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Saskatchewan and Manitoba are two of the Western provinces of Canada. Both offer benefits and attractions for people looking to immigrate to Canada. Saskatchewan has a lively art and culture scene, excellent health care services, a multitude of recreation opportunities and plenty of scenic parks to explore.
In addition to being known as the polar bear capital of the world, Manitoba offers beautiful scenery in its hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and ski resorts. They also offer high quality free public health care and a diversified economy with plenty of career opportunities.
The two provinces both offer Entrepreneur / Business Investor Immigration Streams – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) and Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Both programs are designed to attract and retain business-savvy individuals who are interested in settling in these respective provinces. Knowing how they compare can help you make the decision that is best for you.
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In comparing both immigration streams, it’s important to note that they do share some of the same eligibility requirements. Both provinces require you to have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and provide a detailed business plan. Both allow you to purchase an existing business or start a new one. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have the shortest wait time between operating your business and being eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. The program application fee after receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA) is $2,500 for both provinces. Both SINP and MPNP require a commitment to live and operate your business in the respective province.
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Saskatchewan’s Immigrant Nominee Program requires an investment of $300,000 CAD in Saskatoon or Regina and $200,000 for other rural areas, while the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program asks for $250,000 in the Manitoba Capital region and $150,000 outside of this area.
Both programs value business ownership and senior management experience – SINP asks for at least three years of relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience gained in the past 10 years. MPNP has a narrower timeframe, requiring a minimum of 3 years in the past 5 as an owner or senior manager.
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Neither program has an age limit restriction, but points are assessed more favorably to certain ranges. (More detail on points assessments at the end of this article). As far as language proficiency, Manitoba requires proof of a CLB 5 score at the time of application. Saskatchewan, on the other hand, doesn't have a language requirement but you can claim bonus points if you can provide proof of a score of 4 or higher. In terms of education, MNPN requires at least a high school diploma and Saskatchewan is even more flexible with no minimum education requirement.
Once your business is up and running, both provinces expect a clear demonstration of your active involvement in day-to-day activity and management. Under the SINP, you must create a minimum of two full time jobs, while MPNP only requires one. Both programs require you to own at least 33.33% of the business, although in Saskatchewan, you can be exempt from this if your investment is $1 million or more. Manitoba does not allow for co-applicants, but Saskatchewan will approve Joint Venture partners.
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When applying to either Entrepreneur Stream, having a clear and realistic picture of your qualifying points can make all the difference. The following table outlines the points available, and the corresponding requirement needed to claim them.
|
Factor |
SINP Entrepreneur Stream |
MPNP Business Investor Stream (Entrepreneur Pathway) |
Comparison |
|
Net Worth/Assets |
Bare minimum $500,000 - $549,999: 0 points And max 15 points for $1m or higher net worth |
$500,000 to $1m 5 points, and higher points for net worth up to and above $3m (max 10 points) |
Similarity: Both prioritize a net worth of $500,000 or more. Difference: SINP offers a tiered points system based on net worth, while MPNP has a flat rate. |
|
Investment Amount |
$200,000 - $349,999: 0 points and maximum points of 20 for +$1m investment |
$250,000+ in Manitoba Capital Region: 20 points $150,000+ outside the region: 20 points |
Similarity: Both award points based on various levels of investment amount. Difference: MPNP differentiates based on location within the province. Saskatchewan has a much more detailed points break down to be able to gain more points for higher investments |
|
Business Experience |
4-7 years as an entrepreneur: 10 points Bonus points for ownership of 50% or higher with longer years of experience for a maximum of 20 points |
More than 3 years as owner: 20 points and up to a max of 30 points depending on length of ownership experience. 3-6 years of senior management: 5 points and 10 points for 7 years or longer |
Both provinces award higher points for ownership and longer experience. Saskatchewan also awards bonus points for having experience or ownership of a business back in your home country under certain guidelines. And awards bonus points for previous innovation businesses as part of the applicant’s experience |
|
Age |
Ranges from 21-54 with varying points, with max at 30-39 years being 15 points |
25 to 49 years: 15 points; other ages get fewer points |
Similarity: Both value applicants in their mid 30’s |
|
Official Language Proficiency |
Although not mandatory, you can claim points for CLB 4: 5 points; and maximum of CLB 6+: 15 points |
CLB 5: 10 points; CLB 8+: 25 points |
Similarity: Both offering points based on language requirements Difference: MPNP offers more points for higher language proficiency levels than Saskatchewan and in Saskatchewan language is not mandatory. |
|
Education and Training |
Completed Post-secondary credential of at least 1 year: 20 points |
Between 0 to 10 points |
Difference: Both award points for post-secondary education at various levels |
|
Job Creation |
No job creation: 0 points Job creation for 1-2 in Regina/Saskatoon: 10 points |
Not a specific category for points under the MPNP |
Difference: Only SINP specifically awards points based on job creation, differentiated by region. |
|
Business Research Visit |
Not a specific category for SINP |
10-20 points depending on the length of the exploratory visit |
Difference: Only MPNP awards points for a business research visit. |
|
Economic Priorities |
Offering bonus points of up to 15 if in Tech/Science/Manufacturing/Export/Rural Business Succession/Rural Business Development |
High: 20 points; Good: 15 points; Fair: 10 points; Weak: 5 points |
Difference: SINP offers bonus points depending on the industry you invest in, but MPNP also assigns points for general alignment with provincial priorities and sectors. |
|
Adaptability |
Not a specific category for SINP |
Previous work or business experience in Manitoba, close relatives, or Manitoba education: varying points |
Difference: Only MPNP awards points based on adaptability factors related to Manitoba. |
In general, both programs have benefits and advantages. They are two of the most flexible provincial entrepreneur programs anywhere in Canada. Equipped with the knowledge of how they compare, you can now decide which one is the better fit for you! You can also find additional details for both programs MPNP or SINP on the provincial websites:
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