Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan’s Growing Economy and Population
Saskatchewan has become one of Canada’s fastest-growing provinces in terms of both economy and population growth. A major factor behind this expansion is immigration, with people arriving from many different countries around the world contributing to its development.
Location and Economic Foundation
Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces located in Western Canada. Its economy is mainly supported by agriculture, along with key natural resource sectors such as forestry and fishing. The province is also home to two major urban centers—Saskatoon and Regina—while much of its land consists of large areas of untouched natural wilderness.
Immigration Growth and Impact
Saskatchewan has seen strong success in attracting immigrants. In earlier years, the province welcomed around 3,000 to 4,000 newcomers annually, but this figure has now increased significantly to approximately 15,000 per year. Considering the province’s population is just over one million, this level of immigration is quite notable. As a result, Saskatchewan has become one of the most preferred destinations for new immigrants in Canada.
Table of Contents
Overview
Canada admits newcomers through three main pathways: the economic stream, the family reunification stream, and the refugee and humanitarian stream.
Through the economic class, Canada brings in skilled workers to help maintain its high quality of life. With an aging population and a declining birth rate, the country relies heavily on these individuals to strengthen its workforce and drive economic development. These immigrants typically possess strong language abilities, relevant job experience, and solid educational backgrounds, along with a strong motivation to succeed. As a result, they contribute significantly to economic progress and to sustaining public services like education and universal healthcare.
Family sponsorship represents the second-largest group of newcomers. Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to reunite with close relatives, recognizing that strong family connections are essential to both social stability and economic success. Being together enables families to provide one another with the emotional support needed to flourish within Canadian society.
The third major group consists of refugees and individuals admitted on humanitarian grounds. As a prosperous nation, Canada sees it as its responsibility to offer protection to people escaping persecution and difficult circumstances. The country has a long-standing tradition of humanitarian leadership dating back to the period after the Second World War. In 1986, the people of Canada were honored with the Nansen Medal by the United Nations—the organization’s highest recognition for outstanding assistance to refugees—and Canada remains the only country to have received this distinction.
Saskatchewan Immigration Streams
Individuals who want to immigrate to Saskatchewan can choose from four main immigration streams:
- International Skilled Worker Category
- Saskatchewan Experience Category
- Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
The International Skilled Worker Category is designed for qualified professionals who want to live and work in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Experience Category is intended for foreign nationals who are already residing in the province. This includes people holding valid work permits as well as international graduates who have studied in Saskatchewan.
The Entrepreneur and Farm Category is for individuals who plan to establish, own, and actively manage either a business or a farming operation within Saskatchewan.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category targets international students who have completed studies at an approved post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and intend to start and run a business in the province.
International Skilled Worker Category
The International Skilled Worker stream is further divided into four different pathways:
Tech Talent Pathway
This pathway is intended for highly skilled professionals who have received a job offer from an employer in Saskatchewan in one of the approved technology-related occupations.
Employment Offer
This pathway is for skilled workers who already have a valid job offer from an employer in Saskatchewan.
Occupations In Demand
This option is for experienced skilled workers in occupations that are currently in demand in Saskatchewan, even if they do not yet have a job offer.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
This pathway is for candidates who are already part of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry system and have work experience in an occupation that is in demand in Saskatchewan.
Application Fee: CAD $350
Processing Time:
| Category | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Employment Offer | 4 weeks |
| Occupations In Demand | 35 weeks |
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | 37 weeks |
Minimum Requirements:
Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
Score a minimum of 60 points out of 110 on the point assessment grid.
| Sub-Category | Is a job offer required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Talent Pathway | Yes |
|
Employment Offer | Yes |
|
| Occupations In Demand | No |
|
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | No |
|
How It Works
Saskatchewan follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for applicants under the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories.
To begin, applicants must create and submit an EOI through the SINP Apply Online portal by completing an online form. The information provided in this form is used to evaluate eligibility.
To be accepted into the EOI pool, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 110 points on the EOI Points Assessment Grid. This scoring system evaluates candidates based on five key areas: education and training, skilled work experience, language proficiency, age, and connections to the Saskatchewan labour market or other adaptability factors.
If a candidate is selected from the pool, they receive an invitation to apply during an EOI draw. At this stage, they can submit an application for a provincial nomination through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) using the same online system.
Applicants who already have a valid job offer and are applying under the Employment Offer sub-category can apply directly without going through the EOI process.
Once the application is approved, the next step is to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For those applying through the Express Entry stream, Saskatchewan adds the nomination to the candidate’s profile. This results in an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, greatly increasing the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Saskatchewan Experience Category
Saskatchewan Experience Category
The Experience Category includes six different pathways for individuals who are already working or have previously worked in Saskatchewan.
Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit
This pathway is intended for skilled workers who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months and currently hold a valid work permit.
Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
This option is for semi-skilled workers who have worked for more than six months with a valid work permit for a Saskatchewan employer offering them a job. It also includes those who have previously worked in the province for at least six months. Applicants must have a full-time permanent job offer as either a General Farm Worker (NOC 8431) or a Nursery and Greenhouse Worker (NOC 8432).
Health Professionals
This pathway is designed for medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who have accumulated at least six months of work experience in Saskatchewan.
