Saskatchewan, located in the heart of Canada, is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and high quality of life. It has become one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking to build a new future in Canada. With a wide range of immigration streams and strong career opportunities, the province continues to welcome an increasing number of newcomers. In this article, Phan Immigration will walk you through the details of Saskatchewan’s immigration programs.
Introduction to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is part of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), designed to attract skilled workers, professionals, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the province’s growth. Its primary goal is to help immigrants become permanent residents of Saskatchewan, opening doors for skilled workers, business owners, and investors. Each year, the province welcomes about 15,000 newcomers, helping to build a diverse and thriving community.
If you are exploring options within the same region, you may also want to review Alberta’s immigration programs.
The SINP not only provides pathways to employment in Canada but also offers a high quality of life, a welcoming environment, and a strong sense of community. Saskatchewan is quickly becoming a preferred choice for individuals seeking long-term settlement opportunities in Canada.
The SINP is divided into three main categories:
Entrepreneur and Farm Category: For individuals who wish to invest in a business or purchase and manage a farm in Saskatchewan.
Skilled Worker Category: For skilled workers who want to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Experience Category: For foreign nationals who have previously worked or studied in Saskatchewan, including those holding valid work permits and international graduates.
Saskatchewan offers a wide range of attractive immigration policies
Saskatchewan Immigration Programs
If you are considering settling in Saskatchewan, you can explore the following main immigration streams:
Entrepreneur and Farm Category (Closed)
The Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator stream of the SINP was designed to attract individuals capable of contributing to Saskatchewan’s economic development through job creation, innovation, and market expansion.
Processing time: 12 weeks, while requests for the Good Faith Deposit refund take about 24 weeks.
Program Eligibility Requirements:
Program
Requirements
Entrepreneur
Minimum net worth of CAD 500,000 (combined business and personal assets).
At least 3 years of business management or entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years.
Minimum investment of CAD 300,000 in Regina or Saskatoon, or CAD 200,000 in other Saskatchewan communities.
Completion of the Points Assessment Grid.
If invited to apply, you must submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that includes:
A business plan aligned with the program’s points grid.
Minimum ownership of 33.3% of the business (unless the investment is CAD 1 million or more).
Direct involvement in the day-to-day management and operation of the business.
Creation of at least two jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (excluding close relatives).
Farm Owner and Operator
Assets: Legally acquired net worth of at least CAD 500,000.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years in one or more of the following:
Farm ownership.
Farm management.
Practical farming experience.
Business Plan: A commercial farming proposal in Saskatchewan with a minimum investment of CAD 150,000. The plan must be research-based and suitable for the province’s agricultural conditions.
Note: Hobby farms are not eligible.
The farm must demonstrate profit potential and generate at least CAD 10,000 annually.
Points Assessment Grid: Minimum of 55 points under the Farm Owner and Operator category.
Doanh nhân Tốt nghiệp Quốc tế
Minimum age: 21 years old.
Education: Completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma program of at least two years from an eligible Saskatchewan institution.
Work Permit: Hold a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit with at least 24 months remaining.
Residency: Must have lived in Saskatchewan during studies (distance learning and accelerated programs are not accepted).
Language: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7.
Business Experience: Must own and actively operate a business in Saskatchewan for at least one year before applying.
Ownership: Minimum of 33% business ownership and participation in daily management.
Revenue: Must demonstrate that the business has met minimum revenue requirements after one year of operation.
Agreement: Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) with the Government of Saskatchewan.
Before diving deeper into the SINP, don’t forget to explore British Columbia’s immigration program – one of the most dynamic PNPs in Canada..
International Skilled Worker
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) International Skilled Worker stream is designed for highly skilled workers with work experience in occupations that are in demand in the province. This program provides eligible applicants with the opportunity to become permanent residents, while also granting access to a wide range of benefits such as healthcare, education, and social support for their families.
Processing time: Approximately 16 weeks (this timeline applies only if your application is complete with all required documents and information).
Program Eligibility Requirements
Program
Requirements
International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer
Minimum of 60 points on the SINP Points Assessment Grid.
