Monday, March 3, 2025

International Skilled Worker Stream – SINP (Detailed Guide)

The International Skilled Worker (ISW) in Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) category is designed for skilled workers residing outside Saskatchewan who aim to work and live in the province.

A total 5 sub categories are there in the International Skilled Worker stream of Saskatchewan.

International Skilled Worker Stream Categories

1. International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer

Eligibility Requirements

  • Point Assessment: Achieve a minimum score of 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid.
  • Work Experience: Have at least one year of work experience in your intended occupation within the past 10 years.
  • Language Skills: Attain a language score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
  • Licensing Eligibility: Be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing if your intended occupation is regulated. Check the Regulated Occupations and Licensing Requirements for verification.
  • Job Offer: Secure a permanent, full-time job offer in Saskatchewan. You’ll need a valid SINP Job Approval Letter as proof. Employers must register with the SINP, obtain the Job Approval Letter, and provide it to you if you meet their hiring qualifications. The offered job must be in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels “0,” “1,” “2,” or “3,” or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan.

How to Apply?

  1. Secure Job Offer: Obtain a full-time job offer in Saskatchewan within NOC levels “0,” “1,” “2,” or “3,” or in a designated trade.
  2. SINP Job Approval Letter: Ensure your employer registers with the SINP, obtains a Job Approval Letter, and provides it to you after meeting their hiring qualifications.
  3. Application Submission: Submit your application online through the SINP application portal. Include all required documents, such as the SINP Job Approval Letter, to validate your employment offer.
  4. Processing: Wait for the SINP to process your application. The processing time may vary.
  5. Nomination: If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate from the SINP.
  6. Apply for Permanent Residence: Use the nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence with the Canadian government.

Processing Time : 3 weeks

Check your eligibility through SINP Points Calculator and SINP Draws here.

2. International Skilled Worker: Tech Talent Pathway

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
  • Achieve the minimum federal Express Entry language requirements in a language test.
  • Meet work experience criteria based on your location:
    • If in Saskatchewan: Work at least six months (780 hours) full-time with your supporting employer, as per the Job Approval Letter. If less, you need one year of relevant experience in the last five years.
    • If inside or outside Canada: Have one year of high-skilled related work experience in the past five years in your intended eligible occupation.
  • Be eligible for Saskatchewan licensing if required for your occupation (specifically for NOC 21311, 21231, 21211, 21310).
  • Hold post-secondary education relevant to the job offered (Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, a three-year degree, or a two-year diploma).
  • Declare your intent to work and live in Saskatchewan.
  • Secure an offer for an eligible permanent, full-time job in the technology or innovation sector in Saskatchewan. Obtain a SINP Job Approval Letter from your employer, who must register with SINP and meet hiring qualifications.

These are the eligible high-skilled technology and innovation occupations.

NOC Occupation Titles
20012 Computer and information systems managers
21310 Electrical and Electronics engineers
21311 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21211 Data Scientist
21220 Cybersecurity specialists
21221 Business system specialist
21222 Information System specialist
21233 Web designer
21223 Database analysts and data administrator
21231 Software engineers and designers
21230 Computer systems developers and programmers
21232 Software developers and programmers
21234 Web developers and programmers
21233 Web designers
22220 Computer network and web technicians
22221 User support technicians
22222 Information systems testing technicians

How to Apply?

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria specified for the Tech Talent Pathway, including having a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
  2. Language Test: Take a language test that meets the federal Express Entry language requirements.
  3. Work Experience Requirements:
    • If applying from within Saskatchewan: Work for at least six months (780 hours) full-time with the employer who provided the Job Approval Letter. If not, you must have at least one year of work experience in your occupation within the last five years.
    • If applying from inside or outside Canada: Have one year of high-skilled related work experience in the past five years in your intended eligible occupation.
  4. Licensing (if applicable): If your occupation requires licensing (e.g., NOC 21311, 21231, 21211, 21310), ensure you fulfill the specific requirements, such as obtaining a letter from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) if applicable.
  5. Education: Have post-secondary education relevant to the job you’ve been offered, such as a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, a three-year degree, or a two-year diploma.
  6. Intent to Work and Reside: Attest to your intent to work and reside in Saskatchewan.
  7. Job Offer: Secure an offer for an eligible permanent, full-time job in the technology or innovation sector in Saskatchewan.
  8. SINP Job Approval Letter: Obtain a valid SINP Job Approval Letter from your employer. Employers must register with SINP and obtain the Job Approval Letter, which they will provide to you if you meet their hiring qualifications.
  9. Application Submission: Submit your application online through the SINP application portal. Include all necessary documents, such as the SINP Job Approval Letter.
  10. Processing: Wait for the SINP to process your application. Processing times may vary.
  11. Nomination: If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate from the SINP.
  12. Apply for Permanent Residence: Use the nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence with the Canadian government.

