Last Updated: December 2025 | A comprehensive guide for Filipino immigrants exploring Saskatchewan’s provincial nominee program
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers skilled workers a pathway to permanent residence in one of Canada’s most affordable and welcoming provinces. While the program underwent significant changes in 2025, Saskatchewan remains an excellent destination for Filipinos with in-demand skills in healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
Important 2025 Program Changes
The federal government reduced Saskatchewan’s nomination allocation by 50% in 2025, leading to major program restructuring. Here’s what you need to know:
| Change | Details | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Reduction | 50% cut (from ~8,000 to ~4,000 nominations) | 2025 |
| Priority for In-Canada Residents | 75% of nominations reserved for temporary residents already in Canada | 2025 |
| Entrepreneur Pathways Closed | Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator permanently closed | March 27, 2025 |
| Sector Caps | 25% cap on Accommodations & Food Services, Retail Trade, and Trucking sectors | 2025 |
| Priority Sectors | Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades prioritized for overseas recruitment | March 27, 2025 |
Why Choose Saskatchewan?
Despite the 2025 changes, Saskatchewan offers compelling advantages:
- Affordable Living – Lowest cost of living among major Canadian provinces
- Strong Job Market – High demand in healthcare, agriculture, and trades
- Growing Filipino Community – Established communities in Regina and Saskatoon
- +600 CRS Points – Provincial nomination adds 600 points to Express Entry profiles
- Lower Language Requirements – Minimum CLB 4 for some streams
- No Job Offer Required – For Occupation In-Demand and Express Entry streams
SINP Streams Overview
The SINP currently operates 2 main categories for skilled workers (after March 2025 closures):
| Category | Sub-Streams | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| International Skilled Worker | • Saskatchewan Express Entry • Occupation In-Demand • Employment Offer • Health/Agriculture/Tech Talent Pathways | Skilled workers outside Canada or with job offers |
| Saskatchewan Experience | • Skilled Worker • Health Professionals • Hospitality Sector • Long-Haul Truck Driver • Students | Workers already in Saskatchewan |
International Skilled Worker Category
This category is for skilled workers who want to live in Saskatchewan permanently. It includes several sub-streams based on your situation.
Saskatchewan Express Entry
This stream is linked to the federal Express Entry system. If nominated, you receive 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Must have active Express Entry profile with Profile Number and Job Seeker Code |
| SINP Points | Minimum 60 points on SINP assessment grid (out of 110) |
| Work Experience | 1+ year skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in past 10 years |
| Education | Post-secondary education equivalent to Canadian standards |
| Language | CLB 4 minimum |
| Settlement Funds | Proof of funds for 3+ months before application |
Occupation In-Demand
For skilled workers without a job offer whose occupation is in demand in Saskatchewan.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| SINP Points | Minimum 60 points on assessment grid |
| Occupation | Must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 and NOT on the Excluded Occupation List |
| Work Experience | 1+ year full-time (30+ hours/week) skilled work experience in past 10 years |
| Education | Post-secondary education comparable to Canadian standards |
| Language | CLB 4 minimum (CLB 7+ recommended for competitive EOI score) |
| Settlement Funds | Based on family size, maintained 3+ months before application |
Employment Offer
For international skilled workers with a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer.
- Employer must obtain Job Approval Form (JAF) from SINP
- Job offer must be full-time, permanent position
- Minimum 60 points on SINP grid (30 points from employment offer alone)
- CLB 4 minimum language requirement
Note: As of March 2025, overseas recruitment is only supported for Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades sectors. All other sectors require candidates already working in Canada.
Specialized Talent Pathways
Saskatchewan has created priority pathways for high-demand sectors:
- Health Talent Pathway – For healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, technicians)
- Agriculture Talent Pathway – For agricultural workers and farm supervisors
- Tech Talent Pathway – For IT professionals and software developers
Saskatchewan Experience Category
For individuals who have already gained work experience in Saskatchewan on a valid work permit.