At least 1 year of work experience in the intended occupation within the past 10 years.
Minimum CLB 4 (higher levels may be required depending on the occupation).
Must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensure (if applicable).
Must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
The position must be in a high-skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) or an occupation designated by Saskatchewan.
International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
A valid Express Entry profile and Job Seeker Code.
Minimum of 60 points on the SINP Points Assessment Grid.
Must meet federal Express Entry language requirements.
Education:
Post-secondary education equivalent to at least one year in Canada.
Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Work Experience (must relate to education/occupation and not be on the excluded list):
Professionals: At least 1 year in the last 10 years.
Skilled trades: At least 2 years in the last 5 years.
Canadian Experience: At least 1 year in Canada in the last 3 years.
Proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure (if required).
Proof of settlement funds to support living in Canada.
International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand
Must be living outside Canada or hold legal residency status (not refugee claimants).
Minimum of 60 points on the SINP Points Assessment Grid.
Minimum CLB 4 (higher for some occupations).
Post-secondary education or training equivalent to Canadian standards. Foreign credentials require an ECA.
Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time work (minimum 30 hours/week) in the last 10 years.
The job must be high-skilled (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) and related to education.
Proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure (if required).
Proof of settlement funds.
Agriculture Talent Pathway
Must be living outside Canada or hold valid legal status (not refugee claimants).
Minimum CLB 4 (higher for some roles).
Minimum education: High school diploma.
Work Experience:
At least 1 year of full-time work in the intended occupation within the last 3 years; or
At least 6 months (780 hours) full-time with the same employer who provided the SINP Job Approval Letter.
Must have a permanent, full-time job offer in agriculture from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid Job Approval Letter.
Commitment to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Health Talent Pathway
1. Non-Express Entry Applicants
Must be living outside Canada or hold legal status.
Minimum CLB 5.
Work Experience:
At least 6 months of full-time employment in Saskatchewan; or
At least 1 year of work experience in the occupation within the last 5 years.
Post-secondary education relevant to the job. Foreign education requires an ECA.
Must have a permanent, full-time job offer in healthcare in Saskatchewan, supported by a valid Job Approval Letter.
Commitment to live and work long-term in Saskatchewan.
2. Express Entry Applicants
Must have a valid Express Entry profile.
Minimum CLB 7.
At least 1 year of full-time, high-skilled work experience in the last 5 years.
Post-secondary education relevant to the occupation (foreign credentials require an ECA).
Proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure (if required).
Permanent, full-time job offer in healthcare in Saskatchewan, supported by a valid Job Approval Letter.
Commitment to live and work long-term in Saskatchewan.
Tech Talent Pathway
1. Non-Express Entry Applicants
Work Experience:
At least 6 months with the current Saskatchewan employer; or
At least 1 year of full-time, high-skilled work in the last 5 years.
Minimum CLB 5 (or higher depending on employer requirements).
Post-secondary education relevant to the job (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or related certifications).
Permanent, long-term job offer from a Saskatchewan tech employer.
For regulated occupations (e.g., Computer Engineers, Software Engineers), proof of eligibility from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) may be required.
2. Express Entry Applicants
Must have a valid Express Entry profile number and Job Seeker Code.
Must meet federal language requirements.
Residency: Must have legal status in Canada or live abroad (not refugee claimants).
Work Experience:
In Saskatchewan: At least 6 months (780 hours) full-time with the employer providing the job offer.
Outside Saskatchewan: At least 1 year of high-skilled work experience in an eligible tech occupation within the last 5 years.
Education: Post-secondary degree/diploma relevant to the occupation.
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time job offer in technology or innovation from a Saskatchewan employer with a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Licensing: For regulated occupations, proof of APEGS approval (if applicable).
Commitment to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time offer from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid Job Approval Letter.
Work Permit: Must hold a valid work permit issued by IRCC.
Special notes:
Workers with CUAET permits, LMIA-supported permits, or Mobilité Francophone permits may apply for jobs in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Other work permits are only eligible for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or designated trades.
Open Spousal Work Permits are not eligible.
