Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Stream (SF)
Visa
- Permanent Resident
Status
- Open
GSB
SK-SB
SUMMARY
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Stream is designed to attract people with proven experience in farming who plan to purchase and manage a farming business in Saskatchewan.
You must sign a Performance Agreement committing you to purchase and actively operate a farm operation in Saskatchewan. You'll also need to make a “good faith” deposit of $75,000 CAD in trust to SINP. The cash deposit will be returned to you when you've met the terms of the Performance Agreement.
If you are a young farmer 40 years of old or younger, see Young Farmer Stream eligibility Requirement below.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
SK-SA
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met if you are applying to the Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Stream:
1- Farm Management Skills
You must prove that you have a minimum of three (3) years experience in Farm ownership, Farm management, or practical farming.
Relevant farm operation knowledge and experience refers to your prior experience with actively operating a farm using agricultural practices similar to those utilized in Saskatchewan-based farming (crops or livestock). Owning agricultural land, a farming corporation or business related to the agricultural sector without active operation does not qualify as relevant farm knowledge and experience.
2- 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.
3- Exploratory Trip
You are required to make a comprehensive exploratory to Saskatchewan. The purpose of the trip is to gain knowledge of the Saskatchewan business environment and conducting a comprehensive research through meetings with service professionals.
The business trip must be for a minimum of five (5) full business days to the location of the business being proposed and completed within no longer than one (1) year prior to application submission.
4- Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Stream if 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.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
SK-MRA
REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUNG FARMER STREAM
The following requirements must be met if you are applying to the Young Farmer Sub-category:
1- Farm Management Skills
You must prove that you have a minimum of three (3) years relevant Farm operation knowledge and experience.
Relevant farm operation knowledge and experience refers to your prior experience with actively operating a farm using agricultural practices similar to those utilized in Saskatchewan-based farming (crops or livestock). Owning agricultural land, a farming corporation or business related to the agricultural sector without active operation does not qualify as relevant farm knowledge and experience.
2- Net Worth
You must have net worth (personal and business assets) of at least $300,000 CAD which has been accumulated through legal and legitimate sources.
3- Age
You must be under the age of 40 at the time of your application.
4- Exploratory Trip
You are required to make a comprehensive exploratory to Saskatchewan (rural areas). The purpose of the trip is to gain knowledge of the Saskatchewan business environment and conducting a comprehensive research through meetings with service professionals.
The business trip must be for a minimum of five (5) full business days to the location of the business being proposed and completed within no longer than one (1) year prior to application submission.
5- Spouse Qualifications
If applicable, your accompanying spouse/common-law partner must have marketable employment skills, based on education and experience, which will enable you to supplement your farming income.
SASKATCHEWAN BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify as an eligible farming business under the Farm Owner and Operator Stream, you must have an intention to set-up a farming business in Saskatchewan that meets the following criteria. For Young Farmer Stream, the farming business should be in rural areas of Saskatchewan.
1- Business Investment
You must invest a minimum of $150,000 CAD into a primary production farming business in Saskatchewan. You may be required to show the ability to invest more than the minimum.
2- Business Ownership
You must own at least one third (33.33%) of the equity of your farming business in Saskatchewan. If you will own less than 33.33% you must invest at least $1 million CAD.
3- 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 (INTENT GRADING CRITERIA)
If you meet all above minimum requirement, then find out if you score at least total of 55 points based on the following selection factors (➨immilib.com/SF-Grid – Page 20).
The Saskatchewan Farm Owner and Operator Stream selection factors may be summarized as follows:
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points |
| Factor1: Visit | 15 |
| Factor 2: Saskatchewan-based Professional Business/Farm Services | 20 |
| Factor 3: Farm Business Development | 20 |
| Factor 4: Home Ownership | 10 |
| Factor 5: English Competency | 15 |
| Factor 6: Community /Family Contact | 10 |
| Factor 7: Commitment | 10 |
| Maximum Points Total | 10 |
| Selection Pass Mark | 55 |
Factor 1: Visit
You may receive up to 15 points for your exploratory visit in Saskatchewan:
| Visit | Points |
| Visit Saskatchewan for 10 working days or more and met with relevant business contacts, conducted quality research and attended seminars. | 15 |
| Visit Saskatchewan for less than 10 days and attended one or more relevant business seminars and/or has met with business contacts. | 10 |
| No visit to Saskatchewan | 0 |
Factor 2: Saskatchewan-based Professional Business/Farm Services
You may receive up to 20 points based on the Professional Business/Farm Services you are receiving in Saskatchewan.
