Last Updated:September 24, 2026
Supervised by Toko Gould (Immigration Consultant)
What is the Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit sub-category?
Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit is a sub-category for applicants who already hold a valid work permit and have been working continuously for six months or more for an employer in Saskatchewan. From 2026, sector-based nomination has been introduced, and priority allocations and application timing differ depending on the sector you work in. Because a solid record of employment within the province is what counts, this is one of the most reliable routes to permanent residence for those who have already secured a job offer and started their life in Saskatchewan.
Sector-based nomination in 2026
From 2026, the SINP allocates nominations according to the sector of employment. It is important to confirm which sector your occupation falls under and to plan your application accordingly.
Priority sectors (more than 50% of all nominations reserved)
Health care, agriculture, skilled trades, energy, mining, manufacturing and technology. Applicants working in these sectors face no restriction on when they may apply, and can apply at any time regardless of how much time remains on their work permit.
Capped sectors (limited to a maximum of 25% of all nominations)
Accommodation and food services, trucking, and retail. These sectors have an annual cap on the number of nominations (for example, 15% for food services and 5% for trucking), and Employer Position Assessment (EPA) applications are limited to specific intake windows in odd-numbered months. In addition, an EPA application cannot be made until six months or less remain on the work permit.
Requirements for the Skilled Worker With Existing Work Permit sub-category
Job offer and work permit requirements
- You must have a job offer from a Saskatchewan employer for permanent, full-time employment.
- You must hold a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- You must hold a valid Employer Position Assessment (EPA) obtained by your employer.
*Holders of a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) cannot apply under this sub-category. Please consider one of the other skilled worker sub-categories.
Work experience
You must have at least 6 months (780 hours) of full-time work experience (30 hours or more per week) under your valid work permit, with the employer that obtained the Employer Position Assessment (EPA). This work experience must be continuous.
Occupation and skill level (TEER)
The skill level (TEER) of the occupations you may apply with depends on the type of work permit you hold.
- Holders of a CUAET, LMIA-based or Francophone Mobility work permit: all occupations at skill levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are eligible.
- Holders of other work permits: occupations at skill levels 0, 1, 2 and 3, or Designated Trades, are eligible.
Skill levels are defined as follows within the National Occupational Classification (NOC), Canada’s occupational classification system.
| Skill level 0 | Business owners, company executives and management occupations |
|---|---|
| Skill level 1 | Professional occupations that usually require a university or graduate degree |
| Skill level 2 | Technical occupations that usually require a college diploma or two or more years of apprenticeship training, and supervisory occupations |
| Skill level 3 | Intermediate technical occupations that usually require a college diploma, less than two years of apprenticeship training, or more than six months of on-the-job training |
| Skill level 4 | Occupations that usually require a high school diploma or several weeks of training for the specific occupation |
| Skill level 5 | Occupations such as light labour that usually require only a short demonstration and no formal education |
Language ability
If the occupation in your job offer is TEER 4 or TEER 5, a score of CLB 4 or higher is required. For TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3, you must meet the standard set by your employer or by the relevant regulatory body.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB4 | IELTS | English | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| CELPIP | English | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| PTE Core | English | 33-41 | 41-50 | 28-38 | 42-50 | |
| TEF (from 2023/12/11) | French | 306-351 | 268-329 | 306-351 | 328-386 | |
| TEF (before) | French | 300-349 | 300-349 | 300-349 | 300-349 | |
| TCF | French | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
Who cannot apply, and cases that are refused
Those who cannot apply under this sub-category
- Those who have made a refugee claim to the Government of Canada.
- Those in health care professions (application must be made under the Health Talent Pathway).
- Holders of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (application must be made under the Students sub-category or similar).
Cases in which an application may be refused
- Where not all required documents are submitted with the application.
- Where you cannot demonstrate your intention to live and work in Saskatchewan.
- Where there is any misrepresentation in the application or supporting documents.
Application process for Existing Work Permit
01Build up six months of work experience
Complete six months or more of full-time work for a Saskatchewan employer under a valid work permit.
02Your employer obtains an Employer Position Assessment (EPA)
Your employer applies to the SINP and obtains approval for the position. If you work in a capped sector, the application can only be made during an intake window in an odd-numbered month.
03Submit your application through your SINP online account
Upload the required documents (proof of employment, EPA, language test results, etc.) as PDFs in the SINP online application system and submit your application.
04SINP assessment and receipt of the provincial nomination
If your application is approved, Saskatchewan issues a provincial nomination.
05Apply for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
After obtaining the provincial nomination, formally submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
06Assessment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
IRCC carries out the final assessment, and on completion issues the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).
07Landing
Complete the landing procedure using your CoPR and finalise your registration as a permanent resident.
08Receive your PR card
Your PR card will arrive at your designated address within a few months of landing.
Free Consultations and Inquiries
Feel free to get in touch!
Immigration Consultant
Toko Gould
Born in Japan. Worked as a registered dietitian in hospitals and other facilities. Moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2001 on a Working Holiday. Later utilized her professional background to obtain a work visa, then Canadian permanent residency as a skilled worker. Studied Oil and Gas Administration at a college in Alberta, then worked at a U.S.-based oil company. Later studied accounting and transitioned into an accounting role.
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