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Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream (SE)

Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream

immilib.com/SE

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Section
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Selection
  • P.N.P: Provincial Nominee Programs
  • E.O.I: Expression of Interest
  • P.S: Point System
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  • Permanent Resident
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  • Work
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Table of Contents

GSB

SK-SB

SUMMARY

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Saskatchewan. They must start a new business, buy an existing business or partner in a business in Saskatchewan and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business.
Approved applicants must operate a business in Saskatchewan on a Work Permit (WP) for at least six (6) months before being nominated for permanent resident status in Canada.
Application to this category is by invitation only. You should first complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI). Selected applicants will be invited to apply for the program based on the information they enter online. You cannot apply directly to this program unless you are invited to apply.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements must be met if you are applying to the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream:

1- Net Worth

You must have net worth (personal and business assets) of at least $500,000 CAD which has been accumulated through legal and legitimate sources.

2- Language Ability

You must have an approved test results taken within two (2) years prior to EOI being submitted. You must have obtained a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 5 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).

3- Business Experience

In the last ten (10) years you must have at least three (3) years’ relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience.

4- Mandatory Exploratory Visit

All applicants will now be required to conduct an Exploratory visit to Saskatchewan. The minimum duration for exploratory visits is five (5) calendar days over the previous 12-month period prior to issuing an Expression of Interest.

During this visit the applicant must have conducted meetings with local stakeholders and service providers relevant to their Business Establishment Plan including, but not limited to, suppliers, commercial realtors, lawyers, accountants, business brokers/consultants, financial institutions, and economic development agencies. Activities such as meetings, information sessions and workshops are only eligible for consideration if the applicant can demonstrate how they directly relate to their Business Establishment Plan. Travel days to or from Saskatchewan do not count as one of the five (5) days required.

5- Ineligibility

You are not eligible to apply under the Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream if:
  • You are a passive investor (individuals who intend to invest in a Saskatchewan business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business).
  • You are a refugee claimant in Canada, a failed refugee claimant, had a removal order, are prohibited from entering or being in Canada, do not have status in Canada or are living illegally in your country of residence.

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SASKATCHEWAN BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify as an eligible business under the Entrepreneur stream, you must have an intention to buy or establish a business in Saskatchewan that meets the following criteria:

1- Business Investment

You must invest a minimum of $300,000 CAD into starting or buying a business in Regina or Saskatoon census metropolitan areas (CMAs); or a minimum of $200,000 CAD into starting or buying a business in all other Saskatchewan communities.

Investment amounts derived from loans or other forms of financing are not eligible.

The following list of equity expenditures may be included as business investments: land; buildings; equipment; software; licenses; franchise fees; leasehold improvements; professional fees associated with the establishment of business; one essential business vehicle and furniture and fixtures.

A maximum of six (6) months of operating expenses for establishment of new business and a maximum of three (3) months operating expenses for purchase of an existing business may be eligible as part of initial business expenses.

2- Business Ownership

You must own at least one third (33.33%) of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan. If you will own less than 33.33% you must invest at least $1 million CAD.
If purchasing an existing business, the Saskatchewan based business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner in Saskatchewan for the previous three (3) years. It must also be actively in operation.

If the previous owner is a SINP Entrepreneur nominee, it must also demonstrate a net profit for at least two (2) of the previous three (3) years. To purchase a business from a former SINP Entrepreneur, the business must have been in continuous operation for at least five years after the previous owner's Permanent Residence application approval by IRCC or the return of a Good Faith Deposit if the previous applicant applied before 2015.

3- Type of Business

The business purpose must be to make a profit from active income through the sale of goods and/or services.
The following types of businesses are not eligible under Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream:
  • Property rental, investment, and leasing activities
  • Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage
  • Any business located in a multi-business retail condo or business incubator project that is not completed or operational, and that is targeted and/or dependent on investment from SINP entrepreneurs for the development, completion or ongoing operation of the project.
  • Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation
  • Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines
  • Credit unions
  • Home-based businesses, including bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses
  • Co-operatives
  • Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income
  • Seasonal Businesses
  • Wholesale Trade Businesses
  • Electronic, appliance, furniture, and home furnishing retail stores.

4- Job Creation

If you are establishing a new business in Saskatoon or Regina, you must create or maintain at least two (2) jobs for two Canadians or Permanent Residents in Saskatchewan (non-relative workers).
If you purchase an existing business, you must commit to maintaining employment for existing Canadian citizens or permanent residents above the minimum required, as well as maintaining existing wages and employment terms.
Job creation is not required for applicants establishing a business outside of the City of Regina or the City of Saskatoon.

5- Active Management

You must provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business at the business site.