Processing Time: 2 weeks

3. International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand

Eligibility Requirements

  • Reside outside Canada or possess legal status in Canada.
  • Must achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 110 on the SINP point assessment grid explained below.
  • Demonstrate language proficiency of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4, though some employers may require higher scores.
  • Hold post-secondary education, training, or apprenticeship comparable to Canadian standards, verified through an educational credential assessment (ECA) for foreign qualifications.
  • If your education includes trades or job training from high school, apply for Saskatchewan licensure.
  • Possess high-skilled work experience of at least one year within the past 10 years, related to your education and in a skilled occupation considered in-demand in Saskatchewan.
  • Ensure your work experience aligns with your occupation and education, providing necessary proof of professional status or eligibility for licensure if required.
  • Submit all required documents with your application, as missing documents will result in an incomplete application without a refund of the application fee.
  • Have proof of settlement funds and a settlement plan in place.

How to apply?

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria specified for the Occupation In-Demand stream.
  2. Create an Express Entry Profile: If you haven’t already, create an Express Entry profile with the federal government of Canada.
  3. Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education is from outside Canada, get an ECA from a designated organization.
  4. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including language test results, educational credentials, work experience proof, professional status or licensure documentation if applicable, and settlement funds.
  5. Check Occupation In-Demand List: Ensure your occupation is in demand in Saskatchewan by reviewing the Occupations In-Demand list provided by SINP.
  6. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the SINP online system. Provide accurate and detailed information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.
  7. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ITA from the SINP. This invitation will outline the next steps in the application process.
  8. Apply for SINP Nomination: Complete the SINP nomination application after receiving the ITA. Submit all required documents, making sure your application is complete.
  9. Application Processing: Wait for the SINP to process your application. Processing times may vary.
  10. Nomination Certificate: If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate from the SINP.
  11. Submit Application for Permanent Residence: Use the SINP nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence with the Canadian government through the Express Entry system.

Processing Time: 26 weeks

4. International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry

Eligibility Requirements

  • Possess a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
  • Attain a minimum of 60 points on the SINP point assessment grid, you can follow the grid below.
  • Obtain a language test result meeting federal Express Entry language requirements.
  • Complete at least one year of post-secondary education or training related to your intended occupation. Evaluate the relevance in the “Employment Requirements” of your National Occupation Code profile.
  • Submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from IRCC’s approved organizations for education obtained outside Canada.
  • If your training is part of high school, apply for Saskatchewan licensure instead of an ECA. Refer to Regulated Occupations and Licensing Requirements for details.
  • Have work experience in a job not on the Excluded Occupation List, meeting the minimum requirements based on your professional category.
  • Ensure your work experience aligns with your completed education and is related to your job.
  • Verify if your job requires specific SINP education requirements through SINP Requirements Related to Professional Status or Licensure.
  • Be prepared to show Professional Status or proof of eligibility for Licensure if required for your job.
  • Include all necessary documents in your application, as missing documents may result in application closure without a refund of the fee.
  • Demonstrate settlement funds and provide a settlement plan

How to apply?

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria specified for the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream.
  2. Create an Express Entry Profile: If you haven’t already, create an Express Entry profile with the federal government of Canada.
  3. Get Your Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code: Obtain your Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Code.
  4. Language Test: Take a language test that meets the federal Express Entry language requirements.
  5. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education is from outside Canada, get an ECA from a designated organization.
  6. Work Experience: Have relevant work experience in a skilled occupation. Ensure that your work experience aligns with your education and job.
  7. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the SINP online system. Provide accurate and detailed information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.
  8. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ITA from the SINP. This invitation will outline the next steps in the application process.
  9. Apply for SINP Nomination: Complete the SINP nomination application after receiving the ITA. Submit all required documents, making sure your application is complete.
  10. Application Processing: Wait for the SINP to process your application. Processing times may vary.
  11. Nomination Certificate: If approved, you will receive a nomination certificate from the SINP.
  12. Submit Application for Permanent Residence: Use the SINP nomination certificate to apply for permanent residence with the Canadian government through the Express Entry system. You will receive an additional 600 points that will help you pick your file in the next express entry draw.