Hospitality Sector Project
This sub-category is for individuals working in roles such as food and beverage servers, kitchen assistants, food counter attendants, or housekeeping and cleaning staff. Applicants must have at least six months of work experience in Saskatchewan.
Long Haul Truck Driver Project
This stream is for workers employed by an approved trucking company in Saskatchewan who have completed a minimum of six months of work in the province.
Students
This pathway is for graduates from post-secondary institutions in Canada who have gained at least 24 months of work experience in Saskatchewan. Graduates from institutions located in Saskatchewan are required to have a minimum of six months of work experience in the province.
Application Fee: None
Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Minimum Requirements:
| Category | Is a job offer required? | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit | Yes |
|
| Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit | Yes |
|
| Health Professionals | Yes | Requirements differ for physicians, nurses and other health professionals. However, generally, the candidate must
|
| Hospitality Sector Project | Yes |
|
| Long Haul Truck Driver Project | Yes |
|
| Students | Yes |
|
How It Works
The first step is to confirm that you meet the requirements for one of the available sub-categories. Once you are eligible and prepared, you can submit your application through the SINP Apply Online portal.
After accessing the portal, you will need to complete the application form, upload all required supporting documents in PDF format, and submit your application. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Following submission, Saskatchewan authorities will review your file and assess whether you meet the program criteria. A final decision will then be made based on this evaluation.
If your application is approved, you will be granted a provincial nomination. You can then use this nomination to apply for permanent residency directly through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Entrepreneur and Farm Category
Entrepreneur Sub-Category
This pathway is intended for individuals who want to invest in Saskatchewan by starting, purchasing, or partnering in a local business. Applicants are required to actively manage and operate the business rather than being passive investors.
Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category
This stream is designed for experienced farmers who have significant capital and wish to invest in and operate a farming business while settling in Saskatchewan.
Application Details
Application Fee: CAD $2,500
Processing Time: Approximately 14 weeks
Minimum Requirements
A minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (or CAD $300,000 under the Young Farmer Stream)
Net worth must be legally obtained and verified (at least 80% confirmation required)
| Sub-Category | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
Entrepreneur Sub-Category |
|
| Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category |
The Young Farmer Stream has additional requirements:
|
How the Entrepreneur Sub-Category Works
The Entrepreneur Category is completed in four main stages.
First, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the SINP. Each profile is assigned a points score, and candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply during selection draws.
If selected, applicants receive an invitation to submit a full application through the SINP Apply Online system. At this stage, all required documents must be submitted for review.
While the application is being assessed, candidates may be called for a final interview. After the interview, they are issued a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) for review and signature. This agreement must be signed and returned via email within 20 days. Once completed, applicants receive an Entrepreneur Approval Letter along with a Temporary Work Permit Support Letter.
Next, the applicant applies for a temporary work permit within three months, travels to Saskatchewan, and begins establishing their business. An arrival meeting must be attended within 18 months of the date stated on the approval letter. The applicant must also enter Saskatchewan within 18 months of receiving the Temporary Work Permit Support Letter.
After transferring funds to Canada, maintaining valid legal status, and operating the business in line with the Business Performance Agreement for at least six months, the applicant can request a provincial nomination. Once nominated, they may apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How the Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category Works
Applicants must first ensure they have all required documentation prepared. The application can include a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and even an employee involved in the current farming operation.
The completed application is submitted by email to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
During processing, SINP may contact applicants for additional documents, clarifications, or an interview if needed.
If approved, applicants receive two key documents:
Nomination Approval and Request for Approval Letter
Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
The approval letter outlines the requirement to submit a refundable CAD $75,000 Good Faith Deposit via wire transfer, which must be completed within three months.
After the deposit is received and the BPA is signed and returned, the applicant is granted a provincial nomination. This nomination can then be used to apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
Evaluating Net Worth
SINP assesses an applicant’s net worth using verification services provided by two authorized financial service providers.
| Name of Service Provider | Contact Details |
|---|---|
KPMG | 333 Bay Street, Suite 4600 Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2S5 Phone: 416-777-3887 Email: SINPverification@kpmg.ca |
| MNP Ltd. | Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0J3 Phone: 306-790-7900 Email: mnp.sinp@mnp.ca |
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This stream is designed for international graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan who intend to establish and run a business in the province. Successful applicants must actively operate and manage their business in Saskatchewan for at least one year to qualify for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.
Application Details
- Application Fee: None
- Processing Time: Approximately 14 weeks
Minimum Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma of at least two years from a designated learning institution in Saskatchewan
- Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for at least two years
- Must have lived in Saskatchewan throughout the duration of their studies
- Must meet a minimum language requirement of CLB 7
How It Works
The process follows a structure similar to the Entrepreneur Category and consists of four main steps.
First, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SINP system and receive a points-based score. Candidates with the highest scores are selected in periodic draws.
If selected, applicants are invited to submit a full application through the SINP Apply Online portal. At this stage, they must also provide a detailed Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that aligns with the information submitted in their EOI.
If the application is approved, the next step is signing a Business Performance Agreement (BPA), which is based on the submitted BEP.
After approval, applicants must proceed to establish and actively operate their business according to the BPA conditions. All requirements must be completed before the PGWP expires.
Once all BPA obligations are fulfilled, the applicant can apply for a provincial nomination. With this nomination, they become eligible to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
