NEW Immigration Program: Hard-to-fill Skills Pilot Program under SINP

What is SNIP? 

Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) is an immigration stream provincially initiated by and for Saskatchewan to attract hopeful immigrants and make Saskatchewan their home in Canada. Saskatchewan nominates candidates to the federal government and backs them for their permanent residency application. 

There are three major categories under SINP: 

• International Skilled Worker: for skilled workers who want to work and live in Saskatchewan.
• Saskatchewan Experience: for foreign nationals who already live and work in Saskatchewan.
• Entrepreneur and Farm: for those who plan to start a business or buy and operate a farm in Saskatchewan.

Among the three major categories, international students often apply through the Saskatchewan Experience which basically requires them to study and complete a post-secondary education in Canada, more preferably in Saskatchewan, to be nominated in SINP. 

Another way for aspiring immigrants to settle in Saskatchewan is to go through the International Skilled Worker category, which is a stream dedicated for international workers who are experienced in their trades. Saskatchewan has been experiencing a labor force shortage and has resorted to create another sub category under international skilled workers, a pilot program called “Hard-to-fill skills pilot program.” 

Hard-to-fill Skills Pilot Program Eligibility

As the name implies, the Hard-to-fill Skills Pilot Program is an immigration program that addresses labor shortages in the province of Saskatchewan. Through this pilot program, intermediate and low skilled workers who are in high demand occupation will be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency. However, bear in mind that, as any other pilot program, the hard-to fill-skill pilot program will have a quota and end date that is yet to be announced.

• Have at least one-year work experience in the past three years (in your intended occupation); or six months full-time (780 hours) working in Saskatchewan in the job.

• Have a language score of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
  • Some employers or regulators may ask for scores that are higher than CLB 4.

• Have completed the equivalent of Canadian secondary school (high school) or higher level education. If your studies were not completed in Canada, you will need to submit an Educational Credential Assessment.
  • Transport truck drivers require Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) to obtain a commercial Class 1 licence to drive semi trucks in Saskatchewan. Nominations issued for NOC 7511 – Transport Truck Drivers will be conditional until proof is provided to the SINP after you arrive that you have completed MELT training and have a valid Class 1 licence. This training is done while living in Saskatchewan.
• Have an SINP-approved offer for a permanent, full-time job in Saskatchewan. You will need a valid SINP Job Approval Letter from your employer to show proof.

SINP Applications to the pilot will be accepted starting January 15, 2022. Employers can submit the Job Approval Form for the pilot as of December 15, 2021.

Applicants who wish to apply under SINP can create an OASIS account – SINP’s online application system. If you have been selected, you will have to complete further requirements as mandated by IRCC before becoming a full-fledged Canadian permanent resident.