Established in 1998, the Saskatchewan PNP, officially known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), was introduced to address the economic and labor market needs of the province through immigration.
Saskatchewan’s provincial initiative has proven highly effective, with seven out of every 10 newcomers opting for immigration through the Saskatchewan PNP. The province boasts an impressive employment rate for newcomers, standing at approximately 76 percent. Moreover, the retention rates are noteworthy, with over 85 percent of newcomers choosing to make Saskatchewan their permanent home.
Saskatchewan has become a sought-after destination for newcomers, and its PNP program has earned a reputation as an “easy PNP,” likely due to the diverse immigration options it offers to candidates.
The program includes an enhanced sub-category, known as Saskatchewan Express Entry, falling under the International Skilled Worker Category. The term “enhanced” denotes alignment with the Express Entry system, the federal government’s mechanism for managing permanent residence applications across the country’s primary economic class immigration programs.
Under the Express Entry system, candidates receive a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence during an Express Entry draw.
Securing a nomination from an enhanced provincial program translates to an additional 600 CRS points, essentially ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This nomination is seamlessly integrated into the candidate’s Express Entry profile.
While most of Saskatchewan’s sub-categories are base streams, meaning they aren’t aligned with the Express Entry system, candidates obtaining a provincial nomination must apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Table of Contents
- Saskatchewan PNP Immigration Options
- Saskatchewan PNP- International Skilled Worker Category
- Saskatchewan PNP- Saskatchewan Experience Category
- Saskatchewan PNP- Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- Saskatchewan PNP- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Saskatchewan PNP Immigration Options
If you are considering immigration to Saskatchewan, you have four distinct avenues to explore:
1. International Skilled Worker Category: This category is designed for skilled workers aspiring to reside and work in Saskatchewan.
2. Saskatchewan Experience Category: Tailored for foreign workers already residing in Saskatchewan, including those with valid work permits and international graduates.
3. Entrepreneur and Farm Category: Geared towards individuals seeking ownership and active operation of a business or farming venture in Saskatchewan.
4. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category: Specifically crafted for international students graduating from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, with plans to initiate a business in the province.
Saskatchewan PNP- International Skilled Worker Category
The International Skilled Worker Category, part of the Saskatchewan PNP, empowers the province to nominate skilled individuals possessing the necessary education, experience, and language proficiency to effectively establish themselves in Saskatchewan.
The International Skilled Worker Category encompasses four distinct pathways:
1. Tech Talent Pathway: Designed for highly skilled workers holding a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer within one of 11 tech occupations. Learn more about this pathway.
2. Employment Offer: Tailored for skilled workers who have secured a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
3. Occupations In Demand: Geared towards highly skilled workers possessing experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan, even if they do not currently have a job offer in the province.
4. Saskatchewan Express Entry: Intended for candidates already in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool, possessing skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan.
Application Fee of International Skilled Worker Category
The Application Fee of the International Skilled Worker Category is CAD $350.
Processing Time of International Skilled Worker Category:
| Category | Average Processing Time |
| Employment Offer | 4 weeks |
| Occupations In Demand | 35 weeks |
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | 37 weeks |
Minimum Requirements of International Skilled Worker Category
- 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 | Meet language requirements; Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet licensure requirements if necessary; Have at least one year of work experience in the past 5 years in the intended occupation or six months if working for a supporting employer. |
| Employment Offer | Yes | Meet language requirements (CLB 4); Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for an eligible job, and meet licensure requirements if necessary; Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past ten years in the intended occupation. |
| Occupations In Demand | No | Meet language requirements (CLB 4); Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training, Have a minimum level of work experience related to your field of education or training, in an in-demand skilled occupation; Get proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by Saskatchewan; Have enough money to settle in the province and have a settlement plan. |
| Saskatchewan Express Entry | No | Be in the Express Entry pool and have an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code; Meet language requirements Have at least one year of post-secondary education or training; Have a minimum level of work experience related to your field of education or training in an in-demand skilled occupation; Get proof of Professional Status or Licensure if required by the Saskatchewan PNP; Have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade, if your work experience is in a skilled trade; Have enough money to settle in the province and have a settlement plan. |
Process of International Skilled Worker Category
1. Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand EOI Registration: Begin by registering your Expression of Interest (EOI) on the Saskatchewan PNP Apply Online portal.
2. Form Submission and Eligibility Assessment: Complete the form provided during the EOI registration, and your answers will be used to assess your eligibility.
3. EOI Points Grid and Qualification: Score a minimum of 60 out of 110 points in the EOI Points Grid to enter the EOI pool. Assessment is based on factors such as education, skilled work experience, language proficiency, age, connections to the Saskatchewan labor market, and adaptability.
4. Invitation to Apply (EOI Draw): If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply during an EOI draw.
5. Provincial Nomination Application: Upon receiving an invitation, you can apply for a provincial nomination from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP) through the same portal.
6. Direct Application for Employment Offer Sub-Category: If applying through the Employment Offer sub-category with a job offer, you can apply directly without registering an EOI.