| Saskatchewan-based Professional Business/Farm Services | Points |
| Paying one or more Saskatchewan-based professional business/farm service providers to facilitate farm business establishment in Saskatchewan | 20 |
| Received farm business relevant advice from professional business/farm service providers in Saskatchewan | 15 |
| Received general advice from one or more professional business service providers in Saskatchewan | 10 |
| Made minimal contact with professional business/farm service providers in Saskatchewan | 5 |
| Not made contact with any professional business/farm service providers in Saskatchewan | 0 |
Factor 3: Farm Business Development
You may receive up to 20 points based on your efforts and activities regarding farm development in Saskatchewan.
| Farm Business Development | Points |
| Made a legal or financial commitment to establishing a farm business in Saskatchewan | 20 |
| Strong knowledge about relevant farm business sectors and business opportunities and developed relevant business contacts in Saskatchewan (e.g., potential partners, suppliers, retailers, marketers, communications, human resources, etc.) | 15 |
| Completed one or more relevant and certified Saskatchewan-based entrepreneurial or farm business management courses, and/or has made a financial commitment to complete a course upon landing in Saskatchewan. | 10 |
| Basic knowledge about relevant farm business sectors and business opportunities in Saskatchewan | 5 |
| No knowledge about relevant farm business sectors and business opportunities in Saskatchewan | 0 |
Factor 4: Home Ownership
You may receive up to 10 points based on your efforts and activities regarding home ownership in Saskatchewan.
| Home Ownership | Points |
| Purchased a home in Saskatchewan | 10 |
| Made an offer on a home in Saskatchewan | 6 |
| Contacted real estate agent with regard to personal home purchase in Saskatchewan | 4 |
| Not contacted a real estate agent with regard to personal home purchase in Saskatchewan | 0 |
Factor 5: English Competency
You may receive up to 10 points based on your English language competency.
| English | Points |
| Fluent | 15 |
| Currently Studying English | 10 |
| Some English Skills (e.g., has taken ESL or equivalent language training) | 6 |
| Minimal English skills (e.g., grade school language training) | 3 |
| No English skills | 0 |
Factor 6: Community/Family Contacts
You may receive up to 10 points based on your connection to Saskatchewan.
| Community/Family Contacts | Points |
| Immediate family in Saskatchewan | 10 |
| Community/ extended family in Saskatchewan | 7 |
| No family / community in Saskatchewan or Canada | 5 |
| Family / community in Canada other than Saskatchewan | 2 |
| Previously applied to another PNP other than Saskatchewan | 0 |
Factor 7: Commitment
You may receive up to 10 points based on your commitment to your farm business idea and/or active investment into Saskatchewan.
| Commitment | Points |
| Substantial commitment to farm business idea and/or active investment into Saskatchewan | 8-10 |
| Moderate commitment to farm business idea and/or active investment into Saskatchewan | 4-7 |
| Limited commitment to farm business idea and/or active investment into Saskatchewan | 1-3 |
| No commitment to farm business idea and/or active investment into Saskatchewan | 0 |
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 Farm Owner and Operator Stream.
Step 1: Exploratory Visit
You must make a mandatory exploratory visit to Saskatchewan. The visit must be no less than five (5) business days (10 days recommended) and you must demonstrate completing business research and meeting relevant stakeholders during the visit and provide details of your previous relevant farm operation experience and the research you have conducted into your proposed farming operation.
The exploratory visit must have been completed within no longer than one (1) year prior to application submission.
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 Farm Establishment Plan (FEP), including any relevant documents.
Details must include:
- Length of your stay.
- Details of visit to existing farm locations and meetings with current owners if you are planning to purchase an existing farm. You should include the location and the current owners’ names and contact details.
- 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 the applicant’s farm 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, see (➨Page).
Step 2: Prepare Documents
In addition to the applications forms, report on your mandatory trip and supporting documents, before submission of complete application, you need to prepare a Farm Establishment Plan (FEP).
You will need to submit a Farm Establishment Plan as part of your application. You must submit a plan that demonstrates that the farm 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.
The SINP does not require a formal farm business plan, and recognizes that the FEP is a business proposal. A lengthy FEP does not necessarily illustrate strong intent. Quality research and significant business relationships are far more valuable in illustrating intent.
The FEP must include all of the following information:
- Proposed industry/sector (NAICS Code);
- Proposed investment amount;
- Number of jobs to be created for Saskatchewan Residents;
- Management contribution the nominee will make with respect to the proposed business (e.g., sales, distribution, production, research and development, etc.);
- Forecasted startup funds and expenses;
- Business ownership information – partnership, proprietorship, corporation, acquisition; If proposing a partnership, applicants proposing to own less than one-third (1/3) of the farming operation must invest a minimum of $1 million CAD
- Proposed location for the business (i.e., city/town);
- Preparation and training for farm operation in Saskatchewan (including course titles and institution names, if applicable);
- A list of planned past and/or future visits to Saskatchewan, if applicable (please provide: Dates, purposes, agendas, inviting organizations, etc.);
- Plans for establishing residence in Saskatchewan; and
- Name, organizations, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and emails of professional business service providers whom the Applicant has contacted and/or the Applicant has established an active working relationship or paid contractual agreement.
