The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers the Tech Talent Pathway to attract skilled technology and innovation sector workers to the province. This pathway is available to candidates applying through both Express Entry and Non-Express Entry streams. Below is an overview of the eligibility criteria and application process for each stream.
Eligibility Criteria
Common Requirements for Both Streams:
Job Offer: A permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible technology or innovation occupation is required. The employer must provide a valid SINP Job Approval Letter.
Education: Candidates must have post-secondary education related to the job offer, such as a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, a three-year degree at a university or college, or a diploma requiring two years at a post-secondary institution.
Licensing (if applicable): For occupations like Computer Engineers (NOC 21311), Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 21231), Data Scientists (NOC 21211), and Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310), candidates must be eligible for professional licensing in Saskatchewan.
Additional Requirements for Non-Express Entry Stream:
Work Experience:
- – If currently working for the employer in Saskatchewan: At least six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience in the same job.
- – If not currently working for the employer: At least one year of high-skilled related work experience in the past five years in the intended eligible occupation.
Language Proficiency:
– If currently working for the employer: The employer assesses language ability.
– If not currently working for the employer: Proof of English and/or French language ability of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher.
Additional Requirements for Express Entry Stream:
Express Entry Profile: Candidates must have a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
Language Proficiency: Candidates must meet the federal Express Entry language requirements, which typically require higher proficiency than the Non-Express Entry stream.
Work Experience:
- – If currently working for the employer in Saskatchewan: At least six months (780 hours) of full-time work experience in the same job.
- – If not currently working for the employer: At least one year of high-skilled related work experience in the past five years in the intended eligible occupation.
Occupations are eligible through this stream
| NOC | Occupation Titles |
| 20012 | Computer and information systems managers |
| 21310 | Electrical and Electronics engineers |
| 21311 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
| 21211 | Data Scientist |
| 21220 | Cybersecurity specialists |
| 21221 | Business system specialist |
| 21222 | Information System specialist |
| 21223 | Database analysts and data administrator |
| 21231 | Software engineers and designers |
| 21230 | Computer systems developers and programmers |
| 21232 | Software developers and programmers |
| 21234 | Web developers and programmers |
| 21233 | Web designers |
| 22220 | Computer network and web technicians |
| 22221 | User support technicians |
| 22222 | Information systems testing technicians |
Application Process
Obtain a Job Offer: Secure a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer in an eligible occupation.
Receive a Job Approval Letter: The employer must apply for and receive a Job Approval Letter from the SINP.
Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents, including proof of education, work experience, language proficiency, and licensing (if applicable).
Submit Application:
– For Non-Express Entry: Apply directly through the SINP online portal.
– For Express Entry: Ensure you have an active Express Entry profile and submit your application through the SINP online portal, including your Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
Await Nomination: If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan.
Apply for Permanent Residency:
- – For Non-Express Entry: Submit your permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a provincial nominee.
- – For Express Entry: Accept the provincial nomination in your Express Entry profile, which will award you additional points and expedite the permanent residency process.
