Saskatchewan International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (SIGE)
Selection
- P.N.P: Provincial Nominee Programs
- E.O.I: Expression of Interest
- C.E: Canadian Experience
- P.S: Point System
Applicant
Visa
- Permanent Resident
Status
- Open
GSB
SK-SB
SUMMARY
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
The Saskatchewan International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for international graduates from a Saskatchewan Institution who want to become an entrepreneur. 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.
Application to this category is by invitation only. You should first complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI). Selected graduates from a Saskatchewan Institution 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.
Approved applicants must operate a business in Saskatchewan on a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for at least twelve (12) months before being nominated for permanent resident status in Canada.
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 International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
1- Age
You must be 21 years of age or older.
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 7 in all for abilities in English or French (➨Appendix 5).
3- Education
You must have completed a full-time post-secondary diploma or degree of at least two (2) years (15 hours of class per week) in length from an eligible university in Saskatchewan.
You must have resided in Saskatchewan during the academic program (no distance-learning programs or compressed academic programs will be eligible.)
4- Post-Graduation Work Permit
You must have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (➨Page) with at least 24 months remaining at time of application to SINP.
5- Ineligibility
You are not eligible to apply under the Saskatchewan International Graduate Entrepreneur Category 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.
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
SASKATCHEWAN BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify as an eligible business under the International Graduate Entrepreneur stream, you must have an intention to buy or establish a business in Saskatchewan that meets the following criteria:
1- Business Investment
Any initial investment into the establishment or purchase of a business must be financed directly from your own equity and/or from a recognized Canadian financial institution, Venture Capital (VC), or Angel Investment firm.
Other sources of investment that is not eligible to be claimed as your contribution to meeting minimum ownership requirements include, but are not limited to, gifts or non-monetary contributions from partners or third parties, donations, or loans or grants from ineligible financial institutions.
2- Business Ownership / Management
You must own at least one third (33.33%) of the equity of a business in Saskatchewan and provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management of the business. Ownership must be the result of a verifiable investment made directly by you, either from your own funds or from an eligible source.
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.
3- Business Revenue
Your business must generate the minimum required revenue amount after one (1) year of operation. The minimum required revenue amount is dependent on the number of employees. If you are the only employee, your salary or a dividend, at minimum, must be above Saskatchewan’s low income cut-off (LICO) threshold which is $21,487. If there are employees, the revenue must also cover the costs of paying employees prevailing wages.
The eligible revenues are those that are the direct result of ongoing business activities. Any source of passive income that is not the direct result of ongoing business operations is not eligible. These may include but not limited to arbitrage, online reselling, online marketplace commissions, rental/leasing income, interest, dividends, gifts or donations.
4- 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 International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:
- Wholesale trading businesses, where goods or merchandise are purchased in Canada or internationally, and resold without transformation, either in Canada or internationally
- Businesses located in a multi-business retail condo/location/project or business incubator that is not completed/operational, and/or is targeted or dependent on investment or business operations from SINP entrepreneurs for the development, completion or ongoing operation of the project
- Any business where the investment or purchase of the business is the result of a “Non-Arm’s Length” transaction, such as the purchase of an existing business from a family member or transactions between related stakeholders such as partnerships or corporations
- Any business previously owned by a SINP Entrepreneur or Immigrant Graduate Entrepreneur applicant
- Any business venture or partnership with an SINP Entrepreneur category applicant (only partnerships with new International Graduate Entrepreneur applicants are eligible)
- Primary agriculture/farming operations
- Property rental, investment, and leasing activities
- Coin operated businesses of any kind
- Consultancy or any business that offers professional advice
- Resale of goods and/or services
- Online/e-commerce businesses (unless the service/product is new to the Canadian marketplace and products are warehoused by the applicant in Saskatchewan)
Real estate construction/brokerage/renovation/property development, insurance brokerage or business brokerage where you receive a commission or do not take physical possession of the product. - Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation, unless the license or accreditation was obtained as a result of your academic studies
- Long distance freight trucking
- Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines
- Credit unions
- Home-based businesses, including bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses (see Appendix D for definition)
- Co-operatives
- Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income
- A business that by association could bring the SINP into disrepute
5- Job Creation
Job creation is not a requirement for the business under Saskatchewan International Graduate Entrepreneur stream. However, 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.
6- 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/SIGE-Grid – page 18). There is no minimum required score.
Currently all Expressions of Interest from those who meet the minimum criteria will be invited.
The Saskatchewan International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream selection factors may be summarized as follows:
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points |
| Factor1: Age | 10 |
| Factor 2: Language Ability | 10 |
| Factor 3: Education in Saskatchewan | 20 |
| Factor 4: Business Location | 15 |
| Factor 5: Innovation | 25 |
| Factor 6: Spouse Work / Study in Saskatchewan | 20 |
| Maximum Points Total | 100 |
| Selection Pass Mark | Varies * |
Factor 1: Age
You’ll get points based on your age on the day you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
| Age | Points |
| 21 or less | 0 |
| 22-34 | 10 |
| 35-40 | 5 |
| 40 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 EOI.