You must also include:
- The name, organization name, mailing address, email, and phone number of person who compiled the business plan; and
- A summary of people contracted or consulted in preparation of Farm Establishment Plan.
Step 3: Submit Application to SINP
If you have the above requirement, and prepared your documents according to the document checklist, you may submit your application by courier or in person.
At this stage you don’t need to submit the application fee and Financial Verification Report. You need to submit the following:
- Application Forms;
- All supporting documentation;
- A Farm Establishment Plan.
Step 4: Submit Third Party Financial Verification Provider
If an application is considered complete, you will receive a letter with an SINP file number and directions for submitting the required documents to the Third Party Net Worth Verification provider, as per the Third Party Farm Category Checklist, for assessment by your chosen Third Party Financial Verification provider.
You will have one (1) year from the date of this letter to have your Third Party Financial Verification provider complete the assessment of their finances and submit the final Third Party Verification Report to the SINP.
| SINP Application | |
| Submit Application by Mail or in person: | |
|
Government of Saskatchewan Immigration Services Division Farm Unit Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program 225 – 1st Avenue North Saskatoon, SK Canada S7K 0K1 |
|
| Official Program Guide: | |
| immilib.com/SF-Guide | |
| SINP Application Fee: | |
| $2500 | |
| Processing Time: | |
| Not Available | |
| Document Checklist: | |
| Contact: | |
|
306-798-2209 |
|
| List of Saskatchewan Designated Net Worth Verifiers | |
|
KPMG-Toronto 4600 – 333 Bay St Bay Adelaide Centre Toronto ON M5H 2S5 (416) 777-3887 |
MNP Regina, SK S4P 0J3 (306) 790-7900 |
Step 5: Pay the SINP Application Processing Fee
Once the SINP receives the final Third Party Verification Report that confirms you meet net worth and legal accumulation criteria, the SINP will send you a letter with instructions on how to submit the $2,500 CAD non-refundable application process fee. Once the SINP receives confirmation that the application fee has been paid, the application is accepted for assessment.
The SINP assesses the application and supporting documents after the receipt of the application fee and complete application materials.
The SINP may issue a request for an interview, if further information or clarification is required to assess your application. If an in-person interview is not possible and you have provided information detailing the reasons you are not able to attend the interview in-person, alternative arrangements can be made at the discretion of the SINP, on a case-by-case basis.
For the in-person interview, you will be required to travel to Saskatchewan. To find out how you can travel to Canada for a temporary visit (➨Page).
Following the review process, the SINP will notify you of the outcome of the assessment.
Step 6: Good Faith Deposit / Business Performance Agreement
If your application is approved for nomination, you are sent a Nomination Approval and Request for Deposit letter and a Business Performance Agreement. This letter will provide instruction on how to make the refundable $75,000 CAD Good Faith Deposit by wire transfer and details with regard to the requirements of the Business Performance Agreement.
You must scan your signed and dated Business Performance Agreement and submit as instructed. The deposit must be received within three (3) months of the issuance of the Nomination Approval and Request for Deposit letter, or the application will be closed.
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 Farm Establishment Plan.
Once you return the signed and dated Business Performance Agreement to the SINP and the SINP confirms that the Good Faith Deposit has been received, you become nominated and you will sent a nomination package including a Confirmation of Nomination letter and information on how to proceed with an Application for Permanent Resident Status with IRCC.
Step 7: 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.
Optional: Apply for a Temporary Work Permit
After you have been nominated by the province of Saskatchewan, you may also receive a work permit support letter upon request. This will give you the opportunity to apply for a Temporary Work Permit (➨Page) and go to Saskatchewan earlier to begin preparations for your farm establishment. Note that the SINP does not issue Temporary Work Permit Support letters for all applicants.
Step 8: 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.
Once you arrive in Saskatchewan, you are required to attend a Landing Interview with an SINP Official or designated service provider within ninety (90) days of landing. You can request this interview by emailing saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
Step 9: Farm Establishment and Return of Good Faith Deposit
In order to apply for your $75,000 Good Faith Deposit (and any accumulated interest on the deposit) to be returned, you should be able to meet all terms of the Business Performance Agreement within two (2) years of landing in Saskatchewan. You must demonstrate that you have actively operated the relevant Saskatchewan –based farm for a minimum period of six (6) months.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
SK-WSYTA
WELCOME TO SASKATCHEWAN!
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