Saskatchewan’s Increased PNP Quota Offers Little Reprieve

In a move welcomed but deemed insufficient by provincial officials, Saskatchewan has received a modest increase in its 2025 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved an additional 1,136 nominations for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), raising the province’s total quota for the year to 4,761. While this increase provides some relief for employers struggling with severe labour shortages, it falls far short of addressing the overwhelming demand for skilled and unskilled workers in key sectors.

The SINP, a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s immigration strategy, has faced significant challenges in 2025. Earlier in the year, the federal government imposed a 50% cut to the province’s PNP quota, reducing it to its lowest level since 2009. This drastic reduction forced Saskatchewan to pause the intake of new Job Approval Forms and restructure the SINP, introducing stricter eligibility criteria and sector-specific nomination limits that took effect in March 2025.

Among the most significant changes is the requirement that 75% of nominations must now go to individuals already living in Canada as temporary residents. This shift has severely limited opportunities for international candidates, who are now competing for just 25% of the available nominations. Priority is given to healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades, reflecting the province’s urgent labour needs in these areas.

The increased quota for 2025 allocates 25% of new nominations to previously capped sectors, including trucking, accommodation, food service, and retail trade. These industries had reached their quota limits by June 2025, prompting SINP to return applications until the increase was announced. Processing for these sectors will now resume, offering a glimmer of hope for employers in these fields. The remaining 75% of nominations will target non-capped sectors, with healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades receiving priority.

However, the restructuring of the SINP has also introduced restrictions. Certain industries, such as spas, salons, and pet care services (excluding veterinarians), are no longer eligible for nomination. Additionally, major policy changes have further narrowed eligibility for potential applicants. The closure of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator PR pathways, the removal of eligibility for many Open Work Permit holders, and the suspension of skilled worker draws have all added layers of complexity to the program.

For applicants, the updated eligibility requirements demand careful attention. While more spots are available, competition remains fierce, particularly in high-demand sectors. International candidates face additional hurdles due to the emphasis on in-Canada residency, while employers, though partially relieved, continue to grapple with recruitment challenges that the increased quota is unlikely to fully resolve.

Provincial officials, while acknowledging the modest relief provided by the increased allocation, emphasize that the quota remains insufficient to meet Saskatchewan’s labour needs or offset the impact of earlier federal cuts. The province continues to advocate for greater autonomy over its immigration system, arguing that local control is essential to effectively address the unique challenges faced by Saskatchewan employers and immigrants alike.

In summary, Saskatchewan’s increased PNP quota for 2025 offers only marginal relief after significant federal cuts and stricter program rules. The focus on sector prioritization and in-Canada residency requirements has created both opportunities and obstacles for applicants and employers, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing federal immigration policies with provincial labour demands.

Continued Challenges and Implications for Saskatchewan’s Immigration Landscape

Despite the modest increase in Saskatchewan’s PNP quota, the immigration landscape remains fraught with challenges. The federal government’s earlier 50% cut to the province’s allocation has left a significant gap, with the current quota still well below pre-2025 levels. This reduction has forced Saskatchewan to implement stricter eligibility criteria, with 75% of nominations now reserved for individuals already residing in Canada as temporary residents. This shift has significantly limited opportunities for international candidates, who must now compete for the remaining 25% of available nominations.

The restructuring of the SINP has also introduced sector-specific nomination limits, which took effect in March 2025. These changes have been particularly impactful, with certain industries no longer eligible for nomination. Spas, salons, and pet care services, excluding veterinarians, have been removed from the list of eligible sectors. This decision reflects a broader effort to align the SINP with the province’s most pressing labour needs, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.

The increased quota for 2025 has allocated 25% of new nominations to previously capped sectors, including trucking, accommodation, food service, and retail trade. These industries had reached their quota limits by June 2025, leading SINP to return applications until the increase was announced. With the resumption of processing in these areas, employers in these sectors can now access the skilled workers they desperately need. However, the remaining 75% of nominations will target non-capped sectors, with healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades receiving priority.

Major policy changes have further narrowed eligibility for potential applicants. The closure of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator PR pathways has removed a vital route for individuals seeking to establish businesses or farms in the province. Additionally, the removal of eligibility for many Open Work Permit holders has limited opportunities for those already working in Canada. The suspension of skilled worker draws has also added complexity to the program, requiring applicants to navigate an increasingly restrictive system.

For applicants, the updated eligibility requirements demand careful attention. While more spots are available, competition remains fierce, particularly in high-demand sectors. International candidates face additional hurdles due to the emphasis on in-Canada residency, while employers, though partially relieved, continue to grapple with recruitment challenges that the increased quota is unlikely to fully resolve.

Provincial officials, while acknowledging the modest relief provided by the increased allocation, emphasize that the quota remains insufficient to meet Saskatchewan’s labour needs or offset the impact of earlier federal cuts. The province continues to advocate for greater autonomy over its immigration system, arguing that local control is essential to effectively address the unique challenges faced by Saskatchewan employers and immigrants alike.

In summary, Saskatchewan’s increased PNP quota for 2025 offers only marginal relief after significant federal cuts and stricter program rules. The focus on sector prioritization and in-Canada residency requirements has created both opportunities and obstacles for applicants and employers, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing federal immigration policies with provincial labour demands.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan’s increased PNP quota for 2025, while offering some relief, does not fully address the province’s labour shortages and immigration challenges. The modest allocation increase, coupled with stricter eligibility criteria and sector prioritization, highlights the ongoing struggle to balance federal immigration policies with provincial labour demands. Despite the resumption of processing for previously capped sectors, the emphasis on in-Canada residency and the exclusion of certain industries continue to limit opportunities for international candidates. As Saskatchewan advocates for greater autonomy over its immigration system, the focus remains on navigating a complex landscape to meet the unique needs of both employers and immigrants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the total PNP quota for Saskatchewan in 2025?

The total PNP quota for Saskatchewan in 2025 is 4,761, following an increase of 1,136 additional nominations.

What percentage of nominations are reserved for individuals already living in Canada?

75% of nominations are reserved for individuals already living in Canada as temporary residents, leaving 25% for international candidates.

Which sectors are prioritized under the updated SINP rules?

Healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades are prioritized. Additionally, 25% of new nominations are allocated to previously capped sectors such as trucking, accommodation, food service, and retail trade.

Are there any industries no longer eligible for nomination?

Yes, certain industries such as spas, salons, and pet care services (excluding veterinarians) are no longer eligible for nomination under the updated SINP rules.

What major policy changes have impacted SINP eligibility?

The closure of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator PR pathways, the removal of eligibility for many Open Work Permit holders, and the suspension of skilled worker draws have further narrowed eligibility for potential applicants.

How have the changes affected international candidates?

International candidates now compete for only 25% of available nominations, facing increased competition due to the emphasis on in-Canada residency.

Are Saskatchewan officials satisfied with the increased quota?

No, provincial officials acknowledge the modest relief but emphasize that the quota remains insufficient to meet Saskatchewan’s labour needs or offset the impact of earlier federal cuts.