Overview
The processing time is updated every quarter (every three months). It shows the average time it took that quarter to process an application. The time is measured in weeks for each category. Processing times can change and are not always an accurate prediction for future applications.
Below you will find the average time it takes for 80 per cent of applications to be processed. It is measured from when an application is first received to when it is processed. The fastest and slowest 10 per cent of applications are considered outliers and are removed from the averages.
The goal is to process all International Skilled Worker and Saskatchewan Experience applications within 16 weeks. To process an application, we must have all information and supporting documents.
| SINP Category | Quarter 3: 2024-25 (October 1 to December 31, 2024) |
| Employment Offer | 11 weeks |
| Occupation In-Demand | 55 weeks* |
| Express Entry | 68 weeks* |
| Tech Talent Pathway | 8 weeks |
| Agriculture Talent Pathway | Not available due to sample size. |
| Health Talent Pathway | 6 weeks |
| Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot | 12 weeks** |
*These processing times do not include the average time spent waiting for additional information or time spent under program compliance review. The average processing times, including time waiting for additional information or documents from applicants, is 4 weeks longer than the times posted above.
**The Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot is permanently closed as of August 30, 2024. Eligible applicants may apply under Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit or a different applicable pathway.
| SINP Category | Quarter 3: 2024-25 (October 1 to December 31, 2024) |
| Existing Work Permit | 8 weeks |
| International Students | 8 weeks |
Processing times are calculated for applications that are finalized. This means the decision on the file is:
- Nominated.
- Returned.
- Ineligible.
The goal is to process all Entrepreneur and Farm applications (including Entrepreneur Nomination requests) within 12 weeks, and all Good Faith Deposit Return requests within 24 weeks.
| SINP Category | Quarter 3: 2024-25 (October 1 to December 31, 2024) |
| Entrepreneur Applications* | Not available due to sample size. |
| Entrepreneurs Nominations | 6 weeks |
| Farmers** | 20 weeks |
*Entrepreneur application processing times are calculated from the date that both an application and a third-party financial verification report is sent. This excludes time waiting on applicants to submit.
**Farm Owners and Operators processing times are calculated from the date we confirm receipt of an application, including the application processing fee and third-party report, to the date we make a final decision.
The SINP Job Approval Letter is a pre-approved authorization for an employer to hire a foreign worker through the SINP. The SINP will assess each Job Approval Form to see if the job meets SINP criteria. The goal is to process Job Approval Forms within six weeks. To process an application, we must have all information and supporting documents.
| SINP Category | Quarter 3: 2024-25 (October 1 to December 31, 2024) |
| Job Approval | 2 weeks |
If the submitted position meets Employer Service's criteria, it will be approved. Once approved, the employer can add your name to the position to create a Candidate Specific Job Approval Letter. This letter must be included in your SINP application.