Saskatchewan Overhauls Provincial Nominee Program, Reopens Intake for Job Offer PR Pathways
In a significant move to align with federal immigration policies, Saskatchewan has introduced sweeping changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) in 2025. These reforms aim to address reduced federal allocations and new residency requirements for applicants.
The SINP, a key pathway for immigrants seeking permanent residency in Saskatchewan, has faced challenges due to federal decisions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cut the province’s annual nominee allocation by 50% earlier this year, limiting the number of applicants Saskatchewan can nominate.
To adapt, the province has introduced a 25% cap on nominations for certain sectors, including trucking, accommodation, food services, and retail. Once this cap is reached, no further applications in these sectors will be accepted, even if they meet all criteria.
Saskatchewan is now prioritizing recruitment in healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. These sectors are seen as critical to the province’s economic growth and labor market needs. Other industries, such as spas, salons, and pet care services, are no longer eligible for SINP-based recruitment.
The Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator pathways, which once provided opportunities for businesspeople and farmers to immigrate, have been permanently closed. This shift reflects a broader federal push to focus on nominees already living in Canada.
Under new federal mandates, 75% of all provincial nominees must now be temporary residents already in Canada, such as temporary foreign workers or international graduates. This change significantly limits Saskatchewan’s ability to recruit candidates directly from overseas.
After a temporary pause, Saskatchewan resumed accepting Job Approval Forms (JAF) on March 27, 2025, following program adjustments. However, new restrictions now make it harder for international students and spousal open work permit holders to secure SINP nominations.
Applicants in capped sectors, such as transportation and retail, whose submissions arrive after the 25% limit is reached will have their applications returned, regardless of how complete they are. This strict enforcement underscores the program’s tightened eligibility criteria.
While the SINP allocation was increased by 1,136 positions in mid-2025, bringing the total to 4,761, only 25% of these additional spots are allocated to capped sectors. The remainder is reserved for priority sectors and candidates already residing in Canada.
These changes mark a significant shift in how Saskatchewan approaches immigration. Applicants and employers alike must now navigate a more restrictive and sector-focused system, with clear priorities for healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
Saskatchewan Overhauls Provincial Nominee Program, Reopens Intake for Job Offer PR Pathways
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) has undergone significant changes in 2025, reshaping how immigrants can apply for permanent residency in the province. These changes are primarily in response to federal policies that have reduced Saskatchewan’s annual nominee allocations and introduced new residency requirements for applicants.
In January 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cut Saskatchewan’s SINP allocation by 50% compared to the previous year. This reduction has significantly limited the number of applicants the province can nominate. To adapt, Saskatchewan introduced a strict 25% cap on nominations for jobs in the trucking, accommodation, food services, and retail sectors. Once this cap is reached, no further applications in these sectors will be accepted, even if they meet all other criteria.
The province is now prioritizing recruitment in the healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades sectors for both domestic and overseas candidates. These sectors are deemed critical to Saskatchewan’s economic growth and labor market needs. Other industries, such as spas, salons, and pet care services (except veterinarians), are no longer eligible for SINP-based recruitment.
The Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator pathways, which previously provided opportunities for businesspeople and farmers to immigrate, have been permanently closed. This shift aligns with a broader federal push to focus on nominees already living in Canada.
Under new federal mandates, 75% of all provincial nominees must now be temporary residents already in Canada, such as temporary foreign workers or international graduates. This change significantly limits Saskatchewan’s ability to recruit candidates directly from overseas.
After a temporary pause, Saskatchewan resumed accepting Job Approval Forms (JAF) on March 27, 2025, following program adjustments. However, new restrictions now make it harder for international students and spousal open work permit holders to secure SINP nominations.
Applicants in capped sectors, such as transportation and retail, whose submissions arrive after the 25% limit is reached will have their applications returned, regardless of how complete they are. This strict enforcement underscores the program’s tightened eligibility criteria.
While the SINP allocation was increased by 1,136 positions in mid-2025, bringing the total to 4,761, only 25% of these additional spots are allocated to capped sectors. The remainder is reserved for priority sectors and candidates already residing in Canada.
These changes mark a significant shift in how Saskatchewan approaches immigration. Applicants and employers alike must now navigate a more restrictive and sector-focused system, with clear priorities for healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
Conclusion
The Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) has undergone significant changes in 2025, driven by federal immigration policies and reduced allocations. The introduction of a 25% cap on nominations for certain sectors, such as trucking, accommodation, food services, and retail, reflects a shift toward prioritizing healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. The permanent closure of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator pathways, along with the new requirement that 75% of nominees must be temporary residents in Canada, underscores a broader federal focus on retaining talent within the country. While the SINP allocation was increased slightly, the stricter eligibility criteria and sector-specific caps signal a more restrictive and targeted approach to immigration. These changes require applicants and employers to adapt to a system that aligns with Saskatchewan’s economic and labor market needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main changes to Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) in 2025?
The SINP has introduced a 25% cap on nominations for certain sectors, prioritized healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades, closed the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator pathways, and now requires 75% of nominees to be temporary residents in Canada.
Which sectors are subject to the 25% nomination cap?
The 25% cap applies to sectors such as trucking, accommodation, food services, and retail. Once this cap is reached, no further applications in these sectors will be accepted.
What sectors is Saskatchewan prioritizing for recruitment?
Saskatchewan is prioritizing healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades due to their critical role in the province’s economic growth and labor market needs.
What happened to the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator pathways?
These pathways have been permanently closed as part of Saskatchewan’s shift to focus on nominees already living in Canada.
What percentage of SINP nominees must now be temporary residents in Canada?
Under new federal mandates, 75% of all provincial nominees must be temporary residents in Canada, such as temporary foreign workers or international graduates.
How has the SINP allocation changed in 2025?
While the SINP allocation was increased by 1,136 positions, bringing the total to 4,761, only 25% of these additional spots are allocated to capped sectors. The remainder is reserved for priority sectors and candidates already residing in Canada.
What is the status of Job Approval Forms (JAF) for the SINP?
Saskatchewan resumed accepting Job Approval Forms (JAF) on March 27, 2025, following program adjustments. However, new restrictions make it harder for international students and spousal open work permit holders to secure SINP nominations.