7. Permanent Residence Application: Once your application is approved, proceed to apply for permanent residence directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
8. Express Entry Sub-Category Benefits: If applying through the Express Entry sub-category, Saskatchewan will enter your nomination details into the system, granting you an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This effectively ensures an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
Saskatchewan PNP- Saskatchewan Experience Category
The Experience Category comprises six distinctive pathways:
1. Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit
This subcategory caters to skilled workers who have been employed in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months and currently hold a valid work permit.
2. Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
Designed for semi-skilled workers with over six months of employment and a valid work permit from the offering employer, or those with a history of at least six months of prior work in Saskatchewan. Eligibility also requires a full-time permanent job offer from a Saskatchewan employer as a General Farm Worker (NOC 8431) or Nursery and Greenhouse Worker (NOC 8432).
3. Health Professionals
Tailored for physicians, nurses, or other healthcare workers with a work history of at least six months in Saskatchewan.
4. Hospitality Sector Project
Geared towards individuals working in the food and beverage service, food counter attendant, kitchen assistance, or housekeeping and cleaning roles in Saskatchewan. Eligibility entails a minimum of six months of employment in the province.
5. Long Haul Truck Driver Project
This sub-category is intended for those employed at an approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan for at least six months.
6. Students
Specifically designed for students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution anywhere in Canada and have worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of 24 months. For students graduating from a Saskatchewan institution, six months of work in the province is sufficient.
Application Fee of Saskatchewan Experience Category
There is no application fee for the Saskatchewan Experience Category.
Processing Time of Saskatchewan Experience Category
The Processing Time of the Saskatchewan Experience Category is 1-2 weeks
Minimum Requirements of Saskatchewan Experience Category
| Category | Is a job offer required? | Minimum Requirements |
| Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit | Yes | Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree outside or in Saskatchewan, Meet the language requirement of CLB 4, Have worked for at least six months in Saskatchewan, Hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), Have a permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation, Have a valid Saskatchewan PNP Job Approval Letter. |
| Semi-skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit | Yes | Have been working for more than six months with a valid work permit for the employer offering a job; or, Have previously worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months; Have a permanent full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) occupations: NOC 8431: General Farm Worker NOC 8432: Nursery and Greenhouse Worker Meet other criteria of the sub-category. |
| Health Professionals | Yes | Requirements differ for physicians, nurses and other health professionals. However, generally, the candidate must Have a valid work permit, Have a valid Saskatchewan PNP Job Approval Letter, Have a permanent, full-time job offer, Must meet other requirements. |
| Hospitality Sector Project | Yes | Have a valid work permit for Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453); Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641); or Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661), Be employed in Saskatchewan for at least six months, working for an approved employer; Have a permanent, full-time job offer from an approved employer; Have a valid Saskatchewan PNP Job Approval Letter; Have at least a high school education, Meet the language requirement of CLB 4. |
| Long Haul Truck Driver Project | Yes | Have been working for an approved trucking firm for at least six months with a work permit, Have a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license, Have a full-time, permanent job offer from their employer, Have a valid Saskatchewan PNP Job Approval Letter, and Meet the language requirement of CLB 4. |
| Students | Yes | Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree outside or in Saskatchewan, Meet the language requirement of CLB 4, Have worked for at least six months in Saskatchewan, Hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), Have a permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation, Have a valid Saskatchewan PNP Job Approval Letter. |
Process of Saskatchewan Experience Category
1. Eligibility Check: Begin by determining your eligibility for one of the sub-categories under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP).
2. Application Submission: Once you confirm eligibility, proceed to submit your application through the Saskatchewan PNP Apply Online platform.
3. Document Submission: Complete your application by uploading all required documents in PDF format and submit the application. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been successfully lodged.
4. Application Assessment: Saskatchewan will then assess your application thoroughly and make a final decision.
5. Provincial Nomination: If your application is successful, you will be granted a provincial nomination.
6. Permanent Residence Application: Utilize the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence directly with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Saskatchewan PNP- Entrepreneur and Farm Category
Saskatchewan Business Immigration has two Sub-Categories.
Entrepreneur Sub-Category
This particular sub-category caters to individuals aspiring to invest in Saskatchewan through the establishment, acquisition, or partnership in a business within the province. As an applicant, active involvement in the management of the business is anticipated.
Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category
Designed for seasoned farmers with substantial capital, this sub-category targets those seeking to invest in a farming operation and establish their residence in Saskatchewan.
Application Fee of Entrepreneur and Farm Category
The Application Fee for the Entrepreneur and Farm Category is CAD $2,500.
Processing Time of Entrepreneur and Farm Category
The Processing Time of the Entrepreneur and Farm Category is 14 weeks.
