Saskatchewan's population is increasingly becoming more urban. The population, which had been in decline, is also recently bouncing back in recent years due to oil sands, potash, and uranium development driving an economic boom that mirrors the neighboring province of Alberta.
Farming forms the largest economic sector with the oil, gas, and mining sectors. Attempts to grow several other sectors of the economy, such as scientific research and technology, have been made over the years.
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is an immigration program favoring immigrants who possess the in-demand job skills and work experience required by Saskatchewan.
Applicants using the Saskatchewan INP can receive a Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Certificate that enables them to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
The application processing times for this stream are processed much faster than Canadian immigration programs in other provinces. Here's a quick breakdown of the relevant immigration pathways under the SINP that you can use to apply to immigrate to Saskatchewan.
Make Your Move to CanadaFor Skilled Immigrant Workers Looking to Move to Canada
If you’re a skilled worker, have intentions to immigrate and settle in Saskatchewan, and have recently been made available or are looking for job prospects in your line of work then the following Saskatchewan immigration pathway would be most suitable to use as a means of applying to move to the province.
For Skilled Immigrant Workers Looking to Move to Canada
The SINP nominates skilled workers who intend to settle and work in the province. Prospective candidates must meet these criteria to apply and successfully immigrate to Saskatchewan. These criteria include but are not limited to:
- Education
- Skilled work experience
- Proficiency in the use of English or French.
The International Skilled Worker Category has been segmented into these subcategories:
Employment Offer
This subcategory was created for skilled workers with offers of employment for a skilled occupation in Saskatchewan.
To apply to immigrate to Saskatchewan through this category, you must meet the following individual eligibility requirements.
| Saskatchewan Offer of Employment Category Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Profile for Express Entry | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Not needed |
| Offer of Employment | Yes - for NOC TEER levels 0, 1, 2 or 3 |
| Proficiency of Language | Have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 or higher |
| Education Levels | Have proof of license for occupation is regulated occupations |
| Age | Not needed |
| Occupational Experience | A minimum of 12 months |
| Settlement Funds | Not needed |
| Average Application Processing Time | 18 months |
Occupation In-Demand
This subcategory was designed for skilled workers who have no offer of employment in Saskatchewan but have skills that are high enough to meet an in-demand occupation in the province along with the eligibility criteria specified in this subcategory.
| Saskatchewan In-Demand Occupations Category Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Not needed |
| Offer of employment | Not needed |
| Proficiency in Language | Have a CLB score of 4 or higher |
| Education Levels | Minimum of one-year post-secondary education that's equal to a Canadian diploma, degree, or certificate. |
| Age | Not needed |
| Experience in Occupation | 12 months in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (cannot be in an occupation listed on the SINP Excluded Occupation List) |
| Settlement Funds | Yes. Enough to show you can provide for yourself and your family in the province |
| Average Application Processing Time | 18 months |
Saskatchewan Express Entry
This subcategory was created for skilled workers who want to settle and work in Saskatchewan and have been placed in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry Pool. These skilled workers must also satisfy all eligibility criteria for the subcategory.
| Express Entry Category for Saskatchewan Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Yes. A profile is needed |
| Ties to the Province | Not Needed |
| Offer of Employment | Not needed |
| Proficiency of Language | Consult Express Entry requirements |
| Education levels | Have at least one year of post-secondary education that's equal to a Canadian diploma, degree, or certificate. |
| Age | Not needed |
| Occupational Experience | Have 12 months experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (cannot be in an occupation listed on the SINP Excluded Occupation List) |
| Settlement Funds | Yes. Enough to support yourself and your family in the province |
| Average Application Processing Time | Can be as fast as six months |
You must have a valid Express Entry profile to apply for this program. Generating your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is a great way to assess your SINP Express Entry program eligibility. You can use our CRS calculator to do so.
Your CRS score is important in determining your likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada due to receiving a provincial nomination which factors significantly into that.
Start Your Canadian JourneyFor Immigrants That Already Live in Saskatchewan
For foreign workers who already work and live in Saskatchewan via a valid work permit and would like to apply for permanent residency, the following Saskatchewan INP immigration pathways and categories are the most suitable to use. The Saskatchewan Experience Category is divided into these subcategories:
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit
This subcategory was made for skilled workers who, for the past six months or more, have been working in Saskatchewan via a valid work permit and can meet the eligibility criteria for the subcategory.
| Skilled Worker in Possession of a Work Permit Category Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Occupational experience |
| Offer of Employent | Yes |
| Proficiency of Language | Not needed for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, and CLB 4 for NOC TEER 4 |
| Education Levels | Not needed |
| Age | Not needed |
| Occupational Experience | Minimum of six months for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 or a Designated Trade |
| Settlement Funds | Not needed |
| Average Application Processing Time | +-18 months |
Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with Existing Work Permit
This subcategory was made for agri-workers living and working in Saskatchewan for at least six months using a valid work permit. Candidates must meet the criteria outlined below.
