Saskatchewan Revamps Immigrant Nominee Program to Prioritize Key Sectors

On March 27, 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan announced major updates to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), introducing stricter eligibility criteria, sector-specific priorities, and permanent closures of certain immigration streams. These changes come in response to a 50% reduction in the province’s federal nomination allocation, forcing a strategic shift to focus on critical labor shortages.

This article explores the key modifications to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, their implications for employers and applicants, and how these updates align with the province’s economic priorities.

Significant Updates to Saskatchewan's Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

1. Job Approval Forms (JAFs) Resume with Sector-Specific Focus

After a temporary pause in February 2025 due to federal nomination cuts, Saskatchewan has resumed accepting Job Approval Forms (JAFs)—but with a stronger emphasis on high-demand industries.

• Priority Sectors: Healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades will receive preferential processing.

• Other Sectors: Employers must hire candidates already in Canada on valid work permits.

• Federal Mandate: 75% of SINP nominations must now go to temporary residents.

This adjustment ensures that Saskatchewan’s limited nomination quota (reduced to 3,625 in 2025) is allocated to industries facing the most severe labor shortages.

2. Permanent Closure of Entrepreneur and Farm Streams

In a significant policy shift, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has permanently closed three business-related streams:

• Entrepreneur Stream

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

• Farm Owner/Operator Stream

Existing applications submitted before March 27, 2025, will still be processed, but no new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be accepted. This move signals Saskatchewan’s shift away from business immigration and toward workforce-driven economic immigration.

3. 25% Cap on Nominations for Certain Industries

To prevent over-reliance on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program in specific sectors, the province has imposed a 25% nomination cap on:

• Accommodations

• Food services

• Retail trade

• Trucking

Once this cap is reached, additional JAFs will only be processed if needed to meet annual targets. This measure ensures a more balanced distribution of nominations across high-priority and general labor market needs.

4. Stricter Rules for Work Permit Holders and Students

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has tightened eligibility for certain work permit holders and international graduates:

• Excluded Work Permits: Spousal open work permits and permits issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) are no longer eligible due to retention concerns.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders: Limited to the Student, Health, Agriculture Talent, and Employment Offer sub-categories.

• International Students: Only graduates from Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who completed at least two years of study while residing in the province are eligible.

These changes aim to improve retention rates and ensure that international students and temporary workers contribute long-term to Saskatchewan’s economy.

5. Ban on Temporary Staffing Agencies

Employers operating in temporary staffing and placement services can no longer participate in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. This decision targets industries with high turnover rates, reinforcing the program’s focus on permanent, stable employment.

Why Did Saskatchewan Update the SINP?

The 2025 overhaul of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is a direct response to two major factors:

1. Federal Nomination Cuts: Saskatchewan’s allocation was slashed by 50%, reducing available spots from over 7,000 in previous years to just 3,625 in 2025.

2. Labor Market Demands: Healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades face critical shortages, requiring a more targeted immigration approach.

By prioritizing these sectors and restricting less critical industries, Saskatchewan aims to maximize the economic impact of its reduced nomination quota.

What Do These Changes Mean for Employers and Applicants?

For Employers:

• Priority Sectors (healthcare, agriculture, trades): Can still recruit overseas workers.

• Non-Priority Sectors: Must hire from the pool of temporary residents already in Canada.

• Capped Industries (retail, trucking, etc.): Need to plan nominations carefully to stay within the 25% limit.

• Temporary Staffing Agencies: No longer eligible to sponsor foreign workers through SINP.

For Applicants:

• Overseas Workers: Only those with job offers in healthcare, agriculture, or skilled trades have strong chances.

• Temporary Residents in Canada: Have an advantage, especially in non-priority sectors.

• International Students: Must study for at least two years at a Saskatchewan DLI to qualify.

• Entrepreneurs & Farmers: No longer eligible under SINP; must explore other immigration pathways.

Next Steps for SINP Applicants

1. Check Eligibility: Review the latest Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program requirements at www.saskatchewan.ca.

2. Employer Workshops: Attend SINP information sessions on April 3 and April 9, 2025, for detailed guidance.

3. Alternative Pathways: Consider other provincial or federal immigration programs if SINP eligibility is affected.

Conclusion

The 2025 updates to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) reflect a strategic shift toward high-demand sectors and temporary residents already in Canada. While the changes may limit opportunities for some, they ensure that Saskatchewan’s immigration system remains aligned with its economic needs.