Eligibility Requirements for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), candidates may qualify under one of the following categories:

• International Skilled Worker Category
• Saskatchewan Experience Category
• Entrepreneur and Farm Category

International Skilled Worker Category

The SINP's International Skilled Worker Category enables the province to nominate skilled workers with the required education, experience, and language abilities to successfully establish in Saskatchewan.

International Skilled Worker - Employment Offer

This sub-category is for skilled workers who have already received an offer of employment from a Saskatchewan employer. The job offer must be approved by the SINP before the candidate can apply or the application will be rejected immediately. In order to have the position assessed, the Saskatchewan employer must register on the SINP Employer website. Once the position is approved, the employer will receive a Job Approval Letter, a copy of which must be submitted with the candidate's application to the SINP.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible under the International Skilled Worker - Employment Offer sub-category, applicants must:

• Have legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
• Demonstrate sufficient language proficiency through a minimum language test score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 across all four language competencies (reading, writing, speaking, listening) from a designated testing agency;
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer that is registered with the SINP in either an occupation in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Matrix as Skill type 0 or Skill Level A or B, OR in a designated trade in Saskatchewan;
• Have at least one year of paid work experience in the past ten years in the intended occupation;
• Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the job offer is in an occupation that is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing; and
• Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the point assessment grid.

Points Assessment Grid

Candidates will be assessed points according to the following five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection to the Saskatchewan labour market. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points on the Points Assessment Grid in order to be eligible for nomination.

Selection Factors

Factor 1: Education and Training

The applicant will receive points for his or her education according to documented proof of completed post-secondary education and/or training programs from a nationally or provincially recognized institution or regulatory body.

Copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees for any education/training with complete transcripts must be included in order to receive points under this selection factor.

Factor 2: Skilled Work Experience

Points are calculated under this selection factor according to documented proof of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, B or a designated trade) in the applicant's intended occupation in the previous ten years. Two points are awarded for each year of work experience in the most recent five years, and one point is awarded for each year in the six to ten year period prior to applying.

The applicant must show at least one year of full-time, or part-time equivalent, paid work experience in his or her her intended occupation in order to be eligible.

Documentation must include a letter of reference from the supervisor or Human Resources officer for each work experience listed, the applicant’s official work book, or other official government documentation.

Factor 3: Language Ability

The applicant will receive points for his or her ability in either of Canada’s official languages, English or French. If proficient in both, the applicant should choose the language that he or she is most comfortable with.

Proof of language proficiency is required in the form of official results of a recent SINP-approved language test, such as the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS, General Training), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF).

a) Applicants must score a minimum of CLB 4 in order to be eligible in First Language Test (English or French)

b) Applicants must score a minimum of CLB 4 in order to be eligible in Second Language Test (English or French)

Factor 4: Age

The applicant will receive points according to his or her age on the date of application to the SINP.

Factor 5: Connection to the Saskatchewan Labour Market

The applicant will receive points for his or her connection to the Saskatchewan labour market and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Saskatchewan as a permanent resident through document proof of a high skilled employment offer.

Designated Trades

International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand

This sub-category is for highly skilled workers who have experience in one of Saskatchewan's in-demand occupations. No job offer in the province is required under this sub-category of International Skilled Worker immigration.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible under the Occupations In-Demand sub-category, applicants must:

• Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
• Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4;
• 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 a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate.
• Have at least one-year of paid work experience in the past ten years related to their field of education or training, in a highly-skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) that is considered to be in-demand in Saskatchewan (See in-demand occupations list, below);
• Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
• Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
• Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the point assessment grid.

Points Assessment Grid

Candidates will be assessed points according to the following five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection(s) to the Saskatchewan labour market and adaptability. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points on the Points Assessment Grid in order to be eligible for nomination.

Selection Factors

Factor 1: Education and Training

The applicant will receive points for his or her education according to documented proof of completed post-secondary education and/or training programs from a nationally or provincially recognized institution or regulatory body.

Copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees for any education/training with complete transcripts must be included in order to receive points under this selection factor.

Factor 2: Skilled Work Experience

Points are calculated under this selection factor according to documented proof of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, B or a designated trade) in the applicant's intended occupation in the previous ten years. Two points are awarded for each year of work experience in the most recent five years, and one point is awarded for each year in the six to ten year period prior to applying.

The applicant must show at least one year of full-time, or part-time equivalent, paid work experience in his or her her intended occupation in order to be eligible.

Documentation must include a letter of reference from the supervisor or Human Resources officer for each work experience listed, the applicant’s official work book, or other official government documentation.

Factor 3: Language Ability

The applicant will receive points for his or her ability in either of Canada’s official languages, English or French. If proficient in both, the applicant should choose the language that he or she is most comfortable with.

Proof of language proficiency is required in the form of official results of a recent SINP-approved language test, such as the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS, General Training), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF).

Applicants must score a minimum of CLB 4 in order to be eligible.

Factor 4: Age

The applicant will receive points according to his or her age on the date of application to the SINP.

Factor 5: Connections to the Saskatchewan Labour Market and Adaptability

The applicant will receive points for his or her connection to the Saskatchewan labour market and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Saskatchewan as a permanent resident through document proof of a high skilled employment offer.

SINP In-Demand Occupations List

Licensure not required

Licensure required

International Skilled Worker - Saskatchewan Express Entry

This sub-category enables the province to nominate individuals who are already in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Express Entry pool and who have the necessary education, skilled work experience, language ability, and other factors to help them settle successfully and integrate into Saskatchewan’s labour market and communities.

As candidates are selected by the province from the federal Express Entry pool, all candidates must be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Canadian Experience Class

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the SINP's International Skilled Worker - Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, candidates must:

• Have proof of legal status, if currently residing in Canada;
• Have been accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool and have an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code;
  • The Number and Code must be included in the SINP application.
• Provide language test results from a designated testing agency that match the language level declared in their Express Entry profile;
• Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education or training which is comparable to the Canadian education system and which has resulted in a degree, diploma, certificate, or a certificate equivalent to a trade certificate;
• Have a minimum level of work experience related to their field of education or training in a highly skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) that is considered to be in-demand in Saskatchewan (See in-demand occupations list, below);
  • At least one year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades); OR
  • At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years; OR
  • At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
• Obtain proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if their profession is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensing;
• Hold a certificate of qualification (also known as a letter of invitation) in their skilled trade from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission if their work experience is in a skilled trade;
• Have proof of sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan; and
• Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid.

Points Assessment Grid

Candidates will be assessed points according to the following five factors: education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age, and connection(s) to the Saskatchewan labour market and adaptability. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 60 out of 100 points on the Points Assessment Grid in order to be eligible for nomination.

Selection Factors

Factor 1: Education and Training

The applicant will receive points for his or her education according to documented proof of completed post-secondary education and/or training programs from a nationally or provincially recognized institution or regulatory body.

Copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees for any education/training with complete transcripts must be included in order to receive points under this selection factor.

Factor 2: Skilled Work Experience

Points are calculated under this selection factor according to documented proof of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, B or a designated trade) in the applicant's intended occupation in the previous ten years. Two points are awarded for each year of work experience in the most recent five years, and one point is awarded for each year in the six to ten year period prior to applying.

The applicant must show at least one year of full-time, or part-time equivalent, paid work experience in his or her her intended occupation in order to be eligible.

Documentation must include a letter of reference from the supervisor or Human Resources officer for each work experience listed, the applicant’s official work book, or other official government documentation.

Factor 3: Language Ability

The applicant will receive points for his or her ability in either of Canada’s official languages, English or French. If proficient in both, the applicant should choose the language that he or she is most comfortable with.

Proof of language proficiency is required in the form of official results of a recent SINP-approved language test, such as the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS, General Training), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF).

Applicants must score a minimum of CLB 4 in order to be eligible.