Skilled Worker Sub-Category
- 6+ months of employment with a Saskatchewan employer
- Valid work permit or work authorization
- Job offer for permanent, full-time position
- NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- CLB 4 minimum
Health Professionals Sub-Category
- Currently working as a physician, nurse, or other health professional in Saskatchewan
- Valid work permit and job offer
- Appropriate licensing or eligibility for licensing
Students Sub-Category (2025 Restrictions)
New 2025 Requirements:
- Graduate from a Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institution
- Minimum 6 months (780 hours) of paid employment in your field of study
- Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Job offer from Saskatchewan employer
SINP Points System
The SINP uses a points-based assessment grid. You need minimum 60 points out of 110 to be eligible.
Factor I: Labour Market Success (Maximum 80 Points)
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master’s or Doctorate (Canadian equivalent) | 23 |
| Bachelor’s or 3+ year degree | 20 | |
| Trade certification (journeyperson in SK) | 20 | |
| 2-year diploma | 15 | |
| Certificate or 2 semesters post-secondary | 12 | |
| Work Experience (Last 5 years) | 5 years | 10 |
| 4 years | 8 | |
| 3 years | 6 | |
| 2 years | 4 | |
| 1 year | 2 | |
| Language (First Language) | CLB 8+ | 20 |
| CLB 7 | 18 | |
| CLB 6 | 16 | |
| CLB 5 | 14 | |
| CLB 4 | 12 | |
| Age | 22-34 years | 12 |
| 35-45 years | 10 | |
| 18-21 or 46-50 years | 8 | |
| Under 18 or over 50 | 0 |
Factor II: Connection to Saskatchewan (Maximum 30 Points)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Employment Offer (Employment Offer sub-category only) | 30 |
| Close relative in Saskatchewan (Canadian citizen or PR) | 20 |
| Past work experience in Saskatchewan (12+ months, valid permit) | 5 |
| Past student experience in Saskatchewan (1+ academic year) | 5 |
Recent SINP Draws
Important: Due to the 50% federal allocation cut and requirement that 75% of nominations go to in-Canada residents, EOI draws have been paused in 2025 for International Skilled Worker streams.
2024 Draw Results (Historical Reference)
| Date | Stream | Invitations | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 12, 2024 | Express Entry | 57 | 88 |
| September 12, 2024 | Occupation In-Demand | 32 | 88 |
| June 13, 2024 | Express Entry | 88 | 88 |
| June 13, 2024 | Occupation In-Demand | 32 | 88 |
| March 7, 2024 | Express Entry | 21 | 89 |
| March 7, 2024 | Occupation In-Demand | 14 | 89 |
Note: When draws resume, expect higher cutoff scores (88-90+) due to reduced allocations.
In-Demand Occupations
Saskatchewan accepts 218 occupations under the Occupation In-Demand stream. All NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations are eligible except those on the Excluded Occupation List.
Priority Sectors (2025)
These sectors are prioritized for overseas recruitment:
Healthcare
- Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
- Nurse Aides and Orderlies (NOC 33102)
- Physicians and Specialists
- Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
Agriculture
- Agricultural Managers (NOC 80020)
- Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030)
- Agricultural Equipment Operators (NOC 84120)
- General Farm Workers (NOC 85100)
Skilled Trades
- Electricians (NOC 72200)
- Plumbers (NOC 72300)
- Welders (NOC 72106)
- Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400)
- Carpenters (NOC 72310)
- HVAC Mechanics (NOC 72402)
Technology
- Software Engineers (NOC 21231)
- Computer Systems Developers (NOC 21230)
- Web Developers (NOC 21234)
- Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
- Database Analysts (NOC 21223)
Sectors with 25% Cap (May Be Full)
- Accommodations and Food Services
- Retail Trade
- Trucking
Note: These sectors reached their 2025 cap. Applications in these sectors may not be processed until the cap resets.
Language Requirements
| Test | CLB 4 Minimum | CLB 7 (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS General | L: 4.5, R: 3.5, W: 4.0, S: 4.0 | L: 6.0, R: 6.0, W: 6.0, S: 6.0 |
| CELPIP-General | All sections: 4 | All sections: 7 |
| PTE Core | L: 28-38, R: 33-41, W: 41-50, S: 42-50 | L: 50-59, R: 60-68, W: 69-78, S: 68-78 |
| TEF Canada (French) | L: 145, R: 121, W: 181, S: 181 | L: 249, R: 207, W: 310, S: 310 |
Note: Test results are valid for 2 years maximum.
