Saskatchewan Express Entry Opens and Closes for Third Time in Five Months

The province of Saskatchewan continues to offer Express Entry candidates for immigration to Canada the opportunity to submit an application to its International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). Earlier this week, on February 14, this first-come, first-served sub-category opened for 500 new applications.

The expected rush to submit an application ensured that the intake was reached by the following morning. However, interested candidates should note that this sub-category has opened no fewer than nine times since it was first introduced in June, 2015. Since then, it has become normal for the intake quota to be reached within days, or even hours, and the sub-category has opened three times since October, 2016.

The SINP Express Entry sub-category allows eligible candidates in the federal Express Entry pool, with experience in one of 21 in-demand occupations, to submit an application to the SINP. A successful application leads to the candidate being awarded 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

“The Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category has proven to be a highly successful one, both for the province as well as candidates. Saskatchewan accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and the sub-category opens regularly. This gives eligible Express Entry candidates something extra to strive for, as it is a straightforward and quick pathway to Canada,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“Interested candidates need to do two principal things in order to be successful. First, they must establish whether they are eligible or not. If they are eligible, it is then crucial to prepare the necessary documentation, which is more extensive than the documentation required to enter the Express Entry pool.

“For example, applicants need to submit work reference letters when applying to Saskatchewan, whereas this is not required to enter the pool — though it is required at the federal application stage. Another example is the requirement to submit a detailed settlement plan. For that, it is beneficial to first learn more about this unique province.”

Eligibility requirements

Candidates must be in the Express Entry pool and:

score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid (this grid awards points for education and training, work experience, language ability, age, and whether or not there is a connection to the province);
provide valid language test results that match what is declared in the Express Entry profile;
have completed post-secondary education (diploma, certificate or degree), training or apprenticeship that’s comparable to the Canadian education system of at least one year in length;
have at least one of the following in their field of education or training occupation:
- One year of work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades);
- Two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years; or
- Twelve months of work experience in Canada in the past three years (trades and non-trades).
have work experience in a skilled occupation that’s in-demand in Saskatchewan (see below).
show proof of eligibility for Saskatchewan licensure, if the intended occupation is in a regulated profession or compulsory apprenticeship trade; and
have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan.

In-Demand Occupations List

(Note: Since this article was published the occupations list has been altered. To see the latest list, click here.)

NOC	Occupation	Skill Level
0213	Computer and Information Systems Managers	0
0423	Managers in Social, Community and Correctional Services	0
0513	Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors	0
0714	Facility Operation and Maintenance Managers	0
0821	Managers in Agriculture	0
1224	Property Administrators	B
1225	Purchasing Agents and Officers	B
1252	Health Information Management Occupations	B
2161	Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries	A
2171	Information Systems Analysts and Consultants	A
2221	Biological Technologists and Technicians	B
2225	Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and Specialists	B
2231	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	B
2232	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	B
2244	Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors	B
2253	Drafting Technologists and Technicians	B
2255	Technical Occupations in Geomantic and Meteorology	B
7253	Gas Fitters	B
7312	Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics	B
7321	Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers	B
7332	Appliance Servicers and Repairers	B