Minimum Requirements of Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- Must have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD (or $300,000 through the Young Farmer Stream),
- Must have accumulated your net worth through legal means (verified to at least 80 percent).
| Sub-Category | Additional Requirements |
| Entrepreneur Sub-Category | Must have at least three years of entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years, Must have a minimum equity investment of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or of $200,000 CAD in another Saskatchewan community. Must have a Business Establishment Plan (BEP);Must own at least one-third of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan (unless their total investment is $1,000,000 CAD or higher); Must create or maintain at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan (if business is in Regina or Saskatoon), If you’re purchasing a business in Saskatoon or Regina, you must maintain the number of Canadian or permanent resident workers at the time of purchase, You must live in Saskatchewan with your family, You must sign a business performance agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will be provided by the Saskatchewan PNP after the application is approved. The business must meet additional requirements. |
| Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category | Must have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience, Must have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity. The Young Farmer Stream has additional requirements: Must have at least three years of experience in farm ownership, farm management or practical farming experience, Must have the potential to supplement your farming income with your spouse/common-law partner’s marketable employment skills, based on education and experience. |
How the Entrepreneur Sub-Category Operates?
The Entrepreneur Category entails a four-step process.
Step 1: Initially, applicants must register their Expression of Interest with the Saskatchewan PNP, earning a point score. The highest-scoring individuals are chosen in each draw.
Step 2: Upon successful selection, applicants are invited to submit a direct application through the Saskatchewan PNP Apply Online system. During the application assessment phase, a final interview is conducted. Subsequently, applicants receive a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) for review and signature, which must be returned within 20 days.
Step 3: Following BPA submission, applicants obtain the Saskatchewan PNP Entrepreneur Approval letter and a Temporary Work Permit Support letter.
Step 4: The subsequent step involves applying for a temporary work permit within three months, relocating to Saskatchewan, and establishing the business. An arrival meeting must be attended within 18 months of the Saskatchewan PNP Entrepreneur Approval letter date.
It is imperative to arrive in Saskatchewan within 18 months after receiving the first Temporary Work Permit Support letter. After transferring funds to Canada, maintaining legal status, and adhering to the BPA for at least six months, applicants can request provincial nomination. With nomination, they can directly apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
How the Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category Functions?
Step 1: To initiate the process, ensure all required documents are in order, including those for your spouse, dependent children, and an employee in your current farming operation.
Step 2: Submit your application via email to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca. The Saskatchewan PNP may contact you for clarifications, additional documents, or an interview.
Step 3: Upon successful application, you will receive two documents: Nomination Approval and Request for Approval Letter, along with a Business Performance Agreement (BPA). The letter details the procedure for making the CAD $75,000 Good Faith Deposit via wire transfer within three months.
Step 4: Once the payment is received, and the signed BPA is returned, a provincial nomination is granted. With the nomination, applicants can proceed to apply for permanent residence directly with IRCC.
Evaluating your net worth
The Saskatchewan PNP evaluates your net worth through two financial service providers:
| Name of Service Provider | Contact Details |
| KPMG | 333 Bay Street, Suite 4600Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2S5 Phone: 416-777-3887 Email: Saskatchewanpnpverification@kpmg.ca |
| MNP Ltd. | Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 0J3 Phone: 306-790-7900 Email: mnp.saskatchewanpnp@mnp.ca |
Saskatchewan PNP- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
This particular category caters to graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan with an international background, aiming to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. Successful candidates are required to actively manage and operate a business in Saskatchewan for a minimum of one year to qualify for provincial nomination leading to permanent residence.
This category specifically targets international students completing their studies at designated post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, intending to establish a business within the province. Approved candidates must commit to managing and operating their business in Saskatchewan for a duration of at least one year to meet the criteria for provincial nomination and eventual permanent residence.
Application Fee for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
There is no application fee for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.
Processing Time for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
The Processing Time for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is 14 weeks.
Minimum Requirements for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
– Must be a minimum of 21 years old.
– Must have completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma lasting at least two years from a Saskatchewan designated learning institution.
– Must possess a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) with a minimum validity of two years.
– Must have resided in Saskatchewan throughout the academic program duration.
– Must meet the language requirement of CLB 7.
How Does the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category Operate?
Step 1: The application process mirrors that of the Entrepreneur Category, encompassing four distinct steps. Initially, candidates must register their Expression of Interest with the Saskatchewan PNP, obtaining a point score. The highest-scoring individuals are selected in each draw.
Step 2: Upon successful selection, candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application directly to the Saskatchewan PNP through the Saskatchewan PNP Apply Online system. Additionally, they are required to submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) aligned with the information provided in their EOI.
Step 3: Upon successful completion of this stage, candidates must sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) tailored to their submitted BEP.
Step 4: The subsequent step involves actively managing the proposed business in accordance with the terms outlined in the BPA, ensuring compliance with the agreement’s requirements before the PGWP expires.
Step 5: After satisfying the conditions stipulated in the BPA, candidates can proceed to apply for provincial nomination for permanent residence. A successful nomination enables them to directly apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
In conclusion, the Saskatchewan PNP (SINP) stands as a beacon of opportunity for individuals seeking to build a new life in Canada. As we’ve explored the various categories within the program, from Entrepreneurs to International Graduates, it becomes evident that Saskatchewan is actively welcoming skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and graduates to contribute to the province’s economic growth and diversity.
Also, read:
