Maple News reports that the province of Saskatchewan has issued 280 invitations to immigration candidates through its Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) on July 21. The draw targeted professionals under the International Skilled Worker category, seeking to strengthen the province’s labor force with qualified talent.
Of the total candidates invited, 84 were selected through the Express Entry sub-category, while the remaining 196 were invited under the Occupations In-Demand sub-category. All invitees needed to meet a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 77, along with a valid Educational Credential Assessment confirming their foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards. Additionally, candidates’ work experience had to align with one of the 63 occupations currently in-demand in Saskatchewan.
The Express Entry sub-category is aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through this stream obtain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly enhancing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence from the federal government.
On the other hand, the Occupations In-Demand sub-category operates independently of the Express Entry system, making it accessible to skilled workers who do not yet have an Express Entry profile. This stream caters to individuals who have relevant work experience in high-demand occupations in Saskatchewan but do not currently hold a job offer from a local employer.
Candidates applying through either sub-category must first submit an EOI profile to the SINP. This profile is reviewed based on factors such as work experience, education, age, language skills, and ties to Saskatchewan. The highest-scoring individuals are then invited to apply for a provincial nomination, paving the way toward Canadian permanent residency.
Saskatchewan continues to actively use its PNP draws to address labor shortages and support economic growth by selecting candidates most likely to succeed in the province. This approach aligns with the province’s long-term immigration strategy aimed at building a skilled and stable workforce.
According to Maple News, these frequent draws reflect an ongoing demand for international talent in Saskatchewan, offering opportunities to professionals worldwide looking to immigrate to Canada through provincial channels.