Processing Time: 25 weeks

5. Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have a minimum of one year of full-time work experience in the last three years in your intended occupation or a related acceptable field. Alternatively, six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience with the employer providing the Job Approval Letter is acceptable, with no requirement for consecutive work periods.
  • Attain a language score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
  • Complete at least secondary school (high school) or a higher level of education.
  • Secure an SINP-approved offer for a permanent, full-time job in Saskatchewan. Present a valid SINP Job Approval Letter from your employer as proof of the job offer.

Eligible Occupations

NOC Occupation Title
14400 Shippers and receivers
14401 Storekeepers and partspersons
14404 Dispatchers
32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient associates
33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
44101 Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations*
64314 Hotel front desk clerks
65102 Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers
65200 Food and beverage servers
65201 Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
65310 Light duty cleaners
65312 Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners
73201 General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
73300 Transport truck drivers
73400 Heavy Equipment operators (except crane)
75101 Material handlers
75110 Construction trades helpers and labourers
84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
85100 Livestock labourers
85101 Harvesting labourers
85111 Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers
94105 Metalworking and forging machine operators
94106 Machining tool operators
94120 Sawmill machine operators
94140 Process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated processing
94141 Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
94204 Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
94213 Industrial painters, coaters and Metal finishing process operators
95101 Labourers in Metal fabrication
95106 Labourers in food, beverage and associated product processing
95109 Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

Processing Time: 2 weeks

Assessment grid ( Check your points)

You need at least 60 points to be eligible for any of the streams:

Factor 1: Labour Market Success
Education and Training
Master’s or Doctorate degree. 23
Bachelor’s degree OR at least a three-year degree at a university or college. 20
Trade certification equivalent to journeyperson status in Saskatchewan. 20
Diploma equivalent to Canadian standards, involving a duration of more than one but less than three years at a university, college, trade or technical school, or another post-secondary institution. 15
Certificate equivalent to Canadian standards or completion of at least two semesters (but less than a two-year program) at a university, college, trade or technical school, or another post-secondary institution. 12
SKILLED WORK EXPERIENCE
  • Your work experience must relate to the job you have put on your application.
  • One year of work experience equals 12 full months.
 
a) Work experience in the 5 years prior to the application submission date. (Maximum 10 points)  
5 years 10
4 years 8
3 years 6
2 years 4
1 year 2
b) In the 6-10 years prior to the application submission date. (Maximum 5 points)  
5 years 5
4 years 4
3 years 3
2 years 2
Less than 1 year 0
LANGUAGE ABILITY
  • Check IRCC’s website to convert your IELTS, CELPIP or TEF scores to CLB 4-10.
 
a) First Language Test (English or French) (Maximum 20 points)  
CLB 8 and higher 20
CLB 7 18
CLB 6 16
CLB 5 14
CLB 4 12
English or French speaker without language test results. 0
b) Second Language Test (English or French) (Maximum 10 points)  
 CLB 8 or higher 10
 CLB 7 8
 CLB 6 6
 CLB 5 4
 CLB 4 2
 Not Applicable 0
AGE  
Less than 18 years 0
18 – 21 years 8
22 – 34 years 12
35 – 45 years 10
46 – 50 years 8
More than 50 years 0
MAXIMUM POINTS FOR FACTOR I 80

Factor 2: Connection to Saskatchewan

The following points are for the Employment Offer subcategory only:
High-skilled employment offer from a Saskatchewan employer 30
The following points are for the Occupation In-Demand and Saskatchewan Express Entry subcategories only
Close family relative in Saskatchewan
  • Applicants or their accompanying spouse with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Saskatchewan, not supporting other relatives, may be eligible. Eligible family includes parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, first cousins, step-family, and in-laws. The relative in Saskatchewan must meet ISW sub-category requirements, and if they’ve supported others previously, provide proof of successful settlement for at least six months.
20
Past work experience in Saskatchewan
  • At least 12 months of work in the past five years on a valid work permit.
5
Past student experience in Saskatchewan
  • At least one full-time academic year at a recognized Saskatchewan post-secondary education institution on a valid study permit.
5
Maximum Points for Factor 2 30
Maximum Points Total: 1 + 2 = 110

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much fees is required for SINP?

Processing fees for SINP are $350 CAD which is non refundable.

How much minimum score is required for SINP International Skilled Worker?

You will be required a minimum of 60 score for International skilled worker stream for SNIP.

How long does it take to process?

Processing Times:

  • Employment Offer – 3 weeks
  • Occupation In-Demand – 26 weeks
  • Express Entry – 25 weeks
  • Tech Talent Pathway – 2 weeks
  • Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot – 2 weeks

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