Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing provinces, both economically and demographically, due in large part to immigration. Located in Western Canada, it is a Prairie province known for its strong agricultural sector and key industries such as forestry and fishing. The province is home to Saskatoon and Regina, along with vast stretches of unspoiled wilderness.
Saskatchewan has seen remarkable success with immigration. It once welcomed 3,000 to 4,000 newcomers annually, but that number has now risen to 15,000—a significant achievement for a province with a population of just over one million. Today, it stands as one of Canada’s top destinations for immigrants.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Overview
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) was launched in 1998 to support the province’s economic and labor market needs through immigration. It has been highly successful, with 70% of newcomers arriving through the SINP. The province also boasts high employment (76%) and retention rates (85%) among immigrants.
Saskatchewan Immigration Streams
SINP offers four main pathways for immigration:
- International Skilled Worker Category – For skilled workers who want to live and work in Saskatchewan.
- Saskatchewan Experience Category – For foreign workers already living in the province.
- Entrepreneur and Farm Category – For individuals looking to start or invest in a business or farm.
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category – For international students planning to establish a business in Saskatchewan.
International Skilled Worker Category
This stream has four sub-categories:
- Tech Talent Pathway – For tech professionals with a Saskatchewan job offer.
- Employment Offer – For skilled workers with a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
- Occupations In-Demand – For workers with experience in high-demand occupations, even without a job offer.
- Saskatchewan Express Entry – For Express Entry candidates with work experience in an in-demand occupation.
- Processing Time: 4-37 weeks depending on the sub-category
Saskatchewan Experience Category
For individuals already working in Saskatchewan, including:
- Skilled Workers with Existing Work Permits
- Semi-Skilled Agriculture Workers
- Health Professionals
- Hospitality Sector Workers
- Long-Haul Truck Drivers
- Students who studied and worked in Saskatchewan
- Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Entrepreneur and Farm Category
For those looking to invest in or operate a business or farm in Saskatchewan.
- Entrepreneur Sub-Category – Requires a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 – $300,000 and active business management.
- Farm Owners and Operators – Requires farming experience and a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000.
- Processing Time: 14 weeks
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
For international students from Saskatchewan institutions who want to start a business.
- Requirements: Must be 21+ years old, have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and operate a business for at least a year.
- Processing Time: 14 weeks
How SINP Works
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates submit an online profile and are ranked based on points.
- Invitation to Apply: Highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply.
- Provincial Nomination: Approved candidates receive a provincial nomination.
- Permanent Residence Application: Nominees apply for PR through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
SINP provides a fast and accessible route to Canadian permanent residence, making Saskatchewan one of the top destinations for immigrants in Canada.
