Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan is home to one of the country’s most rapidly growing economies and populations, thanks largely to the arrival of immigrants from around the world
The SINP is Saskatchewan’s dedicated immigration program for the selection and nomination of eligible foreign nationals through various pathways, including its leading International Skilled Worker: Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand categories.
Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie provinces of Western Canada. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture and important natural resources industries like forestry and fishing. It boasts two major cities, Saskatoon and Regina, as well as vast expanses of pristine wilderness.
Saskatchewan is very successful with immigration. The province was welcoming between 3,000 and 4,000 newcomers per year. That number has now grown to 15,000. This is particularly impressive when considering that Saskatchewan’s population is just over 1 million. The province is one of Canada’s most popular destinations for newcomers.
Overview of the Saskatchewan PNP
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program, officially the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) launched in 1998.
It launched to help address economic and labour market needs through immigration to the province.
Saskatchewan’s provincial program has been very successful. Seven out of 10 newcomers to the province immigrated through the SINP. The province also has a high employment rate for newcomers, around 76 per cent. Retention rates are also high, with over 85 per cent of newcomers choosing to stay in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan is a popular destination among newcomers. The Saskatchewan PNP program has a reputation of being an “easy PNP”. This may be because of the variety of immigration options it provides immigration candidates.
Saskatchewan has an enhanced sub-category, and many base sub-categories. The enhanced sub-category is called Saskatchewan Express Entry, and is under the International Skilled Worker Category.
Enhanced means that the sub-category is aligned with the Express Entry system, which is the system that the federal government uses to manage permanent residence applications through the country’s three main economic class immigration programs.
The Express Entry system gives a candidate a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence during an Express Entry draw.
If you get a nomination from an enhanced provincial program, you get an extra 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You also get your nomination through your Express Entry profile.
The majority of Saskatchewan’s sub-categories are base streams. This means that they are not aligned with the Express Entry system. Candidates who get a provincial nomination are required to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Saskatchewan Immigration Streams:
If you wish to immigrate to Saskatchewan, then you have four options to choose from:
- International Skilled Worker Category
- Saskatchewan Experience Category
- Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.
The International Skilled Worker Category is for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Experience Category is for foreign workers who are already living in Saskatchewan, including holders of a current work permit and international graduates.
The Entrepreneur and Farm Category is for individuals who wish to own and actively operate a business or a farming operation in Saskatchewan.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for international students graduating from an eligible post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan and who are planning to start a business in the province.