Truck Drivers (NOC 73300) and Food Service Supervisors (NOC 65200) are eligible only with CUAET, LMIA-supported, or Francophone Mobility permits.
Work Experience: At least 6 months (780 hours) of continuous, full-time employment with the current employer under a valid work permit.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 if the job is NOC TEER 4 or 5.
Other requirements: Must be eligible for Saskatchewan licensure if the occupation is regulated. Refugee claimants are not eligible.
International Student (Students)
Education: Certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized Saskatchewan institution; or graduation from a program of at least 8 months outside Saskatchewan.
Work Experience: At least 6 months (780 hours) of full-time work experience in Saskatchewan in the field of study. This may include on-campus work, internships, or post-graduation work.
Permit: Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or valid open work permit.
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time offer from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
The job must:
Be related to the field of study.
Require post-secondary education.
Fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or a designated trade.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 if the occupation falls under NOC TEER 4 or 5..
This program offers opportunities for investors to own and operate a business, while also providing a streamlined pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
Worker with Saskatchewan Work Experience
The Saskatchewan Experience Category under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is designed for foreign workers who already have work experience in Saskatchewan and are currently living in the province with a valid work permit. The goal of this program is to help individuals who are already familiar with life and the labour market in Saskatchewan transition to permanent resident status.
Processing time: Approximately 11 weeks for applicants with a valid work permit and 8 weeks for international student applicants.
Below are the five sub-streams under this category:
Program
Requirements
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit
Job Offer: Must have a permanent, full-time offer from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Work Experience: At least 6 consecutive months (780 hours) with the current employer.
Work Permit: Must hold a valid work permit.
CUAET, LMIA-supported, or Mobilité Francophone permits are accepted for all NOC TEER levels (0–5).
Other work permits apply only to TEER 0–3 or designated trades.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 if the job is in TEER 4 or 5.
Students
Education: Must hold a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Saskatchewan.
Work Permit: Must have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or open work permit.
Work Experience: At least 6 months (780 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan related to the field of study. This may include on-campus, off-campus, or co-op placements.
Job Offer: Must have a permanent, full-time job offer from an approved Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Relevance: The job must be related to the field of study and require post-secondary education.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 if the job is a designated trade under TEER 4 or 5.
Agriculture Talent Pathway
Language: Minimum CLB 4.
Education: High school diploma or higher.
Work Experience:
At least 1 year of full-time experience in the last 3 years in the intended occupation; or
At least 6 months (780 hours) full-time with the same employer who provided the SINP Job Approval Letter.
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time job offer in agriculture from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid Job Approval Letter.
Commitment: Must intend to live and work in Saskatchewan permanently.
Health Talent Pathway
1. Non-Express Entry Applicants
Language: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
Work Experience:
If working in Saskatchewan: At least 6 months (780 hours) full-time in the job offered; or
At least 1 year of relevant experience in the last 5 years.
Education: Post-secondary qualification related to the job. Foreign credentials require an ECA. (Some occupations may not require directly related education.)
Licensing: Eligible for Saskatchewan licensure (if required).
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time healthcare job in Saskatchewan, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Commitment: Must agree to live and work in Saskatchewan.
2. Express Entry Applicants
Express Entry: Must have a valid profile number and Job Seeker Code.
Language: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.
Work Experience: At least 1 year in the occupation offered within the last 5 years.
Education: Post-secondary education related to the occupation. Foreign credentials require an ECA.
Licensing: Eligible for Saskatchewan licensure (if required).
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time healthcare job in Saskatchewan, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Commitment: Must agree to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Tech Talent Pathway
1. Non-Express Entry Applicants
Work Experience:
If working in Saskatchewan: At least 6 months (780 hours) full-time in the job offered; or
At least 1 year of relevant experience in the last 5 years.
Language:
If already employed by the company: Must meet employer’s language requirement;
Otherwise: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
Education: Post-secondary education related to the occupation.
Licensing: Eligible for licensure in Saskatchewan if required (e.g., certain engineering occupations require APEGS approval).
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time job in technology or innovation from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Commitment: Must agree to live and work in Saskatchewan.
