Saskatchewan SINP Guide 2026: Streams, Points Grid, and In-Demand Pathways

By Sana Mirfattah | Bright Tomorrows Immigration Services | Updated October 23, 2026

Saskatchewan SINP Guide 2026: Key Takeaways

• The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is one of Canada's most established Provincial Nominee Programs, offering direct routes to permanent residence for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.
• International Skilled Worker (ISW) Categories: Saskatchewan operates three key skilled worker pathways: Employment Offer, Occupations In-Demand (OID), and Saskatchewan Express Entry. Notably, both Occupations In-Demand and Saskatchewan Express Entry can be accessed without a job offer if your occupation is eligible and not on the provincial excluded list.
• Points Assessment Grid: Candidates applying under the International Skilled Worker sub-categories must score at least 60 out of 110 points across education, skilled work experience, language proficiency, age, and connection to Saskatchewan's labour market.
• Express Entry Alignment: Receiving a provincial nomination through the Saskatchewan Express Entry stream awards 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the federal Express Entry pool.
• Targeted Occupations: Saskatchewan evaluates occupations using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER system. Applications are assessed against Saskatchewan's in-demand criteria and designated excluded occupations list, prioritizing healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, agriculture, and information technology.

What is the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)?

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is an economic immigration program operated by the Government of Saskatchewan in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Through the SINP, the province nominates individuals who have the specific skills, education, and work experience required to fill local labour market gaps and settle successfully in Saskatchewan communities like Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert.

Once nominated by Saskatchewan, you can apply directly to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence. The federal government conducts mandatory medical, criminality, and security checks before granting permanent resident status.

Core SINP International Skilled Worker Streams

The International Skilled Worker category is the primary choice for foreign workers living abroad or temporarily working in Canada. It divides into three distinct streams:

1. Saskatchewan Express Entry (Sub-Category)

This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. It allows Saskatchewan to select qualified candidates from the federal pool who have work experience in an in-demand, non-excluded occupation.

Key Requirements:

• Have an active IRCC Express Entry profile with a Job Seeker Validation Code.
• Score a minimum of 60 out of 110 points on the SINP points assessment grid.
• Demonstrate language proficiency matching your federal Express Entry profile level.
• Hold post-secondary education or training of at least one year that is equivalent to the Canadian education system (verified by an Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA).
• Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in the past 10 years in a high-skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) that is related to your field of study and not on Saskatchewan's Excluded Occupations List.
• If your occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan, provide proof of provincial professional licensure or eligibility.

2. Occupations In-Demand (Sub-Category)

This base stream is designed for skilled workers who do not have an Express Entry profile and do not have a Canadian job offer, but possess strong experience in a Saskatchewan high-demand field.

Key Requirements:

• Score at least 60 out of 110 points on the SINP assessment grid.
• Achieve a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French.
• Completed post-secondary education, training, or apprenticeship of at least one year with an ECA.
• Have at least 1 year of paid work experience in the past 10 years in your field of education and training.
• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds unless currently working in Canada on a valid work permit.

3. Employment Offer (Sub-Category)

Designed for skilled professionals who have received a genuine, full-time, permanent job offer from an approved Saskatchewan employer.

Key Requirements:

• Score at least 60 out of 110 points on the SINP grid.
• Possess a valid SINP Job Approval Letter issued to the employer.
• Have at least 1 year of full-time paid work experience in the intended occupation within the past 10 years.
• Hold a minimum language score of CLB 4 (higher if required by the employer or regulatory body).

Understanding the 110-Point SINP Assessment Grid

To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the International Skilled Worker streams, you must meet the threshold of 60 points. The assessment grid evaluates two core sections:

Factor 1: Labour Market Success (Maximum 80 Points)

Factor 2: Connection to Saskatchewan Labour Market (Maximum 30 Points)

Candidates can earn points for established ties to Saskatchewan:

• High-Skilled Employment Offer: 30 points (requires a valid SINP Job Approval Letter).
• Close Family Relative in Saskatchewan: 20 points (Canadian citizen or PR parent, sibling, child, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, or grandparent living in the province).
• Past Work Experience in Saskatchewan: 5 points (at least 12 months on a valid work permit).
• Past Study Experience in Saskatchewan: 5 points (at least one full-time academic year at a recognized provincial institution).

