Maple News reports that the province of Saskatchewan invited 259 skilled workers to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residency in its latest immigration draw held on May 6, 2024.
The invitations were issued under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), specifically through its International Skilled Worker stream. Out of the total, 136 candidates were selected under the Express Entry sub-category, and 123 were invited through the Occupations In-Demand sub-category.
All invited candidates needed to have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile and scored at least 70 points on Saskatchewan’s EOI points grid. In addition, candidates were required to have a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and relevant work experience in one of the province’s 63 high-demand occupations.
The draw marks a slight decrease in invitation numbers compared to the previous selection round, showing Saskatchewan’s continued efforts to tailor immigration intake to labor market needs through a careful selection process.
The Express Entry sub-category aligns with the federal Express Entry system and offers a faster pathway to permanent residence for candidates who meet SINP requirements. Meanwhile, the Occupations In-Demand sub-category operates independently of Express Entry and is aimed at attracting skilled workers whose professional experience aligns with Saskatchewan’s current job market demands, even if they do not have a job offer in Canada.
To be considered for either sub-category, foreign nationals must first submit an Expression of Interest through the SINP’s online portal. Applicants are then assessed based on several factors, such as education, work experience, language proficiency, age, and connections to Saskatchewan. High-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination.
Maple News notes that individuals who receive a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan earn an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the federal Express Entry system, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This draw reflects the province’s ongoing commitment to attracting skilled talent ready to support local economies across key industries such as health care, technology, construction, and engineering. As Saskatchewan continues to grow, targeted immigration through SINP remains a crucial part of its regional development strategy.