Factor 4: Age

The applicant will receive points according to his or her age on the date of application to the SINP.

Factor 5: Connections to the Saskatchewan Labour Market and Adaptability

The applicant will receive points for his or her connection to the Saskatchewan labour market and ability to successfully settle and economically establish in Saskatchewan as a permanent resident through document proof of a high skilled employment offer.

SINP In-Demand Occupations List

Licensure not required

Licensure required

When Not to Apply

Candidates will not be considered eligible under the SINP's International Skilled Worker Category if they:

• Are refugee claimants in Canada;
• Are health professionals;
• Are food and beverage servers/persons;
• Failed to submit documentation as requested by the SINP;
• Do not genuinely intend to live and work in Saskatchewan on a permanent basis; or
• Have intentionally misrepresented themselves in the application.

Saskatchewan Experience Category

This category of the SINP offers foreign workers who have been working in the province for at least six months the opportunity to immigrate permanently to Saskatchewan if they receive a job offer from their current employer. Candidates must be working in Canada on a valid work permit and must genuinely intend to economically establish in Saskatchewan. There are five sub-categories under this provincial nominee immigration category: existing work permit, health professionals, hospitality sector project, long haul truck driver project, and students.

Regardless of the sub-category, the job offer must be approved by the SINP before the candidate can apply or the application will be rejected immediately. In order to have the position assessed, the Saskatchewan employer must register on the SINP Employer website. Once the position is approved, the employer will receive a Job Approval Letter, a copy of which must be submitted with the candidate's application to the SINP.

Existing Work Permit

This sub-category targets skilled workers in Saskatchewan who have been working in the province on a valid work permit for a minimum of six months and who have received a permanent offer of employment for that position. 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible under the Saskatchewan Experience - Existing Work Permit sub-category, candidates must:

• Have a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) level 0, A, or B occupation, OR in a designated trade;
• Have worked for at least six months for the employer offering the permanent job, under a valid work permit issued by IRCC; 
  • The job offer must be for the same position that the candidate has been working in for the past six months.
• Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 if the job offer is in a NOC C occupation (a designated trade);
  • The language test must be from a designated testing agency and must have been taken within two years of the date of application.
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
• Have proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensure. 

Health Professionals

This sub-category provides skilled workers with an opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Saskatchewan if they have been working full-time in the province on a temporary work permit as either a physician, nurse, or other health professional for a minimum of six months and have received an offer of employment for that position. 

Minimum Requirements for Physicians

In order to be eligible as a physician under the health professionals sub-category, candidates must:

• Have a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
• Have been practicing as a physician in Saskatchewan for at least six months;
• Have an offer of permanent, full-time employment that is:
  • Issued by a provincial health authority or the health education institution where they are currently employed; and/or
  • Verified with documents that describe their permanent arrangement to practice medicine in a Saskatchewan medical office;
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
• Obtain a letter of support from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CoPSS) that states the candidate`s type of license, license expiry date, and their support for the candidate to obtain permanent residence status in Saskatchewan.
  • If applicable, the candidate will also require a letter from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada indicating that he or she has licensing in a particular specialty.

Minimum Requirements for Nurses

To be eligible as a nurse under the SINP`s Saskatchewan Experience - Health Professional`s sub-category, applicants must:

• Have a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
• Have been practicing as a nurse in Saskatchewan for six months or more;
• Have an offer of permanent, full-time employment issued by a Saskatchewan Regional Health Authority, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, or another publicly-funded health employer; and
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Minimum Requirements for Other Health Professions

In order to be considered eligible under the Other Health Professions sub-category, candidates must:

• Have completed a post-secondary training course of at least one academic year, related to their intended health occupation;
• Have a valid work permit issued by IRCC;
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) level 0, A, B, or C health occupation;
• Have worked for the employer offering the job, in the same job position, for a minimum of six months;
• Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 if the job offer is in a NOC C occupation;
  • The language test must be from a designated testing agency and must have been taken within two years of the date of application.
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
• Have proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure if the occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan and requires mandatory (compulsory) certification or licensure.

