Entrepreneur stream Saskatchewan PNP

The Entrepreneur stream in Saskatchewan is part of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) administered by the province of Saskatchewan. It specifically caters to seasoned business owners or senior business managers seeking residence in Saskatchewan. Those who are approved must either establish a new business or acquire an existing one, actively engaging in its day-to-day management responsibilities.

The Nomination Process

#1. Expression of Interest (EOI) System

The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur stream operates on an EOI system
Candidates meeting minimum requirements can register a profile and submit an EOI through the SINP Online Portal.

#2. Ranking and Invitations

Submitted profiles are ranked using the SINP Entrepreneur Ranking System.
Highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply to the stream.
Draw dates for invitations are released in advance and can be viewed on the SINP Entrepreneur Draws page.

#3. Application Process

Invited candidates have 20 business days to pay a $2,500 CAD processing fee and select a third-party financial review service.
The chosen service assesses the candidate’s net worth and proposed investment amount.
A complete application must be submitted within 90 days of receiving the invitation.
Successful completion leads to an interview with SINP officials, either in person or through a video call

#4. Approval and Work Permit

If approved, the applicant signs a business performance agreement with Saskatchewan.
SINP issues a work permit support letter, allowing the applicant to apply for a temporary work permit from IRCC.
Work permits for specific business categories, including Saskatchewan Entrepreneur, are LMIA-exempt.

#5. Establishing Business in Canada

Upon arrival in Canada, the applicant establishes their business.
After operating successfully for at least 6 months and meeting performance agreement conditions, applicants request a provincial nomination from SINP.

#6. Provincial Nomination and Permanent Residence

If SINP approves the request, the applicant receives an official provincial nomination.
With a provincial nomination, the applicant may apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Paper-based permanent residence applications are submitted by mail to the appropriate application center.
Processing time for paper-based PNP applications for permanent residence is generally 18 months.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

Criteria	Requirements
Net Worth	– $500,000 CAD net worth. – Verification by a designated third-party service provider. – Legal demonstration of claimed net worth.
Work Experience	– Minimum of 3 years of entrepreneurial experience in the last 10 years.
Investment	– Minimum $300,000 CAD investment in the proposed business plan (Regina or Saskatoon). – Minimum $200,000 CAD investment in other communities in Saskatchewan.
Business Plan Knowledge	– Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the proposed Business Establishment Plan (BEP).
Job Creation	– Create and maintain a minimum of 2 jobs for a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen.
Equity Ownership	– If the investment is less than $1,000,000, the applicant should own at least one-third of the equity in the proposed business.
Intention to Reside	– Reside with dependents in the province of Saskatchewan only.
Business Performance Agreement	– Sign a Business Performance Agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan upon SINP application approval

Minimum Requirements for Businesses

The enterprise should demonstrate the capability to contribute to Saskatchewan’s economic well-being, as assessed by the SINP immigration officer.
The business can be a legal structure of a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation, but it must adhere to the legal requirements of the community in which it is situated.
The business must function as a for-profit entity, with its primary objective being the generation of profits through the sale of goods and/or services.
It should be recognized as a “permanent establishment” as per the definition summarized in subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985.
Additionally, it must satisfy the specified criteria outlined in the Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Agreement of 2005.

Additional Requirements for Business Succession

Additional criteria apply if (i) purchasing an existing business or business succession, or (ii) purchasing an existing business from a previous SINP Entrepreneur nominee

1. Purchasing an existing business or Business succession

The business should have had the same owner for the past three years without a break.
The applicant needs to visit and meet the previous owner(s).
Make sure to figure out a fair price for the business.
The applicant must take over the business completely.
Promise to keep the current employees, pay rates, and job conditions the same or better for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

2. Purchasing an existing business from a previous SINP Entrepreneur nominee

The business should have been running without a break for the last 3 years, showing a profit for at least 2 of those years. This needs to be proven with documents like business registration, financial statements, and licenses.
The previous owner must be a Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen.
You need to visit and meet the current owners.
Show proof that you tried to find a fair price for the business.
The change in ownership should be complete, with you taking full control.
Promise to keep employing the current Canadians or permanent residents.
Commit to maintaining the existing wages and job conditions.

Ineligible Applicants & Bussiness

Ineligible Applicants

Are refugee claimants in Canada;
Are living illegally in their country of residence or in Canada;
Have had a removal order issued against them by IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency;
Are prohibited from entering Canada;
If any dependent family member, accompanying or not has a serious medical condition;
If any dependent family member, accompanying or not, over the age of 18 have a criminal record;
Have unresolved custody or child support disputes affecting any member of their family; and/or
Have intentionally misrepresented themselves in their application

Ineligible Businesses

Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage, or business brokerage;
Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation;
A payday loan, cheque cashing, money-changing, and cash machines;
Credit unions;
Home-based businesses, including bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses;
Co-operatives; and
Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income.
A business located in a multi-business retail/condo/location/project or business incubator that is not completed/operational, and/or is targeted or dependant on investment or business operations by SINP entrepreneurs for the development, completion, or ongoing operation of the project.

Expression of Interest Points Grid

Using the points assessment grid, candidates are allocated points for various elements under three categories: human capital, business experience, and business establishment plan.

Selection factors 160-point grid	Maximum Points
Factor 1 – Human Capital	75
Sub-Factor 1.A – Age	15
Sub-Factor 1.B – Exploratory Visit	15
Sub-Factor 1.C – Official Language Ability	15
Sub-Factor 1.D – Qualifications/Education	15
Sub-Factor 1.E – Net Business and Personal Assets	15
Factor 2 – Business Experience	50
Sub-Factor 2.A – Entrepreneurial Experience	20
Sub-Factor 2.B – Business Revenue	20
Sub-Factor 2.C – Innovation	10
Factor 3 – Business Establishment Plan	35
Sub-Factor 3.A – Investment Amount	20
Sub-Factor 3.B – Investment in Key Economic Sectors	15
Total	160

FAQs

1. How much money must an entrepreneur invest under the Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur Program?

Minimum $300,000 CAD investment in the proposed business plan (Regina or Saskatoon). – Minimum $200,000 CAD investment in other communities in Saskatchewan.