CALCULATE YOUR SCORE

If you meet the above minimum requirement, then you must calculate your total score based on the following selection factors (➨immilib.com/SE-Grid). There is no minimum required score. But you will be ranked based upon your points assessment score and placed in an Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.
Candidates will be ranked against each other and only top ranked candidates will be invited to apply. A draw will occur with only the top ranked candidates being selected and issued an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA).

The Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream selection factors may be summarized as follows:

Selection Factor Maximum Points
Factor1: Age 15
Factor 2: Language Ability 10
Factor 3: Education / Qualifications 10
Factor 4: Net Worth 15
Factor 5: Business Ownership / Management Experience 20
Factor 6: Business Revenue 20
Factor 7: Experience in Key Economic Sectors 10
Factor 8: Investment Amount 20
Factor 9: Investment in Key Economic Sectors 15
Maximum Points Total 135
Selection Pass Mark Varies *
* For latest draws go to (➨immilib.com/SE-Draws)

You’ll get points based on your age on the day you submit your EOI.

Factor 1: Age

Age Points
Under 21 0
21-29 10
30-39 15
40-54 10
55 and over 0

Factor 2: Language Ability

To be awarded point for language, you must have taken an approved test results (➨Appendix 5). Test must be taken no more than two (2) years prior to submission of Expression of Interest (EOI).
The lowest score achieved in the four (4) skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening) is your score.
To prove you language abilities you must take any of the following approved tests:

First Official Language

(Lowest score in any of 4 skills)

 Points
CLB 6 and more 10
CLB 5 0
less than CLB 5 Not Eligible
To prove you language abilities you must take any of the following approved tests:
  • English: IELTS General or CELPIP General or PTE Core
  • French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada

Factor 3: Education / Qualifications

You will be awarded points for your educational credential and qualifications.
Level of Education Points
Bachelor Degree or Post-Graduate Degree/Designation in a Business, Agriculture, or Science/Technology field (or credentials relevant to business plan) 15
Trade or occupational certification that required at least 1 year full time post secondary education (or one-year diploma relevant to business plan) 10

Factor 4: Net Worth

You’ll get points for your (and your spouse’s) unencumbered net business and personal assets.
Net Worth Points
Greater than $1 Million CAD 15
$750,000 CAD – $999,999 CAD 10
$550,000 CAD – $749,999 CAD 5
$500,000 CAD – $549,999 CAD 0
Less than $500,000 CAD Not Eligible

Factor 5: Business Ownership or Senior Management Experience

You may claim points based on your business experience gained in the ten (10) years immediately before the time of EOI submission. The number of points is based on your past business ownership experience OR senior management experience. The experience must be relevant to the proposed Business Establishment Plan.
Experience Points
8 or more years entrepreneurial/farm experience with 50%+ ownership in business 20
4 to 7 years entrepreneurial/farm experience with 50%+ ownership in business 15
8 or more years entrepreneurial/farm experience 15
4 to 7 years entrepreneurial/farm experience 10
Less than 3 years entrepreneurial/farm experience Not Eligible

Factor 6: Business Revenue

You may be awarded up to 20 points if you’ve had an ownership interest and ongoing active management responsibilities in one or more businesses' that have a specified amount of business revenue in at least one of the ten (10) fiscal years immediately before the time of your application.
Business Revenue Points
$500,000 CAD or more 20
$250,000 CAD – $499,999 CAD 15
$100,000 CAD – $249,999 CAD 10
$50,000 CAD – $99,999 CAD 5

Factor 7: Experience in Key Economic Sectors

You may be awarded up to a maximum of 10 points if you have previous experience in any of the following:
  • Export trade – ownership in a business that derives at least 50 per cent of their annual turnover from export trade for at least one (1) of the three (3) fiscal years immediately before your EOI submission.
  • Registered patents – one or more patents registered at least one year before the application was submitted. The patent must have been used in the day–to–day activities of the main business.
  • Gazelle business – the average annualized growth in revenue greater than 20 per cent each year for three (3) continuous fiscal years. The business must also have had seven (7) or more full time employees for at least one (1) fiscal year in the same consecutive three (3) year period claimed for growth in revenue.
Innovation Points
Any of the above 10
None of the above 0

Factor 8: Investment Amount

Points are awarded for the amount of equity investment to establish or purchase a business in Saskatchewan. The investment may include but not limited to the start-up costs, inventory, equity expenditures and a portion of operating expenses.
Investment Points
$1000,000 CAD or more 20
$750,000 CAD– $999,999 CAD 15
$500,000 CAD– $749,999 CAD 10
$350,000 CAD – $499,999 CAD 5
$200,000 CAD – $349,999 CAD 0

