The International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has reopened for 1,000 new applications, presenting an opportunity for eligible candidates in the government of Canada’s Express Entry immigration pool to apply for a provincial nomination without needing a job offer.

(Update: Since this article was first published, the SINP International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category has closed for new applications.)

A successful application for a provincial nomination under the SINP International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis, results in 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points being awarded and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence being issued during a subsequent draw from the pool.

The last time this sub-category was in late July, when the intake of 600 new applications was filled within days — a common feature of this popular Canadian immigration category.

In-Demand Occupations

Of the 42 occupations on the new list, 19 do not require any professional licensure in order for a nomination to be issued.

No licensure required

Professional licensure required

Saskatchewan requires certain applicants to have obtained professional licensure in order for the immigration application to be processed to completion. This process may be completed from outside Canada.

An application submitted by an individual in one of these occupations that does not include the appropriate proof of licensure may be held for processing until this is provided. All other required documentation must be included in the application, otherwise it will be returned to the applicant and the CAD $300 government processing fee may not be refunded.

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 an Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code;
• Score a minimum of 60 points out of 100 on the SINP point assessment grid.
• Provide language test results from a designated testing agency that match the language level declared in the 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, or 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 above);
• Have at least one of the following in the field of education or training occupation:
  • One year work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled profession (non-trades),
  • Two years work experience in a skilled trade in the past five years; or
  • Twelve months 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; and
• Have proof of sufficient settlement funds and a settlement plan.

“Intake periods under this SINP Express Entry sub-category are typically short, usually filling within days, and the government of Saskatchewan does not give any prior warning as to when the sub-category may reopen,” notes Attorney David Cohen.

“As such, the first-come, first-served system rewards individuals who have prepared in advance and who are following Provincial Nominee Program updates regularly, as these are the people best placed to submit an application when the SINP opens its doors to Express Entry skilled workers.”

To find out if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, the first step to immigrating to Canada through the SINP International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category, please fill out a free online assessment today.

If you have a valid Express Entry profile and work experience in an opportunity occupation listed above, please contact sinp@canadavisa.com to learn more about the next steps.

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