Saskatchewan Updates Provincial Nominee Program: Changes to Application Process and Nomination Limits

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has recently made significant changes to its application process, particularly affecting candidates employed in certain sectors. These changes are