Factor 9: Investment in Key Economic Sectors

You may be awarded up to a maximum of 15 points if your proposed business is in any of the following key economic sectors:
  • Science and Technology – a science and technology related business. You’ll have to show you own a patent or an innovative IT idea that you intend to commercialize in Saskatchewan.
  • Manufacturing – create and assemble Saskatchewan-made components and finished “make-to-stock”, “make-to-sell” and “make-to-order” products for sale.
  • Export – create, produce or manufacture Saskatchewan-made or assembled goods to be shipped and sold internationally
  • Rural Business Succession – invest at least $200,000 outside Regina and Saskatchewan to purchase a business. Exploratory visit is mandatory.
  • Rural Business Development – invest at least $200,000 outside Regina and Saskatchewan to establish a new business. Exploratory visit is mandatory.
Investment in Key Economic Sectors Points
Any of the above 15
Your Total Score
You may compare your score with previous rounds of invitations (ISA) to see how likely you are to get an invitation in the next round. The previous rounds of invitation are being regularly posted at (➨immilib.com/SE-Draws).

GCYSA

SK-CYSA

WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?

If you meet all the requirements and if you believe you are likely to be invited based on your score, you can start the process to apply under Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Stream.

Step 1: Exploratory Visit

You must participate in a mandatory exploratory visit to Saskatchewan of no less than five (5) calendar days over the previous twelve (12) month period prior to issuing an Expression of Interest.

You must prepare a detailed report of your whole exploratory visit. Your report on the visit must cover the entire length of your stay in Canada, including time spent in other provinces, if any. The information required must be submitted as part of your Business Establishment Plan, including any relevant documents.
Details must include:
  • Length of your stay.
  • The name of the professional business service providers or settlement organizations visited during your trip, including mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and emails.
  • A description of the activity and/or meeting and how it relates to your business establishment or settlement.
  • Copies of all airline tickets, boarding passes and hotel receipts during your entire stay in Canada.
  • Copies of business cards collected from relevant contact and business service providers contacted during your visit.
  • Details of visit to existing business location and meetings with current owners if you are planning to purchase an existing business. You should include the business name, location and the current owner’s names and contact details.

To find out how you can travel to Canada for a temporary visit (➨Page).

Step 2: Submit an Online Expression of Interest (EOI)

Now that you meet all the requirements, you can complete an online Expression of Interest (➨ immilib.com/SINP-Apply) for yourself.

For assistance on how to create your EOI profile, please see the EOI OASIS Guide (➨immilib.com/OASIS).

EOI is an online system where you submit information about yourself to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.
To complete the EOI, you’ll need information from some documents including passports, language test results, etc. But you don’t need to upload any documents.
After you submit the EOI, the system will calculate your score based upon the information you enter and your EOI will be placed in a pool for potential selection. Your score will be sent to you in a confirmation email.
EOIs will be ranked against each other and only top ranked candidates will be invited to apply. A draw will occur with only the top ranked EOIs being selected and issued an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA).
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ISA letter. Selection is based on nominee program targets and an assessment of your EOI.

Recent Draws – Saskatchewan

Entrepreneur Category
Date of Draw No. of ISA Min. Score
Oct 2024 19 65
Jul 2024 13 75
Apr 2024 15 90
Jan 2024 13 120
Nov 2023 13 115
Sep 2023 23 105
Jul 2023 35 105
May 2023 34 100
Mar 2023 54 80
Jan 2023 50 80

Updates and Complete list of previous Draws

available at: immilib.com/SE-Draws
If you’re not invited to apply within twelve (12) months of submitting your EOI, it will automatically expire and removed from the system. You can still create a new EOI. If you are able to acquire additional points after submitting your EOI, you will need to submit a new EOI.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

In addition to the applications forms and supporting documents, before submission of complete application, you need to obtain a Business Establishment Plan and a Net Worth Verification Report.
Business Establishment Plan
You will need to submit a Business Establishment Plan as part of your application. You must submit a business plan that demonstrates that the business will be viable and likely to provide material economic benefit to the economy of Saskatchewan as a whole or to the local economy where the business will be located.
Your business plan will be reviewed to ensure that it meets program requirements and the commitments made in your EOI. Thus, this document should be drafted as an essential component of your application.
Net Worth Verification Report
As part of your application, you must provide a Net Worth Verification Report. This report must be prepared by one of designated Net Worth Verifiers. These third party verifiers are experts in assessing net worth and legal accumulation of net worth.
You will have twenty (20) calendar days from the issuance date of the ISA letter to select a designated Net Worth Verifier and notify SINP of your chosen Net Worth Verifier.
List of Saskatchewan Designated Net Worth Verifiers

