The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is one of Canada’s most popular pathways to permanent residence, designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with Saskatchewan experience to contribute to the province’s economic growth. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying to the SINP.
Overview of SINP
The SINP helps the Province of Saskatchewan nominate individuals who wish to settle permanently in Saskatchewan and contribute to economic growth. The program operates under an agreement with the federal government and is tailored to meet Saskatchewan’s specific economic and demographic needs.
SINP Program Categories
The SINP consists of three main categories:
1. International Skilled Worker Category
- Express Entry Sub-category: For candidates in the federal Express Entry pool
- Occupations In-Demand Sub-category: For skilled workers without a job offer
- Employment Offer Sub-category: For skilled workers with a Saskatchewan job offer
2. Saskatchewan Experience Category
- Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit: For temporary foreign workers already in Saskatchewan
- Health Professionals: For doctors, nurses, and other health professionals
- Hospitality Sector Project: For workers in the hospitality industry
- Long-Haul Truck Driver Project: For experienced truck drivers
- Students: For international students who have graduated from Saskatchewan institutions
3. Entrepreneur and Farm Category
- Entrepreneur Category: For individuals who want to start or buy a business
- Farm Owner and Operator Category: For individuals with farming experience and capital
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category: For international graduates who want to start a business
Minimum Requirements and Points System
Points Requirement
You need at least 60 points to apply. A score of 65 points or more typically has a decent likelihood of consideration.
Points Assessment Grid
The EOI Points Grid assesses you based on five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age and connections to the Saskatchewan labour market and adaptability.
Points Distribution:
- Education and Training: Up to 23 points
- Skilled Work Experience: Up to 15 points
- Language Ability: Up to 20 points
- Age: Up to 12 points
- Connections to Saskatchewan Labour Market and Adaptability: Up to 30 points
Language Bonus: Effective November 24, 2020, the SINP will provide additional points to bilingual International Skilled Worker applicants. Up to 10 points can be claimed by those with both English and French language ability.
Step-by-Step Application Process
For International Skilled Worker – Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-category
Step 1: Create Express Entry Profile
Submit an online profile in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry System. Once you are accepted into the Express Entry Pool, you will get a Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
When asked about your preference for residence choose Saskatchewan.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Gather all documents needed. Complete the provincial and federal forms.
For All SINP Categories
Step 3: Review Your Application
Review your completed forms and documents to make sure you have everything.
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Apply to SINP Apply Online. If you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) as an EOI candidate, you must login using the same account that you created for your EOI profile. If you are applying with a job offer, you will need to create an account.
Step 5: Complete Application
Complete all sections of your online application. Upload documents in PDF format. Keep the originals for your records.
Step 6: Pay and Submit
Save, pay the fee (Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand subcategories only) and submit your application online. You are required to pay CAD 350 as an application fee.
Required Documents and Forms
Essential Documentation
Be sure to complete, scan and submit the following:
- All provincial and federal forms
- All required documents
Federal Forms Required
- IMM 0008: Generic Application Form for Canada
- IMM 0008DEP: Additional Dependants/Declaration (if applicable)
- IMM 5669: Schedule A – Background/Declaration
- IMM 5406: Additional Family Information
- IMM 5562: Supplementary Information – Your Travels
Provincial Forms
- SINP-specific application forms (varies by category)
- Settlement funds documentation
- Proof of language proficiency
- Educational credentials assessment
- Work experience documentation
Supporting Documents
- Identity Documents: Valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate
- Language Test Results: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF results
- Educational Credentials: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from designated organization
- Work Experience: Employment reference letters, job descriptions, pay stubs
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements, investment documents
- Police Certificates: From all countries where you lived for 6+ months since age 18
- Medical Exams: Completed by panel physician (if required)
Important Application Guidelines
Document Requirements
Your application may be rejected if documents are:
- Missing
- Not translated
- Unclear
Form Completion Rules
General Guidelines for Completing the Forms:
- Upload and save all federal forms to your SINP online application
- If you need more space for any form, attach a separate sheet of paper to the back of the intended form and put the number of the question you are answering
- Answer all questions. Your application will be rejected if you leave any sections blank
- Write the answer “None”, for any section that does not apply to you
Application Limitations
Applicants can only have one application with the SINP at a time. Multiple applications will not be accepted.
Including Dependents in Your Application
Who Must Be Included
You must list all dependents on your application to the SINP even if they are not coming to Canada with you. Dependents include:
- Spouse – A husband or wife of the opposite or same sex
- Common-law partner – A person of the opposite or same sex that you have lived with in a relationship like a marriage, for at least one full year
- Dependent children – Daughters and sons (including step-children, children adopted before the age of 22, and children who are not in your custody) who:
- Are under the age of 22 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner
- Are 22 years old or older and have depended on your financial support since before the age of 22
- Are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition
Important Restrictions
Parents and siblings of the principal applicant cannot be included in the SINP application.