Hospitality Sector Project

This sub-category is for temporary foreign workers seeking to immigrate permanently to Saskatchewan who have been working in the province for an SINP-approved employer for at least six months on a valid work permit in one of the following occupations:

• Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453),
• Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641), or
• Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661).

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

In order to be considered eligible under the Hospitality Sector Project sub-category, applicants must:

• Hold a valid work permit for one of the following occupations:
  • Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453);
  • Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641); or
  • Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661).
• Be employed in Saskatchewan for six months or more;
• Have an offer of permanent, full-time employment from an approved Saskatchewan Hospitality employer;
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter;
• Have completed, at minimum, a high school education (or its equivalent); and
• Demonstrate language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher across all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) on a language test from a designated testing agency taken within two years of the date of application.

Long Haul Truck Driver Project

This sub-category enables trucking firms to bring long-haul truck drivers (National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7411) to Saskatchewan under Service Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker policy, which covers jobs that require a high school diploma or on-the-job training. Truckers working in Saskatchewan on a temporary work permit for six months or more can use this immigration sub-category if they have received an offer of full-time, permanent employment from the trucking firm.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible under the Long Haul Truck Drivers Project sub-category, applicants must:

• Have been working for an SINP-approved Saskatchewan trucking firm for at least six months on a temporary work permit;
• Have a current Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license;
• Have an offer of full-time, permanent employment from their employer (which must be an SINP-approved trucking firm in Saskatchewan);
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter; and
• Demonstrate language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher across all four language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) on a language test from a designated testing agency taken within two years of the date of application.

Students

This sub-category targets students who have recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada and who have received a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. 

Minimum Requirements for Graduates of Saskatchewan Institutes

In order to be eligible as a graduate of a Saskatchewan institute under the Students sub-category, candidates must:

• Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Saskatchewan;
  • The program must have been equivalent to at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
• Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 as demonstrated on a designated language test taken within the past two years if the job offer is in a NOC level C occupation;
• Have a minimum of six months (960 hours) of paid work experience in Saskatchewan;
  • Eligible types of work experience in Saskatchewan include: on-campus, off-campus, co-op terms, graduate fellowships that can be verified by the institution, and work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.
• Have applied for and received a valid post-graduation work permit from IRCC;
• Have a current, permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in a NOC level 0, A, or B occupation or trade, OR a job offer requiring post-secondary education; and
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

Minimum Requirements for Graduates of Canadian Institutes (Outside Saskatchewan)

To be eligible under the Students sub-category as a graduate of a Canadian institute outside of Saskatchewan, applicants must:

• Have graduated with a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada (outside of Saskatchewan);
  • The program must have been equivalent to at least one academic year (eight months) of full-time study.
• Have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 as demonstrated on a designated language test taken within the previous two years if the job offer is in a NOC level C occupation;
• Have a minimum of 24 consecutive months (two years) of paid full-time work experience (minimum 3,840 hours) in Saskatchewan after graduation and after receiving a valid post-graduation work permit;
  • Eligible types of work experience in Saskatchewan include work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.
• Have a valid post-graduation work permit from IRCC;
• Have a current, permanent, full-time job offer in their field of study from a Saskatchewan employer in an occupation or trade in a NOC level 0, A or B occupation, OR a job offer requiring a post-secondary education; and
• Have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.

When Not to Apply

Candidates will not be considered eligible under the SINP's Saskatchewan Experience Category if they:

• Are refugee claimants in Canada;
• Are international students who have not completed their program of study;
• Failed to submit documentation as requested by SINP;
• Failed to establish that their intent to live and work in Saskatchewan is genuine; and,
• Have intentionally misrepresented themselves in the application.

Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Entrepreneur Sub-Category

The SINP Entrepreneur Sub-Category offers candidates the opportunity to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and be actively involved in its management. This sub-category is designed to attract entrepreneurial talent to the province of Saskatchewan. Candidates interested in owning and actively operating a business must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online EOI system.

