Why Apply for the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP)?

The Saskatchewan PNP is a great option for skilled workers from the UAE looking to get Canadian permanent residency. This program has a lot of benefits that make it a popular choice for people wanting to migrate.

• Over 100,000 job vacancies in Saskatchewan, and they really need skilled workers in many different fields.
• You only need to score 60 points on their assessment grid to be eligible.
• The province has been welcoming a lot of newcomers, with over 15,000 being invited through the SINP in the last couple of years.
• SINP is often seen as one of the easier programs for provincial nomination in Canada.
• Saskatchewan offers good quality of life with a strong economy, decent pay, affordable living, low crime rates, and free healthcare.

*Want guidance to apply for Saskatchewan PNP? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

What is the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP)?

The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) is a way for people from other countries to get permanent residency in Canada by being nominated by the province of Saskatchewan. It’s one of nine provinces in Canada that participates in this immigration process, which lets each province pick candidates who can help meet local job market needs.

Every year, the SINP welcomes thousands of newcomers to Saskatchewan. It is a quicker way to move to Canada. Applicants start by applying to the SINP, and if they get the nod from the province, they can then use that nomination to apply for a permanent resident visa with the federal government. The program started back in 1998 to help with economic growth and population needs in the area.

 

Types of Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP)

Saskatchewan’s PNP has different streams, each for a particular kind of applicant. The main groups include streams for skilled workers, whether they’re from outside the province or already living there, along with options for entrepreneurs and farm investors. Here’s a look at the main SINP categories and their sub-programs:

• Saskatchewan Express Entry Stream
• Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand Stream
• Saskatchewan Experience Category
• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm Category

Saskatchewan Express Entry Stream

The Saskatchewan Express Entry stream is a part of the Express Entry system used by Canada. It is aimed at skilled workers with an Express Entry profile who have experience in jobs that are in demand in Saskatchewan.

You do not need a job offer to apply. To qualify, candidates must meet specific SINP requirements, like scoring at least 60 points on the SINP grid, having the right education and work experience, and showing they can communicate in English or French. They also need to be in the Express Entry pool.

If you are nominated through this stream, you will get an extra 600 CRS points in Canada Express Entry, which boosts your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR or permanent residency. This is a good opportunity for professionals in the UAE to use their Express Entry profile to get a provincial nomination, especially if their CRS score is lower than the federal cut-off.

 

Saskatchewan Occupation In-Demand Stream

The Occupation In-Demand stream is for skilled workers who want to move to Saskatchewan but do not already have a job offer. You need to have experience in jobs that are in demand there. To apply, you will need to get at least 60 points on the SINP points grid and meet other standards. This includes having a language skill of at least CLB 4, a year of post-secondary education, and work experience in a job that is in demand in Saskatchewan related to what you studied.

Some jobs might need professional licensing in Saskatchewan. You also have to show that you have enough money to settle in and a plan for moving to the province.

 

Saskatchewan Experience Category

The Saskatchewan Experience Category is for people already living and working in Saskatchewan on a valid work permit. It has several sub-streams focused on different groups of workers with local experience.

Some key subcategories are:

• Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit: This is for skilled workers who have been employed in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months and have a full-time job offer from their employer.
• Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker: This targets farm workers with at least 6 months of experience in Saskatchewan and a full-time job offer from an approved employer in certain farming roles.
• Health Professionals: This includes doctors, nurses, and other health workers who have been working in Saskatchewan on a temporary permit. There are extra requirements based on the specific profession.
• Hospitality Sector Project: This is for hospitality workers (like servers or kitchen staff) who have 6 months of experience in Saskatchewan on a temporary work permit and a job offer from an approved employer.
• International students: For international graduates from eligible schools (either in Saskatchewan or other places in Canada) who have a Post-Graduation Work Permit, at least 6 months of work experience in Saskatchewan, and a job offer in their field.

All of these sub-streams need a permanent full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer, along with some other criteria. The Experience Category offers a path to permanent residency for those who have already settled into the Saskatchewan job market.

 

Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm Category

The Entrepreneur and Farm Category was made for folks wanting to start or invest in a business or farm in Saskatchewan. To apply, you needed solid management experience and some money to put in.

For the Entrepreneur applicant:

• Applicants had to have at least 3 years of business experience
• A net worth of at least CAD $500,000
• Invest a minimum of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon (or $200,000 in other towns)
• Put together a strong Business Establishment Plan
• Create at least two jobs for Canadians or permanent residents in the bigger cities.

 

For the Farm Owners/Operators applicant:

• You must have farming experience
• A sustainable plan for farming in Saskatchewan
• Required amount of net worth and investment for the farming operations.
• Submit an Expression of Interest process
• Attend an interview

 

Benefits of the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP)

The SINP has a lot to offer applicants looking at immigration options:

• Easier Selection Criteria: Getting into Saskatchewan’s program is simpler, with a point score of 60 out of 110, which is lower than the typical scores needed in federal Express Entry draws.
• Multiple Pathways: SINP has various streams for skilled workers, job offer holders, and international grads, making it easier for candidates to find the right fit for their situation, whether they’re Express Entry candidates or already in Saskatchewan.
• Provincial Nomination Boost: A nomination from Saskatchewan gives 600 extra CRS points in Express Entry, greatly increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
• Rising Quotas and Regular Draws: Saskatchewan is accepting more immigrants, with a nomination increase to 8,000 in 2024. They also hold regular draws, providing frequent chances for candidates to be chosen.
• Quick Processing Times: Nomination applications are often processed quickly, sometimes in just weeks, especially for those with job offers or local experience. This is faster compared to some other programs.
• Family Inclusion and Support: Applicants can include their spouse and kids in their application, making it a family affair. Saskatchewan also offers settlement services to help newcomers with jobs and housing, and they have a high retention rate for immigrants.
• Quality of Life: Saskatchewan has a good standard of living and a lower cost compared to other Canadian cities.

