SINP Farm Owner and Operator Category and Young Farmer Stream

Research and Preparation

Prospective applicants embark on their journey by conducting thorough research and assessing their eligibility against the program’s requirements. Preparation entails setting aside the necessary funds, including the non-refundable processing fee of CAD 2,500 and the refundable Good Faith Deposit of CAD 75,000.

Additionally, applicants are required to undertake an exploratory visit to Saskatchewan, spanning a minimum of five business days. During this visit, applicants engage with local service professionals, explore potential farm locations, and compile their observations in an Exploratory Visit Report. This firsthand experience provides invaluable insights into the agricultural landscape of Saskatchewan and informs the applicant’s decision-making process.

Application Preparation

With thorough preparation underway, applicants begin gathering the requisite documentation for their SINP Farm Category Application. This documentation encompasses a diverse range of materials, including personal identification documents, proof of farm ownership and operation experience, financial statements, and the Commercial Farming Proposal outlining the proposed investment and business plan.

Furthermore, applicants must ensure that all documentation is accurately translated into English or French, as per program requirements. It is pertinent to note that translations must be conducted by a qualified individual other than the applicant’s spouse, family member, or the third party involved in preparing the application.

Inclusion of family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, is integral to the application process. The comprehensive nature of the application underscores the applicant’s commitment to establishing roots and contributing to the fabric of Saskatchewan’s agricultural community.

Submission and Verification

Upon completion of the application package, applicants submit their materials to the SINP office in Saskatoon, either through courier or in person. Subsequently, the SINP undertakes a thorough review of the submitted documents, ensuring completeness and compliance with program requirements.

Upon successful initial screening, applicants receive a unique SINP file number, marking the commencement of the verification process. Applicants are then required to provide their documents for third-party verification within one year, with the verification conducted by a professional designated by the SINP.

Assessment and Interview

Following the verification of documents, the SINP proceeds with the assessment of the applicant’s eligibility and suitability for the program. This assessment encompasses a holistic review of the applicant’s qualifications, experience, financial standing, and intent to reside and contribute to Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector.

During this stage, applicants may be contacted by the SINP and requested to provide additional documentation or attend an in-person interview. The interview serves as an opportunity for applicants to further elucidate their intentions and qualifications, reinforcing their candidacy for the program.

Nomination and Permanent Residency

Upon successful assessment, qualified applicants receive a Nomination Approval document from the SINP, signifying their endorsement for permanent residency in Saskatchewan. Subsequently, applicants are issued a Request for Deposit letter, outlining the requirements for the refundable Good Faith Deposit of CAD 75,000.

Upon completion of the deposit and the return of a signed Business Performance Agreement to the SINP, applicants receive a Confirmation of Nomination letter, paving the way for the final steps towards permanent residency. Applicants are then directed to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), initiating the formal immigration process.

As part of the permanent residency application process, applicants undergo health and security checks, ensuring their admissibility to Canada. In certain cases, applicants may be required to attend an in-person interview as part of the screening process.

Upon arrival in Saskatchewan, applicants are required to attend a special “Landing Interview,” further reaffirming their commitment to establishing roots in the province. Following the successful completion of the landing interview, applicants commence operations on their farm, adhering to the goals outlined in the Business Performance Agreement.