The Nomination Process

There are three steps to the nomination process:

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the SINP

Prospective immigrants indicate their interest in residing in Saskatchewan and operating a business in the province by providing information about their entrepreneurial experience, assets, and Business Establishment Plan (BEP), among other factors, in an online survey. Those candidates who meet the minimum entry criteria will be accepted into the EOI candidate pool where they are ranked according to selection factors on the points criteria grid and given a score.

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

Candidates are selected from the EOI system based on their score. The top scoring EOIs are prioritized for selection and formal application submission. Selected candidates are invited to apply to the SINP under the Entrepreneur immigration sub-category. Candidates then undergo the verification process. Those who pass this stage will be issued a SINP Entrepreneur Approval Letter, which will convey support of the applicant’s request to IRCC for a two year temporary work permit with which the candidate can reside and work legally in Saskatchewan while he or she implements the business proposal.

Step 3: Nomination

Once an applicant satisfies the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement he or she can apply to be nominated by the SINP for permanent residence.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be considered eligible under the Entrepreneur sub-category, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum entry criteria to submit an EOI to the SINP:
  • A minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, verified by a Ministry-approved professional third party;
  • Accumulation of net worth through legal means, verified to at least 80 percent by a Ministry-approved professional third party; 
  • At least three years of entrepreneurial experience within the past 10 years; and
  • A minimum equity investment of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or a minimum of $200,000 CAD in any other Saskatchewan community.
• Have and be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of their Business Establishment Plan (BEP);
• Own at least one-third (33.33 percent) of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan unless their total investment is $1,000,000 CAD or higher;
• Create or maintain a minimum of two jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan (non-relative workers) if establishing a new business in Saskatoon or Regina;
• If purchasing an existing business in Saskatoon or Regina, the applicant must maintain the business’ staffing complement (the number of Canadian or permanent resident workers) in place at the time of purchase.
• Reside in Saskatchewan with their dependent family members; and
• Sign a business performance agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, which will be provided by the SINP after the application is approved.

Minimum Requirements for Businesses

For a business to be considered eligible under this sub-category, all of the following criteria must be met:

• The business must have the potential for creating economic benefit to Saskatchewan, as assessed by SINP immigration officer;
• The business can be a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation, but must meet the legal requirements of the community in which it operates;
• The business must be a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services; and
• The business must be considered a “permanent establishment” as defined under subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985.

Additional Requirements for Business Succession

If purchasing a previously existing Saskatchewan business, the following requirements must be met:

• The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past three years;
• The applicant must complete an exploratory visit to meet the previous owner(s);
• Reasonable efforts must be taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
• There must be a complete change in ownership where the applicant assumes full control of the business; and
• The applicant must commit to maintaining employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents above the minimum required, as well as maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

If purchasing a previously existing Saskatchewan business from an SINP Entrepreneur Nominee, the following requirements must be met:

• The business must have been in continuous operation by the previous owner for at least three years;
• The business must demonstrate a net profit for at least two of the previous three years;
• The previous owner must be either a Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen;
• The applicant must complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s);
• Reasonable efforts must be taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
• There must be a complete change in ownership where the applicant assumed full control of the business; and
• The applicant must commit to maintaining employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Additional Requirements for Joint Ventures between SINP Program Applicants 

If proposing a joint venture with another SINP applicant in the operation of a new business, the purchase of an existing business, or a partnership with a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen, the following requirements must be met:

• The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the past three years;
• Applicants must complete an exploratory visit to meet the previous owner(s) or business partner(s);
• Reasonable efforts must be taken to establish a fair market value for the business or investment amount;
• Any succession must result in a complete change in ownership where the applicants assume full control of the business;
• Applicants must maintain employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
  • Applicants are not required to create additional jobs.
• Applicants must clearly indicate in their application form that they are proposing a joint venture with a program applicant or a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, and identify their proposed business partners;
• Each prospective applicant must submit their individual EOI simultaneously;

