupation and qualifications alone.

Official information about the SINP International Skilled Worker category is available from the Government of Saskatchewan at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers.

Employment Offer Subcategory

Who Is This For?

The Employment Offer subcategory is for skilled workers who have a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. This is the most straightforward ISW subcategory because the job offer itself demonstrates that the candidate fills a labour market need.

Eligibility Requirements

• Job offer: A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. The job offer must be approved by the SINP.
• Work experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in the past 10 years in the occupation related to the job offer.
• Education: A minimum of a completed post-secondary education credential (degree, diploma, or certificate) of at least one year in duration. If the credential was obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.
• Language: A minimum of CLB 4 in English or French, demonstrated through an approved language test (IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada). The language test results must be less than two years old.
• SINP Approval of Job Offer (AJO): The employer must obtain an Approval of Job Offer from the SINP before the candidate can apply. This process verifies that the employer has made genuine efforts to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Key Advantage

The Employment Offer subcategory does not use a points grid. If you meet all the eligibility criteria and have an approved job offer, you can apply directly without needing to compete on points.

Occupation In-Demand Subcategory

Who Is This For?

The Occupation In-Demand subcategory is for skilled workers who do not have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer but whose occupation is on Saskatchewan's In-Demand Occupations List. This subcategory allows candidates to apply based on their qualifications and the demand for their skills in the province.

Eligibility Requirements

• Occupation: The applicant's occupation must be on the current Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations List. This list is updated periodically to reflect labour market conditions.
• Work experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in the past 10 years in the applicant's primary occupation. The work experience must be in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
• Education: A minimum of a completed post-secondary education credential of at least one year in duration. An ECA is required for credentials obtained outside Canada.
• Language: A minimum of CLB 4 in English or French, demonstrated through an approved language test. The test results must be less than two years old.
• Settlement funds: The applicant must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Saskatchewan. The required amounts are published by the SINP and are based on family size.
• Points assessment: Candidates must score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP points grid.

Expression of Interest (EOI) System

The Occupation In-Demand subcategory uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system:

1. Candidates submit an EOI to the SINP and receive a score based on the points grid.
2. The SINP conducts periodic draws and invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply.
3. Invited candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application.

SINP Points Assessment Grid

The points grid is used for the Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry subcategories. Points are awarded based on the following factors:

Education and Training (maximum 23 points)

| Factor | Points | |--------|--------| | Master's degree or PhD | 23 | | Post-secondary credential of 3 years or more | 20 | | Post-secondary credential of 2 years | 15 | | Post-secondary credential of 1 year | 12 | | Trade certification | 11 |

Work Experience (maximum 15 points)

| Factor | Points | |--------|--------| | 5 or more years of work experience | 15 | | 4 years | 12 | | 3 years | 10 | | 2 years | 8 | | 1 year | 5 |

Language Proficiency (maximum 20 points)

| Factor | Points | |--------|--------| | CLB 8 or higher | 20 | | CLB 7 | 18 | | CLB 6 | 16 | | CLB 5 | 14 | | CLB 4 | 12 |

Age (maximum 12 points)

| Age Range | Points | |-----------|--------| | 18 to 21 | 8 | | 22 to 34 | 12 | | 35 to 45 | 10 | | 46 to 50 | 8 | | 50+ | 0 |

Connection to Saskatchewan (maximum 30 points)

| Factor | Points | |--------|--------| | Close relative in Saskatchewan (Canadian citizen or PR) | 20 | | Previous work experience or education in Saskatchewan | 5 |

The minimum pass score is 60 out of 100 points.

Express Entry Subcategory

Who Is This For?

The Express Entry subcategory is for candidates who have an active Express Entry profile with IRCC and whose occupation is on the Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations List. This subcategory is linked to the federal Express Entry system and provides the advantage of faster federal processing.

Eligibility Requirements

• Express Entry profile: The candidate must have an active Express Entry profile and be eligible under one of the three federal programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades).
• Occupation: The applicant's primary occupation (as listed in their Express Entry profile) must be on the Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations List.
• Work experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in the past 10 years in the primary occupation.
• Education: A minimum of a completed post-secondary education credential of at least one year. An ECA is required for foreign credentials.
• Language: A minimum of CLB 4 in English or French.
• Settlement funds: Sufficient funds to settle in Saskatchewan.
• Points assessment: A minimum of 60 points on the SINP points grid.

