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 |
To find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada, please fill out a free online assessment today.
Readers who believe that they may be eligible for the SINP Express Entry sub-category based on the requirements outlined above may contact us to discuss their immigration options through the SINP.
© 2017 CICnews All Rights Reserved