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Saskatchewan’s immigration landscape is taking a bold new turn. On March 27, 2025, the provincial government announced the end of the temporary pause on Job Approval Forms (JAFs), marking the restart of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) with a series of sweeping updates designed to address recent federal immigration cuts.
A Strategic Response to Federal Constraints
After a drastic 50% reduction in provincial nominee allocations—which slashed Saskatchewan’s annual quota to 3,625 nominations (the lowest level since 2009)—the SINP has been reimagined to ensure Saskatchewan’s economic stability amid tighter federal regulations, the program’s overhaul focuses on aligning immigration with long-term labour market needs while preserving program integrity.
The revamped SINP now centers on three priority sectors:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Skilled Trades
For candidates applying from outside Canada, priority consideration will be given exclusively to these key sectors. In contrast, recruitment in other areas, such as retail or hospitality, will be restricted mainly to those already in Canada on valid temporary visas.
New Guidelines Reshape the Program
To maximize the impact of the reduced nominee numbers, the new framework also imposes:
- Caps on Specific Industries: Nominations for sectors like accommodation, food services, retail trade, and trucking will be limited to 25% of the province’s total annual nominations, thereby channeling resources toward high-demand sectors.
- Occupational Exclusions: Certain categories, including spas, salons, and pet care services (except for veterinarians), have been removed from the SINP’s recruitment scope, underscoring a focus on essential industries.
- Closure of Entrepreneurial Categories: In a significant policy shift, the Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator streams have been permanently discontinued, signaling an end to business-focused immigration channels under this program.
For a comprehensive list of changes, the province advises candidates and employers to refer to the official website at saskatchewan.ca
Immediate Impact on Applicants and Employers
The changes have far-reaching implications. Applications under the Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand subcategories that do not include a Saskatchewan-based job offer will be returned. Affected candidates are urged to contact the SINP directly to arrange a refund of their application fees. For assistance, applicants and employers can reach out via Email at immigration@gov.sk.ca or Phone at 1-833-613-0485.
Overseas applicants are encouraged to target employment opportunities in the prioritized sectors. At the same time, temporary residents already in Canada might find new pathways to permanent residency through employer sponsorships in non-priority fields.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Adaptive Immigration
This revamp is not just a response to current challenges—it is a strategic gamble on Saskatchewan’s economic future. By concentrating on sectors that drive critical services and labour market growth, the province aims to turn federal constraints into an opportunity. However, the success of this leaner, employer-driven immigration model will depend largely on how quickly both businesses and workers adapt to the new procedures.
Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter encapsulated the sentiment of many local employers, stating, > “We are disappointed with the federal government’s decision. The SINP has been essential for Saskatchewan employers. The changes announced today will ensure our reduced nominations are used effectively to build our economy.”
A New Chapter for Saskatchewan’s Immigration
As provinces across Canada grapple with similar federal restrictions, Saskatchewan’s innovative approach could serve as a benchmark for others. This decisive pivot toward strategic sectorization and streamlined processing not only addresses immediate labour shortages but also sets the stage for a more resilient and responsive immigration system in the long run.
This transformation of the SINP reflects Saskatchewan’s commitment to leveraging immigration as a vital component of economic renewal—one that prioritizes essential industries and adapitates to a challenging federal policy environment. With the new guidelines in place, both international applicants and local businesses now have a clearer roadmap for navigating this evolving landscape.
For ongoing updates and more in-depth analyses on Canada’s immigration policies, stay tuned as Saskatchewan’s SINP continues to evolve in response to national challenges.