NOTE: Each prospective applicant in a joint venture application will be evaluated individually. Selection from the EOI pool for processing will depend on their individual abilities to meet eligibility criteria and earn points. If a partner is not selected from the pool, all other partners must update their business proposal in order to remain eligible for the EOI points previously earned. If all partners are selected from the pool and approved, each will sign a separate Business Performance Agreement, and each partner must meet the terms of his/her agreement to be nominated. If one or more partners fail to meet the terms of their Business Performance Agreement, all remaining partners must update their performance agreements to ensure they continue to meet program criteria.

Minimum Investment Requirements

An investment will be considered eligible if it is essential to the establishment and operation a new business, or to the purchase, improvement and operation of an existing business. Some investments may considered eligible within limitations.

Expression of Interest Points Grid

Using the points assessment grid, candidates are allocated points for various elements under three categories: human capital, business experience, and business establishment plan.

Human Capital Factors

Business Experience

Business Establishment Plan

Business Establishment Plan

The Business Establishment Plan (BEP) must be a coherent and well-thought-out plan for successful settlement and business development in Saskatchewan. The plan should outline the steps that the applicant will take to ensure that the business has a reasonable chance of success and can be implemented upon arrival. Additionally, it should demonstrate that the business meets the minimum required investment level and that the applicant will hold an active managerial position in the business. The BEP should show that the candidate has conducted extensive research into the economic, market, and cultural factors relevant to the proposed business.

A third party may help the applicant develop the BEP, however, it is crucial that the applicant has complete knowledge and understanding of his or her plan. In the event that the applicant is unaware of the BEP’s contents, he or she may be deemed ineligible and the points for the BEP on his or her EOI may not be awarded.

Regardless of whether the candidate intends to purchase an existing business or establish a new one, the BEP must touch on all of the following topics: the business idea, economic benefit, investment, business relationships, and human capital.

Business Idea

The business idea section of the Business Establishment Plan must:

• Specify the proposed industry/sector in which the business will operate; Include the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code;
• Provide a description of the proposed business, including:
  • The legal name and the trading name of the business (in the case of business succession), 
  • Details of any changes the candidate is considering making to the business operation (in the case of business succession).
• Include business ownership information – partnership, proprietorship, corporation, franchise, acquisition;
• Specify the proposed location for the business (city or town);
• Provide a market analysis;
  • Target market(s)? Suppliers? Major competitors? 
• Specify which products and/or services the business will offer;
• Specify which distribution channels the business will use;
• Specify the business' hours of operation;
• Specofy any regulations or licenses required to operate the business;
• Specify the number of jobs to be created for Canadians or Permanent Residents living in Saskatchewan; and
• Include full details of research undertaken to support these plans.

Economic Benefit

This section of the BEP must describe the economic benefit to the community being served, such as:

• Adopting and introducing new technology;
• Developing new products or services;
• Developing innovative approaches to traditional businesses;
• Increasing exports;
• Increasing research and development or technology commercialization;
• Providing products or services to an under-served local or regional market; and/or
• Transferring technology and specialized knowledge to Saskatchewan.

Investment

The investment section of the BEP should include:

• The proposed investment amount, including how the money will be spent;
• The fore-casted start-up funds and expenses, including a cash flow projection for the first year of operation;
• The source of financing for investment (the minimum investment amount must come from the applicant's own funds); and
• The amount of credit if credit will be required in addition to investment from personal resources.

Business Relationships

In this section of the BEP, the candidate should provide:

• The name, organisations, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and emails of contracted professional business service providers who the applicant has contacted and/or has established an active working relationship or paid contractual agreement with;
• The name, organization name, mailing address, email and telephone number of the person who compiled or assisted in the compilation of the BEP; and
• A summary of people contracted or consulted in preparation of the BEP.

