Bilingual speakers given extra points in Saskatchewan PNP

Saskatchewan immigration candidates will receive additional points for being proficient in both English and French.

The new measures went into effect on November 24. Bilingual candidates can receive up to an additional 10 points under the International Skilled Worker - Express Entry program. The number of additional points will depend on the proficiency level of the applicant’s second language.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) uses a points system to evaluate which applicant would be a successful immigration candidate.

Saskatchewan's points system

Those who are interested in immigrating to Saskatchewan through the SINP are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile in order to showcase their skills and qualifications.

Submission of an EOI profile must be through the province’s online application system, OASIS. The EOI submission serves as a screening phase that determines candidates' eligibility.

Those who submit an EOI profile are assessed based on the following factors: age, education, work experience, language ability and their connection to the province and adaptability.

Based on these factors, candidates are given a point score. In order to enter the EOI pool, a candidate must score a minimum of 60 points out of 110.

A maximum of 23 points are available for a candidate’s education or training. For example, a candidate who has a Master’s or Doctorate degree would receive the maximum number of points. Holders of a trade certificate would receive 12 points.

A maximum of 15 points are available for a candidate’s work experience, 30 points are available for their language ability, 12 points are available for their age, and 30 points are available depending on their connection to the province or adaptability.

Connection to the province includes having a job offer or having a close relative who lives in Saskatchewan. Close relatives include parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, step-family members as well as in-laws.

What are Saskatchewan's immigration programs

The SINP’s programs are divided into four categories.

The International Skilled Worker Category targets candidates who have skilled work experience anywhere in the world.

Under this category, there are three subcategories. The first subcategory, International Skilled Worker - Employment Offer is for this foreign skilled workers who have a job offer in Saskatchewan. The second subcategory, International Skilled Worker - Occupations In-Demand is for foreign skilled workers who have work experience in certain occupations that would help address the province’s labour shortages. The third subcategory, International Skilled Worker - Express Entry, is for those who have skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation and who also have an Express Entry profile.

The Saskatchewan Experience Category is for foreign nationals who currently live and work in the province. Under this category, there are five subcategories:

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for students who graduated from eligible post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan who wish to start a business in the province.

The Entrepreneur and Farm Category is aimed at those who wish to run their own business or farming operation in Saskatchewan.

Those who are interested in any of these categories are invited to complete our free assessment form to find out if they are eligible.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration