Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): International Skilled Worker, Experience, and Entrepreneur Categories

Saskatchewan is one of Canada's prairie provinces, known for its strong agricultural sector, growing mining and energy industries, and welcoming communities. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has been one of Canada's most accessible provincial nominee programs, attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and experienced professionals from around the world.

What makes the SINP particularly noteworthy is that several of its streams do not require a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, making it a viable option for candidates who may not have direct connections to the province. This guide provides a thorough overview of all SINP categories, eligibility requirements, the points system, and the application process.

Official SINP information is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/immigrating-to-saskatchewan/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program.

SINP Categories Overview

The SINP is organized into three main categories:

1. International Skilled Worker Category -- for skilled workers outside or inside Canada
2. Saskatchewan Experience Category -- for workers with Saskatchewan work experience
3. Entrepreneur Category -- for individuals wanting to start or purchase a business in Saskatchewan

International Skilled Worker Category

This is the SINP's flagship category for attracting skilled workers to the province. It includes several sub-categories, some of which do not require a job offer.

Employment Offer Sub-Category

This sub-category is for candidates who have a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.

Eligibility Requirements:

• A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
• Minimum of one year of work experience in the occupation identified in the job offer within the last ten years
• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
• Minimum score on the SINP points assessment grid (see Points Grid section below)
• Education credential relevant to the occupation (a minimum of a one-year post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree; or a trade certification in a skilled trade)
• A valid SINP Job Approval Letter (the employer must apply for approval of the job offer before you can apply)

Occupation In-Demand Sub-Category

This sub-category is for skilled workers who do not have a job offer but work in an occupation that is in demand in Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Requirements:

• No job offer required
• Work experience in an occupation listed on the SINP In-Demand Occupations List
• Minimum of one year of work experience in the past ten years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation that is on the In-Demand list
• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
• Completed at least a one-year post-secondary education program (Canadian or equivalent with ECA)
• Minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid
• Proof of settlement funds
• Proof of legal immigration status if currently residing in Canada

The In-Demand Occupations List is updated periodically by the SINP. It is essential to check the current list before applying, as occupations are added and removed based on Saskatchewan's labour market conditions.

Express Entry Sub-Category

This sub-category is for candidates with an active Express Entry profile who want to receive a Saskatchewan nomination.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Active Express Entry profile (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program)
• Minimum of one year of work experience in the past ten years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
• Minimum CLB 7 in English or French (matching Express Entry minimum for FSW)
• Education assessed through an ECA
• Minimum of 60 points on the SINP points assessment grid
• Work experience in an occupation on the SINP In-Demand Occupations List, OR a valid job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, OR currently living and working in Saskatchewan

Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot

Saskatchewan has also introduced the Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot targeting specific occupations in healthcare, agriculture, and long-haul trucking that have proven difficult to fill through traditional streams. Requirements and eligible occupations are specific to this pilot and published separately on the SINP website.

Saskatchewan Experience Category

This category is for individuals who already have work experience in Saskatchewan and want to remain in the province permanently.

Existing Work Permit Sub-Category

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently working in Saskatchewan with a valid work permit
• Minimum of six months of work experience in Saskatchewan with a current employer
• A valid job offer for a permanent, full-time position from the current Saskatchewan employer
• The occupation must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 category (broader range than the International Skilled Worker category)
• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
• Minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Valid immigration status in Canada

Health Professionals Sub-Category

This sub-category targets healthcare professionals who have obtained licensure or eligibility for licensure in Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional identified by Saskatchewan
• Must hold a valid work permit or have licensure/eligibility for licensure from the relevant Saskatchewan regulatory body
• Must have a job offer or employment contract from a Saskatchewan health authority or healthcare organization
• Must meet the language and education requirements specific to the healthcare profession

Hospitality Sector Project

This project addresses labour shortages in Saskatchewan's hospitality sector, targeting workers in food and beverage service, accommodation, and related occupations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently working in an eligible hospitality occupation in Saskatchewan
• Minimum of six months of work experience with a Saskatchewan employer in the hospitality sector
• A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from the employer
• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent

Students Sub-Category

International students who have graduated from a recognized Saskatchewan post-secondary institution can apply through this sub-category.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Graduated from a recognized Saskatchewan post-secondary institution with a certificate, diploma, or degree of at least eight months in duration
• Currently holds a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• Has a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (or TEER 4 and 5 for specific occupations)
• Minimum of six months of paid work experience in Saskatchewan related to the field of study or the job offer
• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French

Entrepreneur Category

The Entrepreneur Category is for experienced business owners or managers who want to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan.

