Maple News reports that Saskatchewan has conducted a new round of invitations under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 279 invitations to skilled immigration candidates on April 8. The draw targeted applicants from the International Skilled Worker category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), part of the province’s strategy to address labor shortages by attracting talent from abroad.
Out of the total invitations, 146 were issued through the Express Entry sub-category, while 133 were issued through the Occupations In-Demand stream. Both streams require candidates to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meet a minimum cutoff score of 70 based on the SINP points assessment grid.
To qualify in this selection round, candidates were required to hold a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), verifying that their foreign education aligns with Canadian standards. Additionally, applicants needed relevant work experience in one of Saskatchewan’s 58 listed in-demand occupations. These fields include key roles like medical laboratory technicians, social workers, and educational counsellors.
The Occupations In-Demand sub-category is designed for skilled professionals who do not yet have a job offer in Saskatchewan or a federal Express Entry profile. It is a base stream of the PNP, and it helps fulfill regional employment gaps without depending on Canada’s federal immigration system.
Candidates applying through this sub-category first submit an EOI in Saskatchewan’s dedicated online platform. Applicants are then evaluated across multiple selection factors such as education, work history, language skills, age, and connections to the province. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for nomination, which can lead to Canadian permanent residency.
The Express Entry sub-category operates in alignment with the federal Express Entry system, making it an enhanced PNP stream. Successful nominees from this stream receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, boosting their chances of selection in a future federal immigration draw.
This draw reflects Saskatchewan’s continued commitment to bringing in skilled professionals who can contribute to the province’s economic and social development. Through these targeted PNP streams, Saskatchewan aims to strategically attract immigration candidates who are best suited to thrive in its labor market.
Candidates hoping to be invited in future draws should ensure their EOI is up to date, meets the latest eligibility criteria, and aligns with Saskatchewan’s occupation demands.