2. Express Entry Applicants
Express Entry: Must have a valid profile number and Job Seeker Code.
Language: Must meet the federal Express Entry language requirements.
Work Experience:
If working in Saskatchewan: At least 6 months (780 hours) full-time in the job offered; or
At least 1 year of relevant experience in the last 5 years.
Education: Post-secondary education related to the occupation.
Licensing: Eligible for licensure in Saskatchewan if required (e.g., engineering occupations with APEGS approval).
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time job in technology or innovation from a Saskatchewan employer, supported by a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Commitment: Must agree to live and work in Saskatchewan.
If you would like to compare further, you can also review Ontario’s immigration guidelines, which offer an even wider range of immigration streams.
Why Choose to Immigrate to Saskatchewan?
Settling in Saskatchewan provides a wide range of benefits that help you build a stable and long-term future in Canada:
Excellent Quality of Life
A rich arts and cultural scene with vibrant events and festivals.
Stunning landscapes, including beautiful provincial parks ideal for travel and relaxation.
Diverse opportunities to participate in sports and recreational activities.
Affordable Education and Tuition
A high-quality education system with reasonable costs from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Free tuition for students in public schools from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Tuition rebate program of up to CAD 20,000 for graduates who choose to live and work in Saskatchewan.
Low Cost of Living
Housing costs are significantly lower compared to larger Canadian cities, making homeownership more accessible.
Sales tax of only 6%, the lowest among provinces with a sales tax.
Low transportation costs with an average commute time of just 20 minutes in major cities.
Free Universal Healthcare
Access to high-quality, free healthcare services without individual health insurance premiums for basic medical care.
Comprehensive healthcare services, from check-ups to treatments, available at no cost to all residents.
Multicultural Community and Strong Legal System
A diverse, multicultural community where people can maintain their own traditions while engaging in rich community activities.
A legal system that protects citizens’ rights, including free legal aid for those unable to afford a lawyer.
Pathway to Canadian Citizenship
As a permanent resident of Saskatchewan, you have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada.
Once eligible, you can apply for Canadian citizenship and enjoy the full rights and privileges of being a Canadian citizen.
The people of Saskatchewan are very welcoming to immigrants from around the world
You may also want to explore immigration to Manitoba – a province known for its highly competitive cost of living.
Estimated Processing Time for SINP Applications
The total processing time, from the start of preparing your application to receiving permanent resident (PR) status, can range from 12 to 24 months. The process typically includes the following main stages:
Consultation and job search: 1 – 3 months
Receiving a job offer: 1 week
Job Approval: 2 months
Submitting the provincial nomination application: 1 – 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions About the Saskatchewan Immigration Program
Who is not eligible to apply for SINP?
You are not eligible for the SINP if you are:
A refugee claimant in Canada.
Living in Canada without legal status.
Under a removal order.
Inadmissible to Canada.
What happens after I submit my application?
If your application is incomplete, you will be asked to resubmit it. If your application is deemed complete, you may be required to provide additional documents within a set timeframe. Failure to submit documents on time may result in refusal.
What if my personal information changes after I am nominated for permanent residency through SINP?
You may request an amendment to your Nomination Certificate. Amendments may be requested in cases such as passport renewal, job changes, updating your Express Entry profile number, or when your certificate is about to expire. Note: SINP does not amend certificates to add new family members after nomination.
Can I apply to the Saskatchewan Immigration Program without a job offer?
Yes, you can apply to SINP without a job offer under certain streams, such as the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur, Farm Owner and Operator, or International Graduate Entrepreneur categories.
What happens if the EOI score I submitted is inaccurate?
If an applicant deliberately misrepresents their EOI score, the application will be refused, and they will be barred from reapplying to SINP for two years. If the discrepancy is due to an honest mistake, the application will be returned to ensure fairness for other applicants, but the individual may submit a new EOI.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program opens doors for individuals seeking to build a new life in Canada. With flexible requirements and attractive benefits, Saskatchewan is an excellent choice for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international students, and many others. The province offers a high standard of living, affordable costs, and comprehensive social services—helping you and your family begin a promising new chapter in Canada.
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