Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Entrepreneur Category

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers an Entrepreneur Category aimed at foreign nationals who want to start or partner in a business in Saskatchewan. Applicants in this category are expected to actively manage their business. As of March 14, the SINP has introduced new eligibility and selection criteria.

Key Changes and Application Process:

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must now meet updated qualifications, including a minimum of CAD 500,000 in net assets (business and personal) and at least three years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience within the past decade.

Investment Criteria:

Candidates planning to invest in Saskatchewan must commit to investing at least CAD 300,000 in either Regina or Saskatoon, or CAD 200,000 in other areas within the province.

Application Submission:

The process begins with an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates are ranked on a Points Assessment Grid, and those with the highest scores are invited to formally apply.

Business Establishment Plan (BEP):

Applicants who are invited to apply must submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) that aligns with the points-based selection criteria. A third-party financial verification report is also required.

Ongoing Obligations:

Approved applicants need to attend an arrival meeting in Saskatchewan within 18 months of receiving their approval and submit a Business Establishment Progress Report within the first year of their landing. They must also comply with their Business Performance Agreement (BPA) terms throughout the immigration process.

Refund Process for Applications

Applicants who submitted a paper application for a work permit that has yet to be processed are required to resubmit it electronically. Upon review of the original paper application, the government will issue refunds for electronic fees if applicable. Additionally, applicants may request a refund directly if they qualify.

Refund Eligibility:

Refunds are generally available for applications withdrawn before processing begins. If processing has already started and the application is denied, only some fees may be refunded.

Requesting a Refund:

To request a refund, applicants should use the web form provided by the Government of Canada, making sure they meet eligibility criteria tied to their application status.

Important Considerations

Incomplete Applications:

Incomplete applications will be closed, requiring a new EOI submission for reapplication.

Consequences of Misrepresentation:

Intentional misrepresentation or withholding important information can lead to a two-year ban on reapplying.

Settlement Services:

Newcomers are encouraged to use government-funded settlement services available through Saskatchewan’s Regional Newcomer Gateways.

The SINP Entrepreneur Category offers a clear pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in Saskatchewan, with structured guidelines and requirements set by the provincial government.