Human Capital

This final section of the plan should include:

• The management contribution the candidate will make with respect to the proposed business, including an estimate of the hours he or she will spend managing and/or working in the business on a weekly basis;
• Any preparation and training for entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan (including course titles and institution names, if applicable);
• The candidate's educational background and its relevance to the proposed business idea; and
• The candidate's entrepreneurial experience and its relevance to the proposed business idea.
  • If the candidate has no relevant experience or background directly related to the proposed business, he or she should explain how his or her knowledge or experience can be applied to the business.

Exploratory Visit Report

For all applicants choosing to invest in a business succession opportunity, a joint venture, or a regional business opportunity, an exploratory visit to Saskatchewan is mandatory. These applicants must complete an Exploratory Visit Report, to be submitted along with their online application, that provides details on the activities undertaken during their visit to Saskatchewan. The report must cover the entire length of stay in Canada, including time spent in other provinces, if any.

The Exploratory Visit Report must include:

• The name of the professional business service providers or settlement organizations visited during the trip, including mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and emails;
• A description of the activity and/or meeting and how it relates to the applicant's business establishment or settlement;
• Copies of all airline tickets, boarding passes, and hotel receipts during the candidate's entire stay in Canada;
• Copies of business cards collected from relevant contact and business service providers contacted during the visit; and
• Details of any visits to the existing business location and meetings with current owners, in the case of business succession.

Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category

The SINP Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category offers candidates and their families the opportunity to immigrate to Saskatchewan to purchase and operate a farm in the province.This sub-category is designed to attract potential immigrants with proven experience in farming, considerable capital to invest in a farming operation, and a genuine intention to reside in the province of Saskatchewan. Under this sub-category, applicants are required to make an exploratory visit to Saskatchewan prior to submitting an application to the SINP. During this visit, which is to be no less than five business days, the applicant will meet with a representative of the SINP.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible as a farm owner/operator, applicants must:

• Have a minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, verified by a Ministry approved professional third party;
• Demonstrate through documented proof that the claimed net worth was accumulated through legal means, verified by a Ministry approved professional third party;
  • The third party must also verify that the claimed net worth of the applicant’s spouse has been accumulated through legal means.
• Have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience, demonstrated through documentation; and
  • This refers to active ownership of a farming operation using agricultural practices similar to those used in Saskatchewan-based farming.
  • The applicant is required to demonstrate how this knowledge and experience relates to owning and actively operating a Saskatchewan farm through the submission of a Résumé and a Farm Establishment Plan.
  • The Résumé must clearly identify the applicant's other work experience (if applicable), including job title, place of employment, responsibilities, and business skills.
• Have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity.
  • Farm proposal viability refers to the feasibility of establishing the proposed farming operation in Saskatchewan.
  • The proposal must sufficiently illustrate the candidate's intent to reside in the province.

Minimum Requirements for the Young Farmer Stream

Applicants who are under 40 years of age are eligible to meet the Farm sub-category’s amended criteria to be considered for nomination under the Young Farmer Stream. To be eligible under this stream, applicants must:

• Have a minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD, verified by a Ministry approved professional third party;
• Demonstrate through documented proof that the claimed net worth was accumulated through legal means, verified by a Ministry approved professional third party;
• Have relevant farm operation knowledge and experience, demonstrated through documentation;
• Have at least three years experience in:
  • Farm ownership;
  • Farm management; or
  • Practical farming experience;
• Have a viable, considered proposal for a commercial Saskatchewan farming opportunity; and
• Have the potential to supplement their farming income with their accompanying spouse/common law partner's marketable employment skills, based on education and experience.

Exploratory Visit

To be considered under the SINP's Farm Owners and Operators Sub-Category, applicants are required to make an exploratory visit to Saskatchewan. This visit must take place prior to submitting an application to the SINP and must be for a minimum of five business days. On this trip, the candidate is expected to conduct comprehensive research into the Saskatchewan farming industry and community in the form of meetings with service professionals. Finally, candidates are expected to meet with a representative of the SINP to discuss their proposed farm operation while in Saskatchewan.

