Despite the coronavirus crisis, Canada continues to invite candidates through provincial nominations. Recently, Saskatchewan held a new draw inviting a total of 205 immigration candidates to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence.

Last March 26, The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) issued invitations to candidates with at least one year of work experience in an eligible occupation related to their field of study, though a job offer was not required for candidacy. 

Since Canada announced its special coronavirus immigration measures on March 16, BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have all held provincial nominee program draws, in addition to the March 18 federal Express Entry draw that only selected provincial nominees.

For Saskatchewan’s draw under the Occupations In-Demand subcategory invited candidates had Educational Credential Assessments, and they either had a close family member in Saskatchewan or studied at a post-secondary institution in the province.

Candidates also needed to file an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to the SINP.

Saskatchewan’s EOI system allows the province to select immigration candidates that have the potential to thrive in the prairie province.

Candidates are then given a score out of 100 based on the SINP’s International Skilled Worker Points Assessment Grid.

The highest-scoring candidates are then issued an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residence.

The minimum score required in the March 26 draw was 75.

The SINP has invited 1124 Occupations In-Demand candidates so far this year. Adding the 845 candidates invited to apply for a provincial nomination through the Saskatchewan Express Entry sub-category, that total goes up to 1969.