Process

1. Submit an EOI to the SINP with your Express Entry profile number.
2. Receive an invitation from the SINP based on your EOI score.
3. Submit a complete application within 60 days.
4. If approved, receive a provincial nomination.
5. The nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile.
6. Receive a federal invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Saskatchewan Express Entry Subcategory

Who Is This For?

The Saskatchewan Express Entry subcategory is similar to the Express Entry subcategory above but is specifically for candidates who have a strong connection to Saskatchewan, such as a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer or close family in the province.

Eligibility Requirements

• Express Entry profile: The candidate must have an active Express Entry profile.
• Connection to Saskatchewan: The candidate must have either a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer (with SINP Approval of Job Offer) OR have completed a post-secondary program in Saskatchewan within the past three years.
• Work experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in the past 10 years in the occupation related to the job offer or field of study.
• Education: A completed post-secondary credential of at least one year. An ECA is required for foreign credentials.
• Language: A minimum of CLB 4 in English or French.

Key Difference

Unlike the Express Entry subcategory, the Saskatchewan Express Entry subcategory does not use the In-Demand Occupations List. Instead, it is based on the candidate's connection to Saskatchewan through a job offer or recent education in the province.

Application Process (General Steps for All Subcategories)

Step 1: Determine Your Subcategory

Identify which ISW subcategory best fits your profile based on whether you have a job offer, an occupation on the In-Demand List, or an Express Entry profile.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (if applicable)

For the Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry subcategories, submit an EOI through the SINP online system. Your EOI will be scored and ranked.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation or Apply Directly

For the Employment Offer subcategory, you can apply directly once your employer has obtained an Approval of Job Offer. For other subcategories, wait for an invitation from the SINP based on your EOI score.

Step 4: Submit a Complete Application

Prepare and submit all required documents within the deadline (60 days for invited applicants). Documents include identity documents, language test results, educational credentials, work experience records, and settlement funds proof.

Step 5: Application Review and Nomination

The SINP reviews your application and, if approved, issues a provincial nomination.

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency

Apply to IRCC for permanent residency either through Express Entry (for EE-linked subcategories) or through the paper-based Provincial Nominee Class.

Processing Times and Fees

| Item | Details | |------|---------| | SINP application processing fee | $350 CAD | | SINP processing time | Approximately 3 to 6 months | | EOI draw frequency | Periodic (varies by subcategory) | | Federal PR application (Express Entry) | Approximately 6 months | | Federal PR application (paper-based) | Approximately 15 to 19 months | | IRCC PR processing fee | $850 CAD per adult, $230 CAD per dependent child | | Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 CAD per adult |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to the Occupation In-Demand subcategory if my occupation is not on the In-Demand list?

No. Your occupation must be on the current Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations List at the time you submit your Expression of Interest. Check the SINP website for the most current list.

Is the SINP points grid the same as the federal CRS scoring?

No. The SINP uses its own separate points grid with different factors and weightings than the federal CRS. You must score at least 60 out of 100 points on the SINP grid for the Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry subcategories.

Can I apply without a language test?

No. All ISW subcategories require a minimum CLB 4 demonstrated through an approved language test (IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada). The test results must be less than two years old.

Do I need settlement funds if I have a job offer?

For the Employment Offer subcategory, settlement funds may not be required if you are already working in Saskatchewan. For the Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry subcategories, you must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds based on your family size.

How long is the Expression of Interest valid?

An EOI is valid for 12 months. If you do not receive an invitation within 12 months, you must submit a new EOI. You can update your EOI profile at any time during the 12-month period.

Resources

• SINP International Skilled Worker: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers
• SINP In-Demand Occupations List: Published on the SINP website
• SINP points calculator: Available on the SINP website
• IRCC Express Entry: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
• IRCC Provincial Nominees: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html

The Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker category provides multiple pathways for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada through the province. Whether you have a job offer, an in-demand occupation, or an Express Entry profile, understanding the specific requirements and scoring criteria of each subcategory will help you choose the right pathway and maximize your chances of receiving a provincial nomination.