Saskatchewan held its second Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw of 2022 on March 4. Under its PNP known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), the province invited a total of 36 candidates to apply for a provincial nomination through two of its streams. Out of those, 14 candidates are eligible for the Express Entry subcategory of SINP, and the remaining 22 are eligible for the Occupations In-Demand subcategory.
In the latest SINP draw, Saskatchewan invited candidates whose current country of residence is Ukraine. This was a special measure by the province in response to the current conflict. Candidates from both subcategories who are residents of Ukraine were issued invitations.
The selected candidates were required to have minimum of 61 points for the Express Entry subcategory and 60 points for the Occupations In-Demand subcategory in the Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system.
The last draw was held on January 12, which was also the first draw of this year. Saskatchewan invited 104 candidates from the same two subcategories, and applicants having work experience in six targeted occupations were issued invitations in that draw.
Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program, officially known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), was launched in 1998. The major objective behind the launch of SINP was to help address the economic and labour market needs of the province by integrating global talent.
SINP has proven to be very successful since its launch. It is estimated that seven out of 10 newcomers to the province immigrated through the SINP. The province also has around 76% employment rate for newcomers, which is quite high. Retention rates are also high, with over 85% of newcomers choosing to stay in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan PNP has a reputation of being an “easy PNP”. This may be because of the variety of immigration options it provides immigration candidates.
SINP provides four categories to immigrants. These are International Skilled Worker Category, Saskatchewan Experience Category, Entrepreneur and Farm Category, and International Graduate Entrepreneur Category. The enhanced sub-category of the province is called Saskatchewan Express Entry, and it is under the International Skilled Worker Category.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
The Saskatchewan Express Entry is an enhanced subcategory of SINP, and this means that it is aligned with the Federal Express Entry system.
The Canadian government uses the Express Entry system to manage immigration applications of candidates from three main Economic Immigration Programs called the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Candidates willing to get a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan need to have a profile in both the Express Entry pool and the EOI pool. Saskatchewan only considers applicants having both profiles while issuing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan. This nomination grants an additional 600 points to the base Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of candidates. The surplus points enhance their chance of getting an ITA for Canadian permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
Occupations In-Demand subcategory
The Occupations In-Demand is a base subcategory of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program, and this means that it is not aligned with the Express Entry pool. Hence, candidates who do not have an Express Entry profile can apply through this stream.
As the name suggests, this subcategory is for skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation in the province. These workers are not required to have a job offer.
Expression of Interest or EOI
Candidates applying through base subcategories of SINP must create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile in its online portal. An applicant must score a minimum of 60 out of 110 points in the EOI Points Grid to enter the pool.
The EOI Points Grid assesses a candidate based on five factors. These include work experience, education and training, language abilities, age and connections to the labour market of Saskatchewan. This would demonstrate their ability to settle in the province.
The candidates selected in the EOI draw are issued an ITA to apply for a provincial nomination. After successfully assessing their application, the candidates receive a provincial nomination, and this enables them to apply for permanent residence to IRCC.
Check your eligibility for immigration to Saskatchewan with a free assessment form by Canadian Visa News.
