The Canadian province of Saskatchewan has increased the annual application intake thresholds for two popular immigration sub-categories of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), with more applications likely to be accepted before the end of 2017.
Increased allocations have been assigned to the SINP International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category and the International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand sub-category.
Since first being launched in 2015, both of these SINP sub-categories have proved popular among a diverse range of applicants. Neither sub-category requires applicants to have a job offer from a Canadian employer, and successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, which may be used to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residence. The spouse/common-law partner of the applicant, as well as dependent children, may also be included on the application.
Applicants under either sub-category must have work experience in an occupation that is in demand by the province of Saskatchewan and score at least 60 points out of 100 on the SINP assessment grid.
The Occupations In-Demand sub-category category results in successful applicants obtaining a nomination certificate, which can then be used to then apply for Canadian permanent residence outside the federal Express Entry immigration system. This stream may be attractive to individuals who have not entered the Express Entry pool, as it has a lower minimum language requirement (Canadian Language Benchmark level 4) than any program managed under the Express Entry system.
The Express Entry sub-category requires candidates to have an existing Express Entry profile. Successful applicants obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, placing them at the head of the line for selection in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool. After being selected, candidates can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, with IRCC processing most applications within six months.
Quotas
Each of these sub-categories have opened multiple times in 2017, often reaching their intake within days. The most recent application intake period for the Occupations In-Demand sub-category occurred in August, 2017, when it opened for 1,200 applications and filled within a day. The Express Entry sub-category most recently opened in July to 600 applicants, filling within four days.
August 22 announcement
The government of Saskatchewan announced online on August 22 that the maximum number of applications that may be accepted under these SINP International Skilled Worker sub-categories would increase, pointing to potential future intake periods for these sub-categories, both of which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This information was confirmed by SINP staff when contacted by CICNews.
| Category | Previous Max. Number of Applications | Current Max. Number of Applications | Increase % |
| Express Entry | 1,700 | 2,600 | 53% |
| Occupations In-Demand | 3,000 | 3,300 | 10% |
The addition of 900 additional applications under the Express Entry sub-category represents an increase of 53 percent from the previous stated maximum number of applications.
“Based on previous intake periods, potential applicants to the Express Entry sub-category may only be able to successfully submit an application and obtain a provincial nomination if they prepare in advance. The SINP does not give advance warning as to exactly when an intake period may take place, meaning that individuals who prepare in advance are better positioned to submit an application when the sub-category suddenly reopens for new applications. The range of documentation required from applicants by the SINP is more extensive than the documentation required to create an Express Entry profile,” says Attorney David Cohen.
“Similarly, potential applicants to the Occupations In-Demand sub-category are more likely to be successful if they are prepared to submit an application as quickly as possible upon the sub-category reopening, as intake periods for this sub-category have also typically been short.”
Occupations list
Near the end of July, the occupations list for both sub-categories was expanded to include 42 occupations, around half of which require applicants to have obtained professional licensure from a designated organization before the SINP may process the application.
A slight change to the list was made soon after, with one occupation removed and another added. It cannot be predicted with certainty whether the government of Saskatchewan will make additional changes, or if these sub-categories will reopen with the current eligibility criteria.
No licensure required
| NOC | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 0124 | Advertising, marketing and public relations managers |
| 0423 | Managers in social, community and correctional services |
| 1112 | Financial and investment analysts |
| 1122 | Managers in Professional occupations in business management consulting |
| 1123 | Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations |
| 2211 | Chemical technologists and technicians |
| 2212 | Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
| 2121 | Biologists and related scientists |
| 2123 | Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists |
| 2225 | Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists |
| 2231 | Civil engineering technologists and technicians |
| 2241 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 2242 | Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) |
| 2243 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
| 2253 | Drafting technologists and technicians |
| 0811 | Managers in natural resources production and fishing |
| 0821 | Managers in agriculture |
| 0911 | Manufacturing managers |
| 0912 | Utilities managers |
Professional licensure required
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 work experience in an in-demand occupation listed above, please contact sinp@canadavisa.com to learn more about the next steps. Note that applicants to the Occupations In-Demand sub-category do not necessarily need to have an Express Entry profile.
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