Coronavirus measures affecting Saskatchewan PNP

Saskatchewan is one of several provinces working to support immigration applicants during the coronavirus pandemic.

Provincial nomination applications for Saskatchewan are still being processed. Since Canada implemented sweeping coronavirus containment measures on March 18, restricting most foreign travel, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has held two draws.

The province has implemented temporary measures to help provincial nominees avoid losing their chance at permanent residence due to coronavirus-related closures.

SINP nominees can request an extra six months to apply for permanent residence by emailing the government of Saskatchewan.

Nominees and people who are applying for the provincial nomination may get a conditional nomination if the terms of the employment offer from their original SINP application has changed due to COVID-19.

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If people no longer meet the minimum criteria of the SINP category through which they received their nomination, it may be changed to a “conditional” nomination. The conditions will need to be removed in order for the nominee to get permanent residence.

The SINP needs to be immediately notified if applicants and nominees have had any employment change. That might include being laid off or if the job is terminated. Withholding this information will be interpreted as misrepresentation.

The following temporary measures apply to nominees and provincial nomination applicants who had a valid job offer and met the conditions of their work permit:

Nominees will have six months to obtain new, eligible employment if the original job offer from their application no longer exists. Their nomination will become conditional until they receive a new full-time job offer.
If the nominee receives a new employment offer it must be from an “allowable business.” These occupations are needed to provide critical public services. If the new job offer is for one of these businesses then the occupation does not need to match the worker’s education, or past work experience provided that the employer verifies the worker has the skills and abilities to perform the work.
Applicants or nominees who have had their full-time hours reduced will be allowed to continue working for their approved employer, without supplementing their employment if the employer commits to resuming full-time employment within six months. If the worker had a provincial nomination before the hours were reduced, it will become a conditional nomination while their employment is for less than 30 hours per week. Applicants must be working full-time in one or more jobs and meet all applicable SINP criteria in order to be nominated.
Workers who do not have open work permits must obtain a new permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The SINP will issue them a new work permit support letter. Foreigners in Canada need a work permit in order to work legally in Canada.

If a nominee, applicant, or potential applicant receives short-term support during the pandemic they will not be penalized.

For more temporary SINP measures affecting other Saskatchewan immigration candidates, go to the government webpage.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

Need assistance with the Temporary Work Permit application process? Contact wp@canadavisa.com.