Coronavirus measures impact Saskatchewan PNP

Many Canadian provinces are trying to continue with their immigration events so that candidates can enjoy some degree of normalcy. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is working to provide help and solace to nominees and applicants in the midst of coronavirus disruptions.

Saskatchewan wants to support immigration applicants as much as possible during the pandemic. The provincial nomination applications for the province are still undergoing processing. Canada enforced the coronavirus containment measures back on March 18 as a result of which foreign travel became almost impossible. Since then, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has organized two draws.

Measures you should know about:

For now, the province has introduced some temporary measures that will keep provincial nominees from securing permanent residence because of coronavirus-related closures. However, SINP nominees will be able to ask for an extension of six months to apply for permanent residence. They can simply send a mail to the government of Saskatchewan, citing their concern.

Nominees and people who are submitting their applications for a provincial nomination might receive a conditional nomination in case the terms of the employment offer mentioned on their original SINP application has undergone some change due to COVID-19. If the candidates do not satisfy the minimum criteria of the SINP category via which they got their nomination, they will be given a “conditional” nomination. The nominee will have to satisfy all the given conditions in order to get permanent residence.

The SINP should be informed immediately if the applicants and nominees have changed their employment status in any way. Withholding the change will be viewed as misrepresentation. Nominees who get a new employment offer should ensure that it falls under the “allowable business” category. It includes occupations that help to provide critical public services.

Workers without open work permits will have to secure a new permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).