Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)

Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program: Fast-Track Your Canadian PR

Saskatchewan is recognized for having one of Canada’s fastest-growing economies and populations, largely fuelled by immigrants arriving from all over the world.

Situated in Western Canada, Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces. Its economy is mainly driven by agriculture and key natural resource sectors such as forestry and fishing. The province features two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, along with expansive areas of untouched wilderness.

Saskatchewan has been very successful in attracting immigrants. Previously welcoming around 3,000 to 4,000 newcomers annually, this figure has now risen to 15,000. This is particularly remarkable considering that Saskatchewan’s total population is slightly over 1 million. The province is a top choice for immigrants in Canada.

Overview of the Saskatchewan PNP

The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP), formally known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, was established in 1998 to help meet provincial economic and labour market needs through immigration.

Saskatchewan’s provincial immigration program has achieved great success. Approximately seven out of ten newcomers arrive through the SINP. The employment rate for newcomers is high at roughly 76%, and retention is strong, with more than 85% of immigrants choosing to remain in the province.

The Saskatchewan PNP is considered a highly accessible program, partly due to its diverse immigration pathways. The program offers both enhanced and base sub-categories. The enhanced stream, Saskatchewan Express Entry, falls under the International Skilled Worker Category.

"Enhanced" means this stream is connected to the federal Express Entry system, which manages permanent residence applications for Canada’s three main economic-class immigration programs. Candidates in Express Entry are scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence in periodic draws.

Candidates nominated through an enhanced provincial program receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The nomination is processed directly through the candidate’s Express Entry profile.

Most of Saskatchewan’s streams are base categories, which are not linked to Express Entry. Nominated candidates under these streams must submit their permanent residence applications directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Saskatchewan Immigration Streams

If you want to settle in Saskatchewan, you can apply through one of the following four streams:

• International Skilled Worker Category
• Saskatchewan Experience Category
• Entrepreneur and Farm Category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

• International Skilled Worker Category:
  Designed for skilled professionals planning to live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Saskatchewan Experience Category:
  For foreign workers already in the province, including current work permit holders and international graduates.
• Entrepreneur and Farm Category:
  For individuals intending to own and operate a business or farm in Saskatchewan.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category:
  For international students graduating from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan and planning to establish a business.

International Skilled Worker Category

This category has four pathways:

Application Fee: CAD $350

Processing Time:

Minimum Requirements

• Proof of legal status in Canada, if currently residing there.
• Minimum score of 60 points out of 110 on the SINP Points Assessment Grid.

How It Works

Saskatchewan uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories.

• Register an EOI via the SINP Apply Online portal, completing a form to determine eligibility.
• Score at least 60 points on the EOI Points Grid, which evaluates education, work experience, language skills, age, Saskatchewan labour market connections, and adaptability.
• Selected candidates receive an invitation to apply during an EOI draw.
• Apply for a provincial nomination via the SINP portal.
• For Employment Offer applicants, direct applications are allowed without EOI registration.
• Once nominated, apply for permanent residence with IRCC. Express Entry nominees gain 600 extra CRS points, significantly increasing chances of receiving an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.

Saskatchewan Experience Category

The Saskatchewan Experience Category includes six pathways:

Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit

This pathway is for skilled professionals who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months and hold a valid work permit.

Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit

This stream is for semi-skilled workers who have worked for a minimum of six months under a valid work permit for the employer offering the job, or who have previously worked in Saskatchewan for at least six months. Applicants must have a full-time permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer as either a General Farm Worker (NOC 8431) or Nursery and Greenhouse Worker (NOC 8432).

Health Professionals

Designed for physicians, nurses, or other health care professionals who have at least six months of work experience in Saskatchewan.

Hospitality Sector Project

For food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, or housekeeping and cleaning staff who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months.

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

This pathway is for individuals employed at an approved Saskatchewan trucking company for at least six months.

Students

For graduates of post-secondary institutions anywhere in Canada who have worked in Saskatchewan for at least 24 months. Graduates of Saskatchewan institutions are required to have at least six months of provincial work experience.

• Application Fee: None
• Processing Time: 1–2 weeks

Minimum Requirements

How It Works

• Determine eligibility for the relevant sub-category.
• Apply via SINP Apply Online, uploading all required documents in PDF format.
• Receive confirmation email upon submission.
• Saskatchewan assesses the application and issues a provincial nomination if approved.
• Use the nomination to apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.

Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

For individuals who want to invest in Saskatchewan by starting, purchasing, or partnering in a business. Applicants must take an active management role.

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

For experienced farmers with substantial capital intending to invest in a Saskatchewan farm and settle in the province.

• Application Fee: CAD $2,500
• Processing Time: 14 weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Net worth of at least CAD $500,000 (CAD $300,000 through the Young Farmer Stream).
• Net worth must be legally acquired and verifiable for at least 80%.

Sub-Category Requirements

How the Entrepreneur Category Works

• Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) to receive a point score. Highest scorers are selected.
• If selected, submit an application via SINP Apply Online.
• Attend a final interview; receive Business Performance Agreement (BPA) and submit within 20 days.
• Receive SINP Entrepreneur Approval Letter and Temporary Work Permit Support letter.
• Apply for temporary work permit, move to Saskatchewan, and establish business.
• Attend arrival meeting within 18 months and operate the business as per BPA for six months.
• Request provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with IRCC.

How the Farm Owners and Operators Category Works?

• Gather required documents, including spouse/common-law partner, dependents, and an employee from the current farm operation.
• Submit application via email to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
• Respond to SINP requests for clarification, documents, or interviews.
• Upon approval, receive:
  
  • Nomination Approval and Request for Approval Letter
  • Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
• Make refundable CAD $75,000 Good Faith Deposit within three months.
• Sign and return BPA, receive provincial nomination, and apply for permanent residence with IRCC.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

For international graduates from eligible Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions planning to start a business. Candidates must operate and manage the business for at least one year to be eligible for a provincial nomination.

• Application Fee: None
• Processing Time: 14 weeks

Minimum Requirements

• At least 21 years old.
• Completed a full-time post-secondary diploma/degree (≥2 years) from a Saskatchewan designated learning institution.
• Valid PGWP (≥2 years).
• Lived in Saskatchewan throughout the academic program.
• Meet CLB 7 language requirement.

How It Works

• Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) to obtain a point score; top candidates are selected.
• Submit application via SINP Apply Online along with a Business Establishment Plan (BEP).
• Sign the Business Performance Agreement (BPA).
• Operate the proposed business according to BPA requirements before PGWP expiry.
• Apply for provincial nomination for permanent residence. Nomination allows direct PR application with IRCC.

If you want, I can now combine all Saskatchewan PNP categories (International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, Entrepreneur & Farm, International Graduate Entrepreneur) into a single master table for easy reference. This will make it extremely easy to read and compare streams.