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD
• Minimum of three years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience within the last ten years
• Minimum investment of $300,000 in a business in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 in a business in any other Saskatchewan community
• The business must create at least two full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (unless purchasing an existing business, in which case existing jobs must be maintained)
• Must own at least one-third equity in the business
• Must be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business from within Saskatchewan

Application Process for Entrepreneurs

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SINP online system
2. If invited, submit a complete application with a detailed business plan
3. If approved, sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) with the province
4. Receive a temporary work permit to come to Saskatchewan and establish the business
5. Meet the terms of the BPA within a specified period (typically two years)
6. Apply for provincial nomination once all BPA conditions are met
7. Apply for permanent residency through IRCC

SINP Points Assessment Grid

The SINP uses a 100-point grid to assess candidates in the International Skilled Worker category. The minimum passing score varies by sub-category but is generally 60 points.

Points Breakdown

Education (maximum 23 points):

• Master's or doctoral degree: 23 points
• Two or more post-secondary credentials with at least one being three years or more: 20 points
• Post-secondary credential of three years or more: 18 points
• Post-secondary credential of two years: 15 points
• Post-secondary credential of one year: 12 points
• Trade certification: 11 points

Work Experience (maximum 15 points):

• Five or more years in the occupation: 15 points
• Four years: 12 points
• Three years: 10 points
• Two years: 8 points
• One year: 5 points

Language Proficiency (maximum 20 points):

• CLB 8 or higher: 20 points
• CLB 7: 18 points
• CLB 6: 16 points
• CLB 5: 14 points
• CLB 4: 12 points

Age (maximum 12 points):

• 18 to 21 years: 8 points
• 22 to 34 years: 12 points
• 35 to 45 years: 10 points
• 46 to 50 years: 8 points
• Over 50: 0 points

Connection to Saskatchewan (maximum 30 points):

• Close relative in Saskatchewan (Canadian citizen or permanent resident): 20 points
• Previous work experience in Saskatchewan (minimum 12 months in the past five years): 5 points
• Previous education in Saskatchewan (completed a program of at least one year): 5 points

Adaptability (varies):

• Additional factors such as spouse's education, language skills, and connection to Saskatchewan may contribute additional points

Fees

• SINP application fee: $350 CAD (subject to change)
• Entrepreneur category: $2,500 CAD
• Federal processing fee: $850 per adult, $230 per dependent child
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 per adult
• Biometrics: $85 per person

Processing Times

• SINP provincial stage: Approximately 2 to 5 months, depending on the sub-category and application volume
• Federal stage (Express Entry): Approximately 6 months
• Federal stage (base PNP): Approximately 15 to 19 months

The SINP website publishes estimated processing times at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/immigrating-to-saskatchewan/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/processing-times.

Tips for a Successful SINP Application

1. Check the In-Demand Occupations List first. If you are applying through the Occupation In-Demand sub-category, your occupation must be on the current list. This list changes frequently.

2. Calculate your points before applying. Use the SINP points grid to estimate your score. If you are below 60 points, consider ways to improve your score, such as retaking your language test or gaining additional work experience.

3. Saskatchewan connections matter. Having a close relative in Saskatchewan or previous work or study experience in the province can add significant points to your score.

4. Consider the Saskatchewan Experience Category if you are already in the province. Workers already in Saskatchewan with a valid work permit can often access a more straightforward pathway with lower requirements.

5. Prepare thorough documentation. Reference letters, language test results, and educational assessments should all be carefully prepared and match the SINP's requirements.

6. Express your genuine interest in Saskatchewan. Your application should clearly convey your intention to live and work in the province. Knowledge of the local economy, community, and opportunities strengthens your case.

Conclusion

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program offers some of the most accessible PNP pathways in Canada, particularly for skilled workers who may not yet have a job offer or direct connection to a province. With its points-based system, in-demand occupations list, and multiple pathways for workers already in the province, the SINP provides genuine opportunities for newcomers to build successful lives in Saskatchewan's growing economy.