Saskatchewan – the Land of Living Skies

Saskatchewan, one of the three prairie provinces, extends outstanding opportunities to residents and tourists alike. With incredible natural scenery, a rich cultural offering, and strong economic growth over the past decade, the sky is the limit in Saskatchewan.

Want to immigrate to Saskatchewan? Yes, you CAN DO it!

Saskatchewan is centrally located in Canada, with Alberta to the west and Manitoba to the east. The Northwest Territories lie to the north of Saskatchewan, and the US states of Montana and North Dakota are to the south. The province’s capital city, Regina, is known for its green spaces, a thriving arts and culture scene, and its agriculture. The largest city in the province is Saskatoon, named after a native berry. Saskatoon is home to the University of Saskatchewan, and it boasts incredible music events, amazing hiking, and a diverse population.

Being located in central Canada means Saskatchewan is completely landlocked, but you’ll find more than 100,000 lakes and rivers in the province, making it a destination for canoeing, boating, and fishing. The prairie province is also home to 35 provincial parks, two national parks and, of course, the endless plains[1]. Residents and tourists enjoy the continental climate Saskatchewan offers, with hot summers and bitter winters. The warmer months are characterized by long sunny days, with temperatures ranging up to the mid-30s C. Temperatures drop below –40°C in the depths of winter[2], but that doesn’t mean that life stops. Skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, dogsledding, tobogganing, and even cycling are all popular activities in the colder months. 

With its vast natural resources, it is unsurprising that Saskatchewan’s economy is heavily reliant on mining and oil, as well as agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting. Manufacturing, construction, transportation and warehousing, retail, and finance are also significant contributors to the province’s strong economy – which has been steadily growing over the past decade[3]. Saskatchewan has enjoyed record population, employment, investment, and export growth during this time too. In fact, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate (at 7.0%) is lower than the national average of 7.5% and is the fourth lowest unemployment rate amongst the provinces in Canada[4]. For business owners, Saskatchewan has achieved the highest grade possible from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business for its efforts to reduce red tape[5].

The cost of living in Saskatchewan is relatively low, especially when it comes to housing costs. The average cost of a 2-bed rental apartment per month is $1,103 CAD in Saskatchewan[6]. This is more than $100 less per month than the average cost of a similar apartment in neighbouring provinces, Alberta and Manitoba. The provincial sales tax is just 6%, which is the lowest of any province that charges a sales tax[7].

The strong economy, affordable cost of living, education providers, quality of life, and job prospects make Saskatchewan an attractive prospect for immigrants looking to start their life in Canada. In addition to the federally administered express entry immigration program, the province offers the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). Hopeful immigrants can apply for the SINP under four programs: the International Skilled Worker program, the Saskatchewan Work Experience program, the Entrepreneur program, and the Farm Owner and Operator program.

International Skilled Workers who score at least 60 on the SINP points grid may be eligible to apply for provincial nomination. Workers will need to demonstrate that they have received an employment offer, experience in an in-demand occupation, or are eligible for the federal express entry program to apply for this program.

For applicants who have experience working in Saskatchewan, there are six immigration streams available: skilled workers with an existing work permit, semi-skilled agricultural workers with an existing work permit, health professionals, the hospitality sector project, the long-haul truck driver project, and the student stream. The requirements for each of these streams differ but, generally speaking, the employee must have worked in Saskatchewan for a minimum of six months. A job offer and strong official language skills also feature as requirements across most programs.

Entrepreneurs who want to open a business, start a business after graduating from a Saskatchewan university, or own and operate a farm in Saskatchewan are invited to apply under this stream. For the two streams that involve opening and/or operating a business, the process for provincial nomination involves the applicant submitting an Expression of Interest to the SINP, being selected and invited to submit an application, establishing the business, then receiving the nomination.

Farm owners and operators can apply as entrepreneurs or through the young farmer stream. Agricultural entrepreneurs must have a personal net worth of $500,000 CAD, as well as experience in farm ownership and management. These entrepreneurs must be willing to invest at least $150,000 CAD in a commercial farm in the province, with a minimum anticipated minimum revenue of $10,000 CAD. Young farmers, under the age of 40, are subject to a lower net worth requirement of $300,000 CAD.

Want to immigrate to Saskatchewan? Yes, you CAN DO it!

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