The lowest score achieved in the four (4) skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening) is your score.
|
First Official Language (Lowest score in any of 4 skills) |
Points |
| CLB 9 or more | 10 |
| CLB 8 | 5 |
| CLB 7 or less | 0 |
Factor 3: Education in Saskatchewan
You will be awarded points for your educational credential from an eligible Saskatchewan university. Part-time studies, accelerated programs or courses completed via correspondence or remote study are not eligible for points.
| Level of Education in Saskatchewan | Points |
| Doctoral (PhD) level | 20 |
| Master's degree or equivalent | 15 |
| University level entry-to-practice professional degree | 15 |
| Two or more post-secondary credentials, one of which is a three-year or longer post-secondary credential (One from Saskatchewan) | 10 |
| Three-year or longer post-secondary credential | 5 |
| Two-year post-secondary credential | 5 |
Factor 4: Business Location
You may be awarded up to 15 points depending on where your Saskatchewan business will be located.
| Business Location | Points |
| In Regina or Saskatoon | 0 |
| Within Regina or Saskatoon CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) | 5 |
| Outside Regina or Saskatoon CMA | 10 |
| In a community with less than 5,000 residents | 15 |
Factor 5: Innovation
You may be awarded 25 points if your business is innovative and/or in a priority sector:
- Agri-value Industry
- Indigenous economic partnerships
- Recipient of any Saskatchewan Government business incentive or tax credit (e.g., patent-box, Product2Market, SK Tech Start-Up Incentive recipient)
- Business is the commercialization of technology or research conducted as part of your academic studies
| Innovation | Points |
| Any of the above | 25 |
Factor 6: Spouse’s Work/Study in Saskatchewan
You may be awarded 20 points for your spouse’s previous work experience or study in Saskatchewan:
- Spouse or common-law partner has completed a program of full-time study in a minimum two-year program at an accredited post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan; or is currently enrolled and has completed a minimum of one-year of full-time studies in a minimum two-year program at an accredited post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan
- Spouse or common-law partner have completed at least six(6) months of continuous full-time employment in Saskatchewan at the time of EOI submission
| Innovation | Points |
| Any of the above | 20 |
| Your Total Score |
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 Category.
Step 1: Complete Your Studies in Saskatchewan
In order to apply under the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, the first step is to complete a full-time Saskatchewan post-secondary diploma or degree of at least two (2) years (15 hours of class per week) in length from an eligible educational institution in Saskatchewan.
You need a study permit (➨Page) in order to study in Canada. Before you apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from one of the above institutions.
You must reside in Saskatchewan during the academic program, so no distance-learning programs or compressed academic programs will be eligible.
Step 2: Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After completion of studies in Nova Scotia, in order to purchase or establish a business you need to apply for and obtain a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (➨Page).
Step 3: Submit an Online Expression of Interest (EOI)
Now that you meet all the requirements, you can complete an online Expression of Interest (➨immilib.com/SIGE-Apply) for yourself.
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.
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ISA letter. Selection is based on nominee program targets and an assessment of your EOI. Currently all Expressions of Interest from those who meet the minimum criteria will be invited.
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 4: Prepare Documents
In addition to the applications forms and supporting documents, before submission of complete application, you need to prepare a Business Establishment Plan.
You will need to submit a Business Establishment Plan (BEP) 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.
Step 5: 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; and
- A Business Establishment Plan
There is no provincial application fee under this stream of SINP.
| SINP Application | |
| Submit Online Application: | |
| immilib.com/SIGE-Apply | |
| Official Program Guide: | |
| immilib.com/SIGE-Guide | |
| SINP Application Fee: | |
| None | |
| Processing Time: | |
| Not Available | |
| Document Checklist: | |
| Contact: | |
|
306-798-2209 E-mail: saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca |
|
You will have thirty (30) 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.
If you submit a complete application, it will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and your EOI point assessment will be verified.
After assessment of the application is complete, if you appear to meet the Eligibility Criteria you will be contacted to participate in an in-person interview.
During the interview, you must present your comprehensive business plans and detail how the plan meets BEP requirements. You must also be able to describe any business research you have conducted.
Step 6: 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 twenty (20) 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 7: Business Establishment in Saskatchewan
Upon approval you are required to reside in Saskatchewan and actively operate your business on a day-to-day basis as per the requirements of your BPA and BEP.
To be eligible for nomination you must satisfy the terms of your signed BPA within the validity of your Post-Graduation Work Permit and demonstrate operation of your business for no less than twelve (12) months.
Step 8: Request for Nomination
In order to be eligible for nomination you must be living in Saskatchewan and you must have fulfilled the terms outlined in the Business Performance Agreement including operating business for at least twelve (12) 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 complete, scan and email your completed application for nomination to saskentrepreneur@gov.sk.ca.
You must demonstrate that you have actively managed your business for a minimum of twelve (12) 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.
Ready to take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey? Fill out the form below and embark on your path to new opportunities.
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WELCOME TO SASKATCHEWAN!
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