Maple News reports that the province of Saskatchewan has issued 269 invitations to immigration candidates under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in a draw held on April 22. These selected candidates are now one step closer to Canadian permanent residency, pending successful application for a provincial nomination.
The latest draw targeted individuals under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), specifically through the International Skilled Worker (ISW) category. Of the total invitations issued, 130 went to candidates eligible for the Express Entry sub-category, while 139 were issued under the Occupations In-Demand sub-category.
To qualify for an invitation in this round, candidates were required to score at least 70 points under Saskatchewan’s Expression of Interest (EOI) points system. Additionally, all invited candidates had to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm their foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards. Work experience in one of Saskatchewan’s 61 in-demand occupations was also mandatory. These occupations span a variety of critical fields, including roles such as utilities managers, medical laboratory technicians, and underground miners.
The Occupations In-Demand sub-category is designed for highly skilled individuals who do not currently have a job offer in Saskatchewan but have work experience in an occupation facing local labor shortages. Unlike the Express Entry track, this is a base PNP stream, which means it operates independently from Canada’s federal Express Entry system. Candidates are assessed on factors such as language proficiency, education, work history, and connection to the province via the SINP Points Assessment Grid.
In contrast, the Express Entry sub-category is part of Canada’s enhanced PNP system and is directly linked to the federal Express Entry platform, 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 enhanced stream earn an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This significantly boosts their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence at the federal level.
By conducting regular draws, Saskatchewan continues to play a vital role in addressing labor market needs while attracting global talent with the potential to successfully integrate and contribute to the provincial economy. The SINP offers a strategic pathway for skilled workers seeking to make Saskatchewan their long-term home in Canada.
Maple News will continue to track updates on Canada’s provincial nominee programs and other immigration pathways for aspiring newcomers.