All these features make the Saskatchewan PNP a smart choice for those looking for an easier path and a good life in Canada.

 

Eligibility Criteria for the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (Saskatchewan PNP)

The eligibility criteria for Saskatchewan PNP are given below.

• Points Score: You must score at least 60 points out of 110 on the SINP points assessment.
• Language Skills: You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with a minimum of CLB level 4 for most streams.
• Education: A minimum of one year of post-secondary education is required for skilled worker streams. If your education was obtained outside Canada, it must be assessed for Canadian equivalency through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Work Experience: At least one year of full-time experience in a skilled job is necessary, although some streams may require more. Your experience should align with Saskatchewan's in-demand occupations.
• Job Offer: For some streams, like the Employment Offer category, a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer is required. If you do not have a job offer, you can apply under streams like Occupation In-Demand or Express Entry.
• Settlement Funds: If you lack a job offer, you need to prove that you have enough funds to settle in Saskatchewan. This amount depends on your family size and should include your bank statements along with a basic settlement plan.
• Age and Adaptability: While there is no strict age limit, points are granted based on age, favouring those between 22 to 34. Connections to Saskatchewan, like family or past experiences there, can boost your score.
• No criminal records
• Health Requirements: You and your family must pass a medical exam.
• Intent to Reside: Show a real intention to live and work in Saskatchewan through your application and possibly a statement of intent.

Meeting these criteria is crucial. If you have questions about any part of the process, consider consulting an immigration expert for help.

*Want to check if you are eligible for Saskatchewan immigration? Avail Y-Axis Saskatchewan Immigration Points Calculator for FREE and instant results.

 

Saskatchewan PNP Requirements

To apply for the Saskatchewan PNP from the UAE, you'll need to gather a few important documents to show that you meet the requirements. Here’s what you should prepare:

• Passport and ID proof
• Proof of UAE residence
• Educational documents and ECA reports
• Language proficiency proof from tests
• Work experience letters
• Job offer and SINP job approval (if needed)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Medical exam report
• Police clearance certificates
• Civil status documents
• Any other relevant documents

 

Saskatchewan PNP Application Process for UAE Residents

The procedure to apply for Saskatchewan Application Process is given below.

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility rules for streams like International Skilled Worker, Saskatchewan Experience, or Entrepreneur.

Step 2: Gather all required documents like ID, education certificates, language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP), proof of funds, and job paperwork.

Step 3: Set up and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SINP online portal.

Step 4: If you are chosen, submit a full application to the SINP with your documents and fees.

Step 5: After getting nominated, submit your application for Canada PR.

Saskatchewan PNP Processing Time

The processing times for Saskatchewan PNP are given in the table below.

SINP Stream	Estimated Processing Time
International Skilled Worker – Express Entry	4 to 6 months
International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand	4 to 6 months
Saskatchewan Experience Category	2 to 4 months
Entrepreneur Category – Application Stage	6 to 9 months
Entrepreneur Category – Nomination Stage	4 to 6 months after business setup

 

Saskatchewan PNP Fees

Detailed information about the application fee for Saskatchewan PNP is given below.

Application Category	Fee (CAD)
International Skilled Worker Streams	CAD 350
Saskatchewan Experience Category	CAD 0 (No fee)
Entrepreneur Category	CAD 2,500
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category	CAD 0 (No fee)

 

 

Can a Dependent Join Me Under the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program?

Yes, dependants can join the primary applicant under the Saskatchewan PNP. The Saskatchewan PNP and Canadian immigration facilitates family reunification. When you get a provincial nomination and apply for permanent residency, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. They will become permanent residents too, so you can all move to Canada together.

When you apply for your PR, list your spouse and any kids under 22 who are not married as dependents. They will also need to do medical exams and security checks like you.

Keep in mind that the required settlement funds increase with each dependent. Make sure you have enough funds to support your family, as the amount needed for a family of four is higher than for a single applicant.

 

Can I Transition to Permanent Residency After a Saskatchewan PNP Visa?

Yes, you can apply for Canada PR after obtaining a nomination from Saskatchewan. Once you apply and get approved under SINP, you won't get your PR status right away. Instead, you receive a provincial nomination. This lets you apply for a PR visa with the federal government. After the process, you and your family will get Canadian permanent residency. There’s no temporary “PNP visa” – the PNP just helps you move towards PR.

 

Recent Saskatchewan PNP Draws

The recent Saskatchewan PNP draws are given in the table below.

Draw Date	Stream	Invitations Issued	Minimum Score
Jan 10, 2025	Express Entry	450	68
Jan 24, 2025	Occupations In‑Demand	392	69
Feb 7, 2025	Express Entry	510	66
Feb 21, 2025	Express Entry	475	67
Mar 5, 2025	Occupations In‑Demand	420	70
Mar 20, 2025	Express Entry	490	65
Apr 3, 2025	Express Entry	505	64

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Moving to Saskatchewan from the UAE can be tricky, but you don’t have to tackle it on your own. Y-Axis, a leading immigration consultancy in the UAE, is here to help with your SINP process.

Here’s what Y-Axis can do for you:

• Free eligibility check for the SINP
• Help with documentation and application
• IELTS coaching and language prep
• Job and resume support
• Regular updates and follow-ups
• Services after you land in Canada

With Y-Axis by your side, you will get the support you need, whether it is organizing documents or just keeping you motivated while you wait. Our client-focused approach can boost your chances of a successful Saskatchewan PNP application and help turn your Canadian dream into reality.