International Graduate Entrepreneur

Program Closure Notice (27 Mar 2025)

• Effective March 27 2025 the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program permanently closed all Entrepreneur and Farm immigration pathways.
• No new applications, EOIs or invitations will be accepted.
• Existing files will continue to completion.

1. Category Overview

Through the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category international students graduating from a Saskatchewan institution could apply to the SINP to operate a business and later obtain permanent residence.

2. Four-Step Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) submission
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA) - highest-scoring EOIs invited
3. Business Establishment - operate the proposed business on a valid PGWP
4. Nomination - after meeting the Business Performance Agreement (BPA)

3. Expression-of-Interest (EOI) System

3.1 Key Points

• An EOI is not an application; it expresses interest and self-assesses points.
• Only candidates meeting all Minimum Eligibility Criteria may submit an EOI.
• EOIs are ranked; top scores receive an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA).

3.2 Submitting an EOI

1. Review eligibility requirements.

2. Complete the online EOI; ensure status shows submitted.

3. Keep all answers accurate and truthful (no uploads at this stage).

4. EOIs remain in the pool for 12 months.

• Unselected EOIs expire; you may resubmit.
• You may switch an EOI back to Pending to edit (changes reset submission date).There is no fee for an EOI or application.

4. Invitation to Apply

• Selection is based on the points grid in effect at EOI submission.
• ISA letter includes a file number; you have 30 calendar days to:
  - Complete and submit the full online application.
  - Upload all supporting documents (with certified translations + translator affidavit if required).
• Failure to submit by the deadline closes the ISA; you must file a new EOI.

5. Minimum Eligibility Criteria - EOI Stage

• Age ≥ 21 years
• Full-time ≥ 2-year post-secondary degree/diploma from a Saskatchewan DLI
• Valid Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) with ≥ 24 months left
• Physical residency in Saskatchewan during studies (no distance/accelerated programs)
• Language: minimum CLB 7

6. Requirements After ITA & Approval

6.1 While Operating the Business

• Reside in Saskatchewan and actively manage the enterprise for ≥ 1 year.
• Own ≥ 33 % of the equity (personal investment, eligible sources).
• Generate minimum required revenue (see Eligible Sources of Investment/Revenue in Guide).
• Sign and comply with the Business Performance Agreement (BPA).

6.2 BPA & Approval Letter

• BPA term = 24 months (industry & milestones defined)
• Signed BPA must be uploaded within 20 days
• SINP Approval Letter follows - this is not a nomination

7. Application Assessment & Second Review

• SINP verifies eligibility, EOI points, BEP viability.
• Additional info/interview may be requested.
• Applicants deemed ineligible may request Second Review within 45 days; only original materials considered.

8. Eligible Businesses

A business must deliver economic benefit, e.g.:

• Value-added manufacturing/processing, exports, tourism, R&D, tech commercialisation
• New/innovative approaches, tech transfer, filling under-served markets

Buying an existing Saskatchewan business:

• Continuous operation ≥ 3 years by same owner
• Maintain staff levels & remuneration

9. Documents & Forms

9.1 Document Upload Rules

• Clear, readable copies only.
• If not English/French ➜ upload: original + translation + translator affidavit.
• Translations cannot be by spouse, family, or paid third-party who prepared the file.

9.2 Provincial Forms

• Application Guide - International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• SINP Document Checklist
• Translator Affidavit
• Business Establishment Activity Report
• Ethical Conduct Disclosure & Applicant Declaration / Consent
• Application for Nomination for Permanent Residence

9.3 Federal Forms

• IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form
• Schedule A (IMM 5669)
• Schedule 4 / 4A - Economic Classes
• Additional Dependants / Family Information (IMM 5406)
• IMM 5476 - Use of Representative
• IMM 5475 - Authority to Release Personal Information
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
• Employer Portal User Guide - TWP

10. Establishing Your Business & Nomination

1. Operate for ≥ 12 months; submit Business Establishment Progress Report at month 12.
2. When BPA terms and revenue thresholds are met ➜ apply for nomination.
3. SINP may conduct a site visit or in-person interview; absence without notice can lead to refusal.
4. Approved nominations sent to IRCC; maintain business until PR issued.

11. Permanent Residence with IRCC

• Maintain legal status (TWP) throughout PR processing.
• IRCC performs health, security, criminal checks; may request BPA/BEP.
• SINP not responsible for IRCC

12. Representatives & Designated Individuals

• Representation optional; must be a Canadian lawyer in good standing or a Saskatchewan-licensed consultant.
• Use IMM 5476 for representatives; IMM 5475 for non-representative info-

13. Key Notes & Program Integrity

• BPA change requests are not considered once signed; notify SINP only of relocations within same location type.
• Misrepresentation or failure to operate the business risks nomination revocation.
• SINP does not issue PGWP extensions; expedited nomination assessment may be considered at SINP discretion to enable a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) after PR submission.