| Semi-Skilled Agricultural Worker in Possession of an Existing Work Permit Category Eligibility Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Work experience is needed |
| Offer of Employment | Yes. It is needed |
| Proficiency of Language | Have a CLB score of 4 or higher |
| Education Levels | Possess the Canadian equivalent of a high school diploma with credentials recognized by the Educational Credential Assessment |
| Age | Not needed |
| Occupational Experience | Have at least six months in NOC 85101: General Farm Worker or NOC 85103: Nursery and Greenhouse Worker |
| Plan for Settlement | Yes. It is needed |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx. 18 months |
Health Professionals Category
If you have worked on a temporary work permit as a nurse, physician, or health professional for at least six months, you can use this program to apply for permanent residency. Each profession has specific eligibility requirements you must meet.
| Eligibility Requirements for Physicians | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Occupational experience |
| Offer of Employment | Yes |
| Proficiency of Language | No minimum requirement need to be met |
| Education Levels | You must have a Medical License |
| Age | No requirements |
| Occupational Experience | Have at least six months in NOC 31101: Specialist Physician or NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians |
| Plan for settlement | Yes. It is needed |
| Average Application Processing Time | Take approximately 18 months |
| Eligibility Requirements for Nurses | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Work experience is required |
| Offer of Employment | Yes. It is needed |
| Proficiency of Language | No minimum requirements |
| Education Levels | You must have a Nursing License |
| Age | Not neeeded |
| Work Experience | Have at least six months in a nursing occupation |
| Plans for Settlement | Yes. They are needed |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx. 18 months |
| More Health Professionals' Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Occupational experience |
| Offer of Employment | Yes. It is needed |
| Proficiency of Language | No minimum requirements for NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 and CLB 4 or higher for NOC 4 |
| Education Levels | You must have one year of Post-Secondary Education |
| Age | No requirements |
| Occupatiuonal Experience | Have at least six months in a healthcare occupation |
| Plans for Settlement | Yes |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx. 18 months |
Hospitality Sector Project
This subcategory is for foreigners currently working or have previously worked in Saskatchewan's hospitality sector and who want to apply for permanent residency in the province.
| Hospitality industry Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not need |
| Ties to the Province | Work experience |
| Offer of Employment | Yes |
| Proficiency in Language | Have a CLB score of 4 or higher for NOC 4 |
| Education Levels | Your education must be equal to a Canadian High School school diploma and recognized by the ECA |
| Age | No requirements |
| Occupational Experience | Have at least six months in NOC 65200: Food/Beverage Server, NOC 65201: Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper, and NOC 65320: Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff |
| Plan for Settlement | Yes. It is needed |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx. 18 months |
Long-Haul Truck Driver Project
This subcategory enables trucking firms to attract, employ and retain long-haul truck drivers in Saskatchewan. Candidates must work using a temporary foreign work permit for a trucking firm approved in Saskatchewan to be eligible to apply for this program.
Trucker can only apply to the Saskatchewan INP for permanent resident status after six months. These are some other specific eligibility criteria that need to be satisfied for this subcategory.
| Truck Driver(Long-Haul) Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Occupational experience |
| Offer of Employment | Yes. It is needed |
| Proficiency of Language | Have a CLB score of 4 or higher |
| Education Levels | Existing Saskatchewan Class 1A driver's license |
| Age | No requirements |
| Occupational Experience | Have at least six months in NOC 75200 : Transport Truck Drivers |
| Plans for Settlement. | Yes. It is needed. |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx. 18 months |
Student
This subcategory was made for students who graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada. These students must also receive a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in the province. Before you apply, the SINP must approve your job offer.
To get approval, employers must register themselves on the SINP employer website. Once the offer of employment is approved, a Job Approval Letter will be granted. A copy of the Job Approval Letter must be submitted with the candidate's application to the SINP.
| Saskatchewan Institutes Graduate Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed |
| Ties to the Province | Work and Study Experience |
| Offer of Employment | Yes. It is needed. |
| Proficiency of Language | Have a CLB score of 4 or Higher for NOC 4 |
| Education Levels | 1 Year Post-Secondary in Saskatchewan |
| Age | Not needed |
| Occupational Experience | Have at least six months in Saskatchewan |
| Plan for Settlement | Yes. It is required |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx. 18 months |
| Canadian Institutes Outside Saskatchewan Graduates | |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Not needed. |
| Ties to the Province | Work and Study Experience |
| Offer of Employment | Yes. It is needed |
| Proficiency of Language | CLB 4 or Higher for NOC 4 |
| Education levels | Have at least 8 Months Post-Secondary Education in Saskatchewan |
| Age | No requirements |
| Occupational Experience | Have at least six months in Saskatchewan |
| Plan for settlement | Yes. It is needed. |
| Average Application Processing Time | Approx.18 months |
For Immigrants Who Want to Start a Business in Saskatchewan
Are you looking to start a thriving, innovative, and job-creating business in Saskatchewan? If yes, and you have the skills, experience, and determination to do so then we recommend using the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Category Immigration Pathway.
