Maple News reports that the province of Saskatchewan has issued 269 invitations to immigration candidates through its Occupations In-Demand sub-category under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The selection draw took place on May 25 and was aimed at skilled professionals capable of filling critical labor shortages within the province.
To be considered, candidates needed a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 65—five points lower than the previous draw, signaling a broader opening for applicants. These candidates did not require a job offer but were required to have prior work experience in one of Saskatchewan’s 36 high-demand occupations and hold an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) confirming that their international education meets Canadian standards.
The Occupations In-Demand sub-category targets foreign nationals with expertise in vital sectors such as healthcare, construction, and IT—fields identified by Saskatchewan for economic growth and skill gaps. As a base Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream, it operates separately from the federal Express Entry system, allowing candidates without Express Entry profiles to qualify.
Interested applicants must begin by submitting an EOI through the SINP’s online system. The EOI is not a formal application but serves as a pre-application screening that allows Saskatchewan to evaluate a candidate’s potential for successful settlement in the province. Factors like work history, education level, age, language proficiency, and ties to Saskatchewan play key roles in the selection process.
Saskatchewan’s EOI system helps the province select immigrants who are not only skilled but also more likely to integrate well and contribute to the local economy. This strategic targeting ensures that selected candidates align with regional labor market needs and long-term demographic goals.
This latest draw further highlights Saskatchewan’s commitment to attracting skilled immigrants who can help meet workforce demands and support provincial development. With reduced EOI thresholds, more qualified candidates may find opportunities to immigrate through this pathway in the future.