A popular Canadian immigration option in Saskatchewan has reopened for new applications.
The International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) — one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) — allows skilled workers with experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan to make an application for a provincial nomination certificate, which is then followed by an application for Canadian permanent residence. Interestingly, applicants do not require a job offer in order to make an application.
Until recently, the government of Saskatchewan’s website read that this sub-category had accepted the maximum number of applications for 2016. However, the fact that this sub-category is now open for new applications suggests that application intake quotas can change at any time. At the time of writing, a total 600 applications may be accepted under this SINP sub-category. It is expected that this intake quota will be filled quickly.
Among other eligibility requirements, applicants must be highly-skilled in an in-demand occupation in the province. The current list contains 21 occupations across a range of industries, notably in engineering, trades, agriculture, health care, and IT. A full list of in-demand occupations may be found below.
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.
To review the points assessment grid, click here.
This SINP sub-category is a ‘base’ sub-category, meaning that it is not ed with the federal Express Entry immigration selection system. It is entirely plausible that individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry (for example, because of language ability) may be eligible for this SINP sub-category. Moreover, candidates in the Express Entry pool — but who have so far been unsuccessful at obtaining enough points under the Comprehensive Ranking System to obtain an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence — may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through this sub-category.
Occupations In-Demand
The table below represents the current list of in-demand occupations for the SINP International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand sub-category.