Saskatchewan SINP Requirements (2026): Eligibility Criteria and Key Documents

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Saskatchewan SINP requirements (eligibility, points, and documents)

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is Saskatchewan’s provincial pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Requirements depend on the stream you apply under, and some streams use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system where you must be invited before you can submit a full application. The best starting point is the official SINP program hub on Saskatchewan’s website.


SINP streams you should understand first

Most applicants fall into one of these two groups:

  • International Skilled Worker (often for people outside Saskatchewan or without Saskatchewan work history): see Saskatchewan’s official page for International Skilled Workers.

  • Saskatchewan Experience (for people already living and working in Saskatchewan): see Saskatchewan’s official page for Applicants with Saskatchewan Experience.

These two groups contain multiple sub-streams, and the requirements can be different even within the same group.


The SINP “60 points” requirement (what it actually means)

For key skilled worker streams, Saskatchewan states you must score at least 60 points out of 110 on the SINP points grid to be considered eligible. You can review the official scoring factors and the grid on Saskatchewan’s Assess Your Eligibility page.

Saskatchewan’s points are mainly based on:

  • Education and training

  • Skilled work experience

  • Language ability

  • Age

  • Saskatchewan connections (adaptability)

Important: Getting 60 points can make you eligible, but it does not guarantee an invitation if your stream uses EOI. Saskatchewan explains how EOI works on its official International Skilled Worker EOI system page.


International Skilled Worker streams: key requirements (reader-friendly)

1) Occupations In-Demand (no job offer, EOI required)

This stream is for skilled candidates without a Saskatchewan job offer.

Key things Saskatchewan highlights on its official Occupations In-Demand page include:

  • You usually start by submitting an EOI

  • You must meet the minimum points requirement

  • You must meet the stream’s education, experience, and language requirements

  • Your occupation must be eligible

A major limitation is that some occupations are restricted or excluded for this pathway. Saskatchewan explains this on its Occupation restrictions and requirements page (this is where you will find links to excluded occupation information).


2) Saskatchewan Express Entry (EOI + federal Express Entry required)

This stream is for candidates who meet SINP requirements and also have a valid federal Express Entry profile.

Saskatchewan’s official Saskatchewan Express Entry page explains that you generally need:

  • A valid Express Entry profile (with the correct numbers/codes)

  • SINP eligibility and points requirements

  • Work experience and language results that meet the stream conditions

If you receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream, IRCC explains how provincial nominations fit into the federal process on the official Provincial nominees page.


3) Employment Offer (job offer required)

If you have a Saskatchewan job offer, this stream can be a practical route.

Saskatchewan explains the core requirements on its official International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer page, including that the job offer typically must be in an eligible skill level (and not in excluded categories).

Employer steps matter a lot here. Saskatchewan outlines the employer process—including job approval and related requirements—on its official page about hiring workers for permanent jobs under SINP. In many employer-driven cases, the employer may need to complete steps like registration and job approval before you can submit your SINP application.


Saskatchewan Experience stream: a common pathway for people already in Saskatchewan

If you already live and work in Saskatchewan, one of the most common options is Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit.

Saskatchewan’s official page for Applicants With Existing Work Permit explains typical requirements such as:

  • You are working in Saskatchewan on a valid work permit

  • You have a qualifying job offer from a Saskatchewan employer

  • Some cases require employer approval documentation (depending on stream rules)


Language requirements (what to check before you apply)

Language rules vary depending on the stream. Saskatchewan maintains an official Language requirements for SINP page where they explain:

  • Which language tests are accepted

  • How recent the test results must be

  • Minimum language levels for certain streams

Even if the minimum is not high in some pathways, your language score can still affect your competitiveness in EOI-based selection.


Documents: what usually causes delays or refusals

SINP decisions depend heavily on whether your documents support what you claimed in your profile or application.

The most common risk areas:

  • NOC mismatch (job duties do not match the NOC you selected)

  • Weak work reference letters (missing duties, dates, hours, wage, or employer details)

  • Education proof issues (missing transcripts/credentials; ECA where needed)

  • Language results problems (expired tests, wrong test type, or not meeting the stream minimum)

A good habit is to build your documents like a “proof chain”: every claim you make should be backed by a document that clearly supports it.


Processing limits and program updates (why eligibility isn’t always enough)

SINP operates with annual nomination limits and program priorities. Saskatchewan publishes program trends and processing-related information on its SINP processing statistics page.

This matters because:

  • Some streams may open/close intake

  • Selection may focus on certain occupations or sectors

  • EOI invitations can fluctuate based on labour needs

Always check the official SINP pages close to the time you plan to submit an EOI or application.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a job offer for SINP?

Not always. Saskatchewan’s Assess Your Eligibility page explains pathways that may not require a job offer, while other streams (like Employment Offer and many Saskatchewan Experience options) do.

What is an EOI in SINP?

An EOI is an online profile used to rank candidates for certain SINP pathways. Saskatchewan explains the full flow on its official EOI system page.

What if my occupation is on the excluded list?

If your occupation is excluded for certain International Skilled Worker pathways, you may still be eligible through a different SINP stream (such as an employer-driven option), depending on the rules. Saskatchewan explains the restrictions on the Occupation restrictions and requirements page.


Reality check (important before you plan around SINP)

SINP can be a strong pathway, but it is not automatic. Key limitations include:

  • EOI-based streams are competitive (no invitation guarantee)

  • Employer-driven streams depend on employer readiness and approvals

  • Program priorities and eligible occupations can change

The safest approach is to pick one SINP stream, read its official page carefully, and prepare documents that clearly match the requirements.

If you tell me which situation matches you (outside Canada / in Saskatchewan on a work permit / international student / have Saskatchewan job offer), I can rewrite this as a shorter, more focused SINP guide for that exact stream.

Official government sources used

Saskatchewan SINP main page:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program

Assess your eligibility (points grid):
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/assess-your-eligibility

International Skilled Worker – EOI system:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers/international-skilled-worker-eoi-system

International Skilled Worker – Occupations In-Demand:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers/international-skilled-worker-occupations-in-demand

International Skilled Worker – Saskatchewan Express Entry:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers/international-skilled-worker-saskatchewan-express-entry

International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers/international-skilled-worker-with-employment-offer

Language requirements for SINP:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/language-requirements-for-sinp

SINP processing statistics + 2026 sector caps/allocation:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/sinp-processing-statistics

SINP occupation restrictions + excluded occupation list link:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/live-in-saskatchewan/by-immigrating/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program/browse-sinp-programs/applicants-international-skilled-workers/occupation-restrictions-and-requirements

SINP: hiring workers + Job Approval Letter (JAL) and COR:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/hire-a-foreign-worker/recruit-and-hire-workers-with-sinp/hiring-workers-for-permanent-jobs

IRCC: Immigrate as a provincial nominee:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html

IRCC: Provincial nominees (non-Express Entry) – apply:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/non-express-entry/apply.html

IRCC: Bridging open work permit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/pr-work-permits/bridging.html

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