The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is moving away from a first-come, first-served application model for its Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand sub-categories and will adopt an Expression of Interest system effective July 16.
The new process means the first step toward being considered for either of the two International Skilled Worker sub-categories will be to create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile using Saskatchewan’s online application system “OASIS” beginning Monday.
The change will mean regular draws from a pool of ranked candidates rather than the current approach of occasional openings that favour those who are quickest to apply. It also brings Saskatchewan in line with other Canadian provinces that already employ EOI systems.
An EOI is not an application to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) but is rather a way for a candidate to make it known that they would like to be considered for either the Express Entry or Occupations In-Demand sub-category.
This pre-application process requires candidates to complete an online form that assesses their eligibility for either sub-category in accordance with their respective selection criteria.
Criteria include education and training, skilled work experience, language ability, age and a candidate’s connections to Saskatchewan’s labour market. Candidates must also have work experience in one of Saskatchewan’s in-demand occupations.
The SINP’s EOI system will use the same point assessment grid that is currently in effect for the International Skilled Worker category.
Candidates who score at least 60 points out of 100 are then entered into the EOI pool and ranked based on their score, and the highest-ranked candidates will be invited to apply through regular draws.