Business Performance Agreement and Refundable Deposit

If the application is approved for nomination, the applicant will be sent a Nomination Approval and Request for Deposit letter, and a Business Performance Agreement. The Business Performance Agreement must be signed by the applicant. In doing so, he or she is committing to purchase and actively operate a farming operating in Saskatchewan. The letter will provide instructions on how to make the required refundable $75,000 CAD Good Faith Deposit, with regard to the requirements of the performance agreement. 

Return of the Good Faith Deposit

In order to have the deposit refunded, the applicant must submit an Application for Deposit Refund Request to the SINP. This may be done:

• Within two years of landing in Saskatchewan;
• When all terms of the Business Performance Agreement have been met; and
• When the applicant can demonstrate that he or she has actively invested in the Saskatchewan farm for no less than six months.

The SINP assesses this application based on the criteria found in the Business Performance Agreement.

• If the SINP determines that all conditions for deposit return have been met, the full $75,000 CAD deposit will be returned plus any interest accumulated on it.
• If the SINP determines that the conditions for return have not been met, the applicant will be notified of the criteria that she or he is required to meet before the deposit can be returned.
• If the SINP determines that the applicant does not intend to become a Permanent Resident, land in Saskatchewan, or meet the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement, the deposit, and any interest accumulated on it, will be forfeited to the province.
• If the SINP determines that the applicant purposefully misrepresented him or herself and/or committed fraud to obtain permanent residence status, it will retain the deposit and any interest accumulated on it.
• If the applicant is approved for nomination but is unable to accept the nomination for humanitarian reasons, the full deposit will be returned plus any interest accumulated on it.

Farm Establishment Plan

The Farm Establishment Plan (FEP) must be a coherent and well-thought-out plan for successful settlement and business development in Saskatchewan. The FEP should show that the candidate has conducted extensive research into the economic and market factors relevant to the proposed farming operation. The applicant must also take into consideration his or her management strengths and weaknesses.

A third party may help the applicant develop the FEP, however, it is crucial that the applicant has complete knowledge and understanding of his or her plan. In the event that the applicant is unaware of the FEP’s contents, he or she will be assessed accordingly and may subsequently be deemed ineligible.

The FEP must include the following:

• Proposed industry/sector (NAICS Code);
• Proposed investment amount;
• Number of jobs to be created for Saskatchewan residents;
• Management contribution the nominee will make with respect to the proposed farming operation;
• Fore-casted start up funds and expenses;
• Business ownership information;
• Proposed location for the farming operation;
• Preparation and training for farm operation in Saskatchewan (including course titles and institution names, if applicable);
• A list of planned past and/or future visits to Saskatchewan, if applicable (include: Dates, purposes, agendas, inviting organizations, etc.);
• Plans for establishing residence in Saskatchewan; 
• The name, organizations, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and emails of contracted professional business service providers whom the nominee has contacted and/or established an active working relationship or paid contractual agreement with;
• The name, organization name, mailing address, email, and phone number of the person who compiled the FEP; and
• A summary of people contracted or consulted in preparation of the FEP.

When Not to Apply

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants are considered ineligible if they:

• Are refugee claimants in Canada;
• Are living illegally in their country of residence or in Canada;
• Have had a removal order issued against them by IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency;
• Are prohibited from entering Canada;
• (or any dependent family member, accompanying or not) have a serious medical condition;
• (or any dependent family member, accompanying or not, over the age of 18) have a criminal record;
• Have unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any member of their family; 
• Have intentionally misrepresented themselves in their application; and/or
• Have intentionally committed fraud during the application process.

Ineligible Businesses

The following types of businesses are considered ineligible for the SINP Entrepreneur sub-category:

• Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
• Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage, or business brokerage;
• Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation;
• Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing, and cash machines;
• Credit unions;
• Home-based businesses, including bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses;
• Co-operatives; and
• Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income.