Common Questions About Immigrating to Saskatchewan
What is the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
(SINP)?
SINP is an immigration program under which the Province of
Saskatchewan selects individuals from other countries and nominates
them to the federal government for landed immigrant status. SINP
eligibility criteria reflect the specific needs of Saskatchewan’s
labour market and economy.
How do I apply under SINP?
You must complete a SINP application in one of five categories: Skilled
Workers, Health Professions, Entrepreneurs, Farm
Owner/Operators and Students. You
must also complete the appropriate federal application for
your category. Your SINP and federal applications will
be reviewed by SINP program officers. If you meet the
SINP eligibility criteria, you will be nominated to the federal
government. When you receive notice of your nomination,
you must then submit the federal application to the appropriate visa
office of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). CIC
will then review your file and complete health, security and
criminal background checks.
Do I need to meet the eligibility requirements
of federal immigration classes?
No. SINP’s eligibility criteria will be used to
assess your application. You will, however, be subject
to the federal government’s health, security and criminality
reviews, and could be asked to supply additional information
to CIC. In some cases, individuals may be approved under
Saskatchewan’s criteria that would be refused under federal
immigration classes.
How long will it take to get a visa under the SINP?
Processing times vary, however, successful SINP applications
typically receive visas considerably quicker than individuals
applying through federal immigration classes. In the
first two years of operating the SINP, the average time from
making the SINP application to receiving a visa was about eight
months.
Will I be interviewed by a federal immigration
officer?
This is unlikely.
Where do I submit the SINP application?
The address can be found on the SINP application forms for
each of the five categories.
Am I required to get a medical check done?
Yes. If you are nominated under the SINP, you will receive
instructions from the Canadian visa office on how to get medical
examinations done for you and your family members.
Will background checks be done on me?
Yes. SINP nominees and their adult family members undergo
security and criminality screening by CIC, as do all other
immigrants to Canada. This will occur when your nomination
is forwarded to the federal government by Saskatchewan Immigration
Branch.
What financial assets do I need under the SINP?
This varies among the five SINP categories. There are
no financial requirements under the Skilled
Workers, Health Professions and Students categories,
but federal guidelines recommend that immigrants arrive with
a minimum of $10,000 plus $2,000 for each dependent, or some
other source of financial support in Canada. Entrepreneurs should have financial resources appropriate
for their business plans in Saskatchewan. Farmers must
prove a net worth of $500,000 (Cdn).
I am eager to move as soon as possible. When
should I make arrangements to move to Saskatchewan?
Applicants should not make arrangements to move from their
current country of residence (such as quitting their job, selling
their house or business) until they are notified by Citizenship
and Immigration Canada that a visa is being issued to them.
I have applied for refugee status in Canada. Can
I also apply under SINP?
No. SINP will not process applications by individuals
who are applying in any other immigration category, including
a refugee claim.
I am working in Saskatchewan on a Temporary Work
Authorization and may qualify in a SINP category. Could
I be considered under SINP?
Yes.
I wish to immigrate to Canada and am willing to invest in a business
in Saskatchewan.
Am I eligible under SINP's Entrepreneur category?
Business applicants must show they intend to manage and operate
a business in Saskatchewan, not just invest in it, and that
they will live in Saskatchewan. Passive investments (investments
in a business without ongoing management responsibilities)
are not eligible. Individuals wishing to immigrate as
passive investors may apply under the federal Immigrant Investor
Program administered by CIC.
Do I need to get my trade or profession credentials
recognized in Saskatchewan before applying under SINP as
a Skilled Worker?
You must provide documented proof of your education, training,
occupational credentials and/or work experience that show you
can become eligible to work in your occupation in Saskatchewan
after your arrival. If necessary, SINP program officers
may ask you to have your credentials reviewed by a qualification
assessment organization or the regulatory body responsible
for your occupation in Saskatchewan. |