Entrepreneur Category
This category was created for immigrants who want to own and operate a business in Saskatchewan. Applicants are required to take an active managerial role in running the business. Applications in this category are managed on a system of Expression of Interest (EOI). These steps lead to a provincial nomination and can be outlined as follows.
Step 1: Create an EOI
Candidates must submit an (EOI) to the SINP that indicates they want to run or own a business in Saskatchewan.
Step 2: Get Your ITA
Candidates will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) if they are successful based on a list of program requirements.
Step 3: Provincial Nomination
Submit your required documents and pay your processing fees once you have received an ITA. Only then, you will get your provincial nomination.
For Immigrants Who Want to Start a Farm in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is situated in Canada’s prairie region, which is one of the most agriculturally fertile lands in the entire country. The vast, flat landscape is interspersed with alluvial plains, making it attractive to agriculturalists. If this sounds attractive to you, then you can use this immigration pathway to apply to move to Saskatchewan as a farmer.
Farm Owner and Operator Category
This category was made for candidates who want to buy and run a farm in Saskatchewan once they have immigrated to the province If they are under 40, candidates can be considered for nomination through the Young Farmer Stream.
Eligibility for this stream is judged based on available equity, refundable cash deposit, mandated visits to Saskatchewan, farm operation experience and knowledge, and practical proposals for commercial farming opportunities.
The Wonders of Life in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan offers many reasons to move there. Here are five of the best reasons to move to Saskatchewan:
Job Opportunities
Saskatchewan is a developing province of Canada that invites migrants to settle and contribute to the growing economy of Canada. Many job opportunities are available in Saskatchewan, particularly in the IT and agriculture industries.
Lower Sales Tax
Saskatchewan charges a 6% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and the nationwide 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), resulting in a combined sales tax of 11% lower than many other provinces Canada.
Beautiful Landscapes
Saskatchewan has diverse cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and beautiful natural surroundings. The province has grasslands, coniferous forests, rivers, lakes, and charming small towns.
Affordable Living
Saskatchewan is one of Canada's most affordable provinces. According to Numbeo.com, the average residence value in Weyburn, one of Saskatchewan's small towns, is CAD 302,000.
Family Reunification
Canada's highly generous family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. The government of Canada is committed to reuniting families and accepting up to 15,000 applications in 2022.
Make the Move to the Saskatchewan Prairie Today!
Choosing the right immigration path for yourself can be challenging. By itself, Saskatchewan has 12 different immigration streams. Each path has its specific requirements that are different from other provinces.
To help navigate these streams for you, enlist the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). RCICs help create your Express Entry profiles and submit your EOI, fill out application forms, source and certify your documents, provide basic resources to help you improve your eligibility, and provide the required support and guidance throughout your application process.
Ready to Start Your Journey?FAQs
What is the Best Place to Move to in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan has many great places to live, each with unique charm and attractions. Some of the best places to live in Saskatchewan include:
- Saskatoon
- Regina
- Weyburn
- Moose Jaw
Which Place in Saskatchewan is the Most Affordable?
Depending on your subjective individual needs and wants, several places in Saskatchewan can meet your affordability needs. Some of the most commonly cited places for affordable living in Saskatchewan include:
- Prince Albert
- Moose Jaw
- Weyburn
- Saskatoon
- Estevan
What are Some of the Most Interesting Places to Visit in Saskatchewan?
There are many interesting places that you can visit in Saskatchewan. The description of the most interesting place to visit is highly dependent on individual subjective taste, hence why there can be no definitive list of the most interesting places. However, in general, the following places are some of the most commonly cited places to visit in the province:
The RCMP Heritage Centre: Home of the Mounties
The center uses art exhibits, multimedia, and more to highlight the rich story of the RCMP.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
You can go camping, fishing, hiking, ziplining, canoeing, skiing, and even golfing in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
The Churchill River
The Churchill River is where adventurers can ride the whitewater and make memories of a lifetime. The mighty waterway is full of rapids and drops that draw paddlers worldwide.
Prince Albert National Park
Named one of Canada's 50 Places of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Prince Albert National Park is one of the most popular parks in Canada.