Maple News reports that the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) held its first immigration draw of 2022 on January 12, issuing 104 invitations to skilled workers aiming to secure a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence.
Candidates were invited through two popular SINP streams: Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand. Of the total, 37 candidates were selected under the Express Entry subcategory, while 67 received invitations through the Occupations In-Demand stream. All invited candidates had to achieve a minimum score of 68 points on Saskatchewan’s Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system, which evaluates applicants based on factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and employment ties to the province.
A key highlight of this draw was its focus on healthcare and related fields. Saskatchewan targeted candidates with professional experience in six specific occupations: medical laboratory technologists, paramedical professionals, psychologists, medical sonographers, occupational therapists, and medical radiation technologists. These invites reflect the province’s continued effort to address skills shortages in critical healthcare sectors, especially during the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible, candidates were also required to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), proving that their foreign academic qualifications are equivalent to Canadian standards—an essential requirement for immigration pathways in both SINP streams.
The SINP Express Entry sub-category operates in coordination with the federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for Canada’s three main economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates selected through the SINP Express Entry stream gain a significant advantage, receiving 600 additional points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. This boost virtually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence in an upcoming federal Express Entry draw.
Applicants interested in a provincial nomination via Saskatchewan must create a separate EOI profile with the SINP—even if they already maintain an Express Entry profile. This dual-profile approach ensures candidates meet Saskatchewan’s specific labor market needs in addition to federal criteria.
Maple News notes that this draw sets the tone for Saskatchewan’s 2022 immigration strategy, which appears to remain focused on addressing key labor shortages and attracting in-demand professionals through targeted, skills-oriented selections. More draws are expected in the coming months as provinces continue to support Canada’s economic recovery through immigration-led workforce development.