If you do not include dependent family members in your application, they cannot be nominated for permanent residency later.
Non-Accompanying Dependents
If you have dependents that will not be coming with you to Canada, you must give a detailed reason and documents stating why they are not coming with you. Reasons and documents include legal separation and custody orders. The SINP may reject your application if your dependents are not coming with you and the supporting documents are not enough.
Specific Category Requirements
International Skilled Worker Categories
Work Experience Requirements
For skilled professionals (not tradespeople): one year work experience in the past 10 years. For skilled tradespeople: two years work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years.
Education Requirements
Must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training comparable to the Canadian education system. The program of study must have resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or trades certification.
Job Offer Requirements (Employment Offer Sub-category)
Have a permanent full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. The job is required to be in National Occupation Classification (NOC) Matrix TEER “0”, “1” or “2” or “3”; or in a designated trade.
Saskatchewan Experience Categories
Work Permit Requirements
Truck Drivers (NOC 73300) must have a valid CUAET work permit, LMIA-supported work permit or Francophone Mobility work permit to be eligible to apply to the SINP. Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 65200) must have a valid LMIA-supported work permit, CUAET work permit or Francophone Mobility work permit.
Recent Program Updates
Allocation Changes for 2025
As of March 27, 2025, the SINP is accepting new Job Approval Forms. Please note that several program and policy updates have been implemented due to a 50 per cent reduction in the SINP’s 2025 nomination allocation by the federal government.
This significant reduction in nomination allocations means increased competition and potentially higher point requirements for selection.
Application Processing and Timeline
Processing Times
Processing times vary by category and can range from 2-6 months for complete applications. Check Application Processing Times for SINP on the official website for current processing times.
Application Review Process
- Initial Review: Application completeness check
- Eligibility Assessment: Verification of minimum requirements
- Points Assessment: Scoring against selection factors
- Document Verification: Authentication of supporting documents
- Decision: Nomination approval or refusal
After Nomination
If your application is successful, you will receive two documents: Nomination Approval and Request for Approval Letter.
Following provincial nomination, you must:
- Apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months
- Submit federal application with all required forms and documents
- Complete medical examinations
- Undergo security and background checks
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
Document Issues
- Missing required documents
- Unclear or poor quality document copies
- Documents not properly translated by certified translators
- Expired language test results or other time-sensitive documents
Eligibility Issues
- Insufficient points score
- Work experience not meeting minimum requirements
- Education credentials not recognized
- Language proficiency below minimum standards
Application Errors
- Incomplete forms or sections left blank
- Inconsistent information across documents
- Missing signatures or dates
- Incorrect fees or payment issues
Tips for a Successful SINP Application
Before Applying
- Assess Eligibility Thoroughly: Ensure you meet all minimum requirements for your chosen category
- Calculate Points Accurately: Use official point calculators and be conservative in your estimates
- Improve Your Profile: Focus on areas where you can gain additional points
- Research Saskatchewan: Demonstrate genuine interest in settling in the province
Document Preparation
- Get Professional Translations: Use certified translators for all non-English documents
- Obtain Educational Credential Assessment: Get ECA from designated organization early in the process
- Take Language Tests: Ensure test results are current and meet minimum requirements
- Gather Employment Documentation: Obtain detailed reference letters with job descriptions
Application Submission
- Double-Check Everything: Review all forms and documents before submission
- Follow Instructions Precisely: Adhere to all formatting and submission requirements
- Keep Copies: Maintain copies of all submitted documents
- Pay Correct Fees: Ensure payment is processed successfully
After Submission
- Monitor Your Application: Check for any requests for additional information
- Maintain Legal Status: Keep all permits and documents current
- Update Changes: Inform SINP of any changes in circumstances
- Prepare for Next Steps: Begin preparing federal application documents
Conclusion
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program offers excellent opportunities for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with Saskatchewan connections to obtain Canadian permanent residence. Success in the SINP requires careful preparation, thorough documentation, and meeting all eligibility requirements.
With recent program changes due to reduced nomination allocations for 2025, competition has increased, making it more important than ever to submit a complete, well-prepared application that maximizes your points score.
The key to success lies in understanding the specific requirements of your chosen category, preparing comprehensive documentation, and demonstrating genuine commitment to settling and contributing to Saskatchewan’s economic development.
For the most current information, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, always consult the official Saskatchewan government website at saskatchewan.ca. Consider consulting with qualified immigration professionals to ensure your application meets all requirements and maximizes your chances of success.
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