Processing Times and Fees
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| EOI Assessment | Ongoing (when draws resume) |
| Provincial Application | 3-6 months |
| Federal PR Application | 12-18 months (standard) 6 months (Express Entry) |
Application Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| EOI Submission | Free |
| Provincial Application Fee | $500 (non-refundable) |
| Federal PR Application | $1,365 (principal applicant) |
How to Apply
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Calculate your SINP points using the assessment grid
- Ensure you have minimum 60 points
- Verify your occupation is eligible (not on Excluded List)
- Take an approved language test
Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Create an account on SINP Online (OASIS)
- Complete your EOI profile with accurate information
- Submit your EOI – it’s free to submit
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score meets the draw cutoff
Step 3: Submit Full Application
- If invited, gather all required documents
- Submit complete application within 60 days of ITA
- Pay the $500 provincial application fee
- Provide supporting documentation proving all claimed points
Step 4: Receive Provincial Nomination
- If approved, receive provincial nomination certificate
- Apply for federal PR through standard process OR
- If you have Express Entry profile, accept nomination for +600 CRS points
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Language test results (within 2 years)
- Educational credentials with transcripts
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials
- Employment letters on company letterhead
- Settlement funds evidence (bank statements for 3+ months)
- Settlement plan (via IRCC’s Come to Canada tool)
- Professional licensing/certification (if applicable)
- Identity and civil status documents
Critical: Missing documents result in application rejection with no fee refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SINP draws happening in 2025?
As of late 2025, EOI draws for International Skilled Worker streams have been paused due to reduced federal allocations. The SINP is prioritizing candidates already in Canada with valid work permits. Check the official SINP website for updates on when draws will resume.
Can I apply from the Philippines without a job offer?
Yes, through the Occupation In-Demand or Saskatchewan Express Entry streams if your occupation qualifies and you score 60+ points. However, in 2025, overseas recruitment is prioritized only for Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades sectors.
What SINP score do I need to get invited?
Recent draws (2024) had cutoffs of 88-89 points. With reduced allocations in 2025, expect scores of 88-90+ when draws resume. The higher your score, the better your chances.
Is Saskatchewan Express Entry different from federal Express Entry?
Yes. Saskatchewan Express Entry is a provincial stream that works alongside federal Express Entry. If nominated by Saskatchewan, you receive 600 additional CRS points in the federal system, virtually guaranteeing a PR invitation.
What if I’m a caregiver or work in trucking/retail?
These sectors have reached their 2025 cap (25% of allocations). Applications in Accommodations & Food Services, Retail Trade, and Trucking may not be processed until the cap resets. Consider other provinces like Manitoba or Ontario.
Explore Other Provincial Programs
Each Canadian province has its own nominee program. Compare your options:
- Ontario OINP Guide – Canada’s largest province with the biggest Filipino community
- BC PNP Guide – Second-largest Filipino population, tech hub
- Alberta AAIP Guide – Strong job market in healthcare and skilled trades
- Manitoba MPNP Guide – High approval rates and lower cost of living
How JCA Law Office Can Help
As a Toronto-based firm with deep connections to the Filipino community, JCA Law Office provides expert guidance on Saskatchewan immigration:
- Eligibility assessment – Determine if SINP is right for you given 2025 changes
- Points optimization – Maximize your SINP score for competitive draws
- Alternative pathway advice – If SINP doesn’t fit, explore Manitoba, Alberta, or Ontario
- Document preparation – Ensure your application is complete and accurate
- Express Entry coordination – Link provincial nomination to Express Entry
- Employer connections – Guidance for job offer pathways
📞 Call us today: 1-855-522-5290
📧 Email: immigration@jcalaw.ca
Related Resources
Explore our other provincial immigration guides:
- Filipino Immigrant Guide to Canada – From Visa to PR (Main Guide)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Complete Guide
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Guide
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Guide
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Guide
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and SINP requirements change frequently. The 2025 program year has seen significant changes. For personalized advice on your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant.
Filipino-Canadians outside Saskatchewan can work remotely with our Toronto immigration team.