Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Immigration to Saskatchewan, Canada is delivered in part through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Saskatchewan immigration authorities have developed SINP categories for a broad range of potential applicants. For people thinking of immigrating to Saskatchewan — particularly those who may not succeed in immigrating to Canada through a federal program, such as those managed under the Express Entry system — the SINP may be the perfect Canadian immigration option.
Through a variety of categories and sub-categories, the SINP targets specific individuals and their families who have the potential to live and work successfully in Saskatchewan. If you are a skilled worker abroad, an international graduate or temporary foreign worker in Saskatchewan, or an entrepreneur with big plans for your future business in Saskatchewan, the SINP could be your route to Canadian permanent resident status.

Immigration Programs

PNP Programs

Why think about Saskatchewan?

While the latest census data from 2016 reveals immigration to Saskatchewan has been relatively low compared to national figures, with four percent of newcomers to Canada choosing to settle in Saskatchewan, this figure is growing. The previous census, in 2011, showed only one percent settled in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan maintains a diverse and active immigration program to respond to and encourage this growth, as categories evolve or are created to respond to labour market needs.

With a growing economy, vibrant city life, a strong educational system, and plenty of open space, Saskatchewan could provide a prosperous new home for you and your family. Saskatchewan’s economic growth is among the highest of all Canadian provinces, as the agricultural and mining industries rebound. Employers are frequently looking for skilled and enthusiastic workers in these sectors, as well as others including education, healthcare, engineering, and more.

The SINP: an overview

As one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the SINP offers a variety of categories and sub-categories for potential immigration candidates. Most of these operate outside the federal Express Entry system, meaning a candidate can submit an application for nomination for permanent residence from the province without creating an Express Entry profile, entering the pool, and awaiting an invitation to apply (ITA) in a draw.

However, there is also one Express Entry-aligned option, the Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker: Express Entry sub-category, which could lead to that all-important provincial nomination and an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, leading to an ITA in a future Express Entry draw.

An ‘Expression of Interest’ system

During the first years of the SINP, candidates in the International Skilled Worker streams would have to submit applications during intake periods which were announced with little notice and often lasted briefly. However, in 2019, SINP opted to shift to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

Instead of trying to submit an application online during unannounced and brief intake periods, as was formerly required, anyone who is eligible became eligible to submit an Expression of Interest and enter a pool of candidates to stand a chance of receiving an invitation to submit a full application. This also ensures that only eligible candidates may submit an application, and allows potential applicants to improve their profile and standing in the pool while they await an invitation.