Saskatchewan Immigration
Students
Step-by-step eligibility, work-experience rules, job-offer and document checklist for Saskatchewan graduates seeking permanent residence through the SINP Students stream.
Important update (March 27, 2025): Only graduates of Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who (1) lived in the province during their studies, and (2) completed at least six months (780 paid hours) of in-province, field-related work are currently eligible. The annual 25% nomination cap for Accommodation & Food Service, Retail Trade and Trucking occupations has already been reached for 2025; new applications in those NOC codes will be refused until the cap is reset.
1. Program Snapshot
Graduates from a Saskatchewan DLI who hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or CUAET open work permit can obtain a SINP nomination when they secure a full-time, permanent job in their field of study (NOC TEER 0-3 or a designated trade) and meet the additional criteria below.
2. Eligibility Checklist
Requirement | Key Points |
|---|---|
Saskatchewan Credential | Certificate, diploma, or degree from a DLI in Saskatchewan. |
Work-Permit Type | PGWP or CUAET open work permit (still valid). |
In-Province, Field-Related Work | ≥ 6 months / 780 paid hours (on-/off-campus, co-op, fellowships, PGWP employment). |
Language | Minimum CLB 4 only if the offer is in a TEER 4-5 designated trade. |
Residency Proof | Must show continuous Saskatchewan residence during studies and work period. |
Cap Awareness | No new nominations in capped NOC sectors until further notice. |
3. Who Cannot Apply
- Refugee claimants.
- Students still completing their program.
- PGWP holders who graduated outside Saskatchewan.
- Applicants missing required documents, unable to prove intent to reside, or found to have misrepresented information.
4. Application Workflow
4.1 Create SINP Account
1. Sign into the SINP online portal and start a Students application.
2. Complete every section; partial submissions closed without refund.
4.2 Upload Documents
All files PDF; originals kept on hand. Non-English/French docs must include:
- Source copy
- Certified translation
- Translator affidavit (not a family member/spouse/paid representative).
4.3 Submit & Wait
The SINP queues your file against the federal nomination quota for the year. Processing times vary; missing or unverified data leads to closure and restart.
5. Document Checklist
5.1 Identity & Civil Status
- Birth certificates (showing both parents) for you, spouse/partner, each dependent.
- Marriage, divorce, death, separation documents as applicable.
- Adoption papers if relevant.
5.2 Passport
Scans of bio-data pages (and resident visa if living outside nationality).
5.3 Work Permit
Valid PGWP or CUAET.
5.4 Saskatchewan Work Experience
- Employer letter(s) verifying job title, duties, dates, hours.
- Pay-stubs and/or Record of Employment.
- Experience must total ≥ 780 paid hours and be tied to your field of study.
5.5 Education
- Saskatchewan credential + official transcript.
5.6 Job Offer Package
- Employer letter with title, wage, duties, location, contact info (on letterhead, signed).
- SINP Job Approval Letter (employer obtains online).
5.7 Language Proof (if TEER 4-5 trade)
Accepted tests & CLB-4 minima:
Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS GT | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 |
CELPIP-G | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
PTE Core | 28 – 38 | 33 – 41 | 41 – 50 | 42 – 50 |
TEF Canada | 145 | 121 | 181 | 181 |
TCF Canada | 331 | 342 | 4 | 4 |
5.8 Proof of Residency
- Saskatchewan health card, driver’s licence (SGI) or other provincial ID.
5.9 Regulatory/Licensing (if regulated occupation)
Evidence of eligibility to practise (see provincial regulator).
6. After Nomination
If nominated, apply to IRCC for permanent residence within the deadline on your nomination certificate. Maintain residency and employment in Saskatchewan throughout the PR process.
7. Using Representatives
Representation is optional. If chosen, the consultant must be:
- A Canadian lawyer in good standing or
- A Saskatchewan-licensed immigration consultant.
Always review provincial protections for foreign workers.
8. Key Reminders & Updates
- Monitor SINP website for cap re-openings or policy tweaks.
- Keep your PGWP/CUAET permit valid through the nomination stage.
- Jobs in capped NOC sectors will not be processed until allocation resets.
- Ensure translations meet IRCC standards to avoid closure.
- Store originals; SINP may request them anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine part-time or non-consecutive jobs to reach the 780-hour work-experience minimum?
Yes. The SINP accepts any mix of on-campus, off-campus, co-op, graduate fellowship or PGWP employment as long as the roles are paid, add up to at least six months (780 hours) and are related to your Saskatchewan program of study. The hours do not have to be consecutive.
Do I really need a SINP Job Approval Letter (JAL) before I apply?
Absolutely. Your Saskatchewan employer must create an online account, register the position and obtain a Job Approval Letter (JAL) from the SINP before you file your nomination application. Submitting without an approved JAL leads to automatic refusal.
I graduated outside Saskatchewan but hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Am I eligible?
No. Since March 27 2025 only graduates of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Saskatchewan who also gained their 780 hours of in-province, program-related work experience can use this stream. Graduates from other provinces or countries must choose a different SINP category.
What are the language requirements if my job offer is in a TEER 4 or 5 designated trade?
You need at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in every skill on an approved test (IELTS G, CELPIP-G, PTE Core, TEF or TCF). Higher scores may be demanded by employers or regulators, but CLB 4 is the SINP minimum for this sub-category.