Maple News reports that the province of Saskatchewan invited 248 skilled workers to apply for a provincial nomination on March 11 under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The invitations were extended through the SINP’s International Skilled Worker category, continuing the province’s commitment to attracting international talent to meet labor market needs.
Of the total invitations, 72 were issued under the Express Entry sub-category, while 176 were sent through the Occupations In-Demand sub-category. Both pathways aim to support Saskatchewan’s economic growth by selecting candidates with the skills and experience that align with provincial demand.
To receive an invitation, all candidates needed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile with a minimum score of 71 points on the SINP’s assessment grid. Candidates were also required to hold valid Educational Credential Assessments, proving that their foreign education matched Canadian standards.
All invitees possessed work experience in one of the 70 high-demand occupations identified by the Saskatchewan government. This list includes roles such as purchasing agents, social and community service workers, and educational counsellors, among others.
The Occupations In-Demand sub-category is a base Provincial Nominee Program stream that targets skilled professionals without a federal Express Entry profile. It’s designed for candidates who may not yet have a job offer in Saskatchewan but have the potential to transition successfully into the local workforce.
Candidates applying through this stream must create an EOI profile via the SINP portal, where they are evaluated based on factors such as work experience, education, language skills, age, and ties to the province. Successful candidates are scored out of 100 points, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.
Meanwhile, the Express Entry sub-category works in coordination with Canada’s federal Express Entry system. This ‘enhanced’ pathway allows provinces to nominate skilled workers who are already part of the federal Express Entry pool. A provincial nomination significantly boosts a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, often ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at the federal level.
Saskatchewan continues to position itself as a top destination for skilled immigrants, recognizing the value of targeted immigration in addressing economic and demographic challenges. With regular draws and a structured selection system, the province remains a strong contender for those seeking Canadian permanent residency through the PNP route.