Saskatchewan In-Demand and Excluded Occupations

Unlike provinces that only publish a narrow list of eligible occupations, the SINP uses an Excluded Occupations List approach for its Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry streams.

If your occupation is classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, you are eligible to apply as long as your NOC code is NOT explicitly listed on the SINP Excluded Occupations List.

High-demand sectors frequently drawn in Saskatchewan EOI invitation rounds include:

• Healthcare & Social Assistance: Registered nurses, medical technologists, physicians, healthcare aides, and allied health professionals.
• Technology & IT: Software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and computer network technicians.
• Engineering & Architecture: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineers.
• Skilled Trades & Construction: Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and heavy-duty equipment mechanics.
• Agriculture & Agribusiness: Agricultural managers, agronomy specialists, and food processing supervisors.

Note: For regulated professions (such as engineering, nursing, or teaching), SINP requires documentation from the provincial regulatory body confirming your credentials are recognized or under active assessment before your nomination can be approved.

Saskatchewan Experience and Entrepreneur Streams

Beyond international skilled workers, Saskatchewan provides dedicated immigration routes for individuals already in the province:

Saskatchewan Experience Category

For foreign nationals currently living and working in Saskatchewan with a valid temporary work permit:

• Existing Work Permit Stream: Requires 6 months of continuous work experience with the same employer holding an approved SINP job offer.
• Health Professionals: For physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff with 6 months of Saskatchewan clinical experience.
• Hospitality Sector Pilot: For food and beverage servers, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and housekeeping staff who have completed at least 6 months with an approved employer.
• Long-Haul Truck Driver Stream: For commercial drivers working for an approved Saskatchewan trucking firm for at least 6 months.
• Students Stream: For graduates of recognized Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions with at least 6 months (or 960 hours) of paid provincial work experience.

Entrepreneur Category

For experienced business owners or senior managers seeking to establish, acquire, or partner in a business in Saskatchewan. Applicants must have a verifiable net worth of at least $500,000 CAD and commit to investing a minimum of $300,000 CAD in Regina or Saskatoon, or $200,000 CAD in all other Saskatchewan communities.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Navigating the SINP follows a structured path from profile submission to permanent residence:

1. Confirm Eligibility & Calculate Points: Verify that you meet the mandatory criteria and score at least 60 points on the 110-point assessment grid.
2. Obtain ECA & Language Tests: Complete an approved English (CELPIP, IELTS, or PTE Core) or French (TEF or TCF Canada) test and secure an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign diplomas.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an account on the SINP online portal (OASIS) and submit your profile. Profiles remain valid for 12 months.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Saskatchewan conducts periodic EOI selection rounds targeting specific NOC codes and minimum point scores.
5. Submit Complete SINP Application: You have 60 days from receiving an ITA to upload all supporting employment reference letters, financial records, and civil status documents, paying the provincial processing fee of $350 CAD.
6. Provincial Nomination: Upon approval, you receive a provincial nomination certificate.
   • For Express Entry candidates, accepting the nomination in the federal portal adds 600 CRS points immediately.
   • For base stream candidates, submit a non-Express Entry PR application via the IRCC PR portal.
7. Federal PR Approval: Complete background checks, submit biometrics, and receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Plan Your Saskatchewan Pathway with Bright Tomorrows

Choosing between Saskatchewan Express Entry, Occupations In-Demand, or employer-sponsored PNP streams requires careful alignment between your educational background, occupational licensing, and provincial labour priorities.

Book a personalized consultation with Bright Tomorrows Immigration Services for a comprehensive review of your eligibility, SINP points calculation, and strategic PR roadmap.

This guide provides general informational guidance on immigration policy and does not constitute formal legal advice. Criteria, fees, and provincial occupation lists are subject to change. Verify live regulations with provincial authorities and IRCC before submitting.