KPMG-Toronto

4600 – 333 Bay St

Bay Adelaide Centre

Toronto ON M5H 2S5

(416) 777-3887

sinpverification@kpmg.ca

www.kpmg.ca

MNP

Regina, SK S4P 0J3

(306) 790-7900

mnp.sinp@mnp.ca

www.mnp.ca

Step 4: Submit Application to SINP

If you’ve received an ISA, you are expected to submit your application by providing the following:
  • Application Forms;
  • All supporting documentation;
  • A Business Establishment Plan; and
  • A Net Worth Verification Report
  • Application Fee
You will have twenty (20) calendar days from the issuance date of the ISA letter to select a designated Net Worth Verifier and notify SINP of your chosen Net Worth Verifier on your online application.
SINP Application
Submit Online Application:
immilib.com/SE-Apply
Official Program Guide:
immilib.com/SE-Guide
SINP Application Fee:
$2500
Processing Time:
Not Available
Document Checklist:
immilib.com/SE-Doc
Contact:

306-798-2209

saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca
You will have ninety (90) calendar days from the issuance date of the ISA letter to submit a complete application form, all required supporting documents and a Business Establishment Plan.
You will have 180 calendar days from the issuance date of the ISA letter to submit your Net Worth Verification Report.
If you submit a complete application, it will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and your EOI points assessment will be verified.

After assessment of the application is complete, if you appear to meet the Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria you will be contacted to participate in a mandatory interview within 90 days of the SINP’s request, with no interpretation services permitted. This could be in-person or through a web-based video conferencing service. You will be required to travel to Saskatchewan to participate in this interview.

To find out how you can travel to Canada for a temporary visit (➨Page).

Step 5: Business Performance Agreement (BPA)

Upon completion of a successful interview, you will be sent a Business Performance Agreement for your review and signature.
You must scan your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement and submit as instructed within thirty (30) business days from the date the agreement was sent to you.
Your Business Performance Agreement is your legal agreement with the Province of Saskatchewan. It will state the amount you will invest in your business and the business sector where you will operate your business. The Business Performance Agreement will also list any other information relevant to your application including but not limited to: job creation, business succession, and business location. This is based upon the information you supplied in your Business Establishment Plan.

Step 6: Apply for Work permit

Upon receipt of your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement, SINP will issue you with an Entrepreneur Approval Letter along with a Temporary Work Permit Support Letter. A work permit allows you to settle in Saskatchewan and operate your business.

You must then provide the letter of support, your business plan and your signed Business Performance Agreement to the Government of Canada with an application for a temporary work permit (➨Page).

You must apply for your work permit within three (3) months of the date on the Entrepreneur Approval Letter in order to facilitate your arrival in Saskatchewan within twelve (12) months after approval.

Step 7: Business Establishment in Saskatchewan

If your application for a Work Permit is approved, you will be expected to arrive in Saskatchewan within eighteen (18) months of receiving your Entrepreneur Approval Letter. If you don't attend an arrival meeting in Saskatchewan within 18 months of the date on the SINP Entrepreneur Approval letter, your application will be closed.
All approved applicants are required to meet with staff of office of Immigration within ninety (90) calendar days of their Arrival Date. During the meeting an Officer will be available to answer questions related to fulfilling the terms of the Business Performance Agreement and also refer you to other service providers for relevant information and guidance related to the establishment of your business or settlement in Saskatchewan.

To be eligible for nomination you must satisfy the terms of your signed BPA within two (2) years of the date of your work permit and demonstrate operation of your business for no less than twelve (12) months.

Step 8: Nomination by SINP

In order to be eligible for nomination you and your dependents must be living in Saskatchewan and you must have fulfilled the terms outlined in the Business Performance Agreement including operating business for at least six (6) months, transferring the required funds to Canada, and maintaining legal status in Canada.
Once you have fulfilled your Business Performance Agreement, you can request nomination. To do so, you should electronically submit an application for nomination.
You must demonstrate that you have actively managed your business for a minimum of six (6) months in Saskatchewan and also satisfy the officer that you have been, and remain, a resident in Saskatchewan. If approved for nomination the SINP will send a nomination certificate so you can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residence

If you are nominated by the province of Saskatchewan, then your next step is to submit a complete application for a permanent resident visa within six (6) months (➨Page).

You must submit your application using the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal) (➨ immilib.com/PR-Portal). 

If your application is complete, you will receive a letter or an email confirming that your file has been received and accepted for processing. This letter is called the Acknowledge of Receipt (AOR) and will include your IRCC file number.

Once you have received your acknowledgement of receipt, you can create an online account and link your application to it. By creating an account, you will be able to receive email updates and a more detailed case status.

Step 10: Landing in Canada

If your application is approved, you will be asked to pay your right of permanent residence fee if you haven't already done so. You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and if you are from a country that requires a visa you will also be issued a permanent resident visa.

You will only become a Permanent Resident of Canada when you cross a Canadian port of entry. This is referred to as ‘landing in Canada' (➨Page).

You must land in Canada before the expiry date, which appears on your Canada Immigration Visa. Usually, the expiry date is one (1) year from the time medical examinations were completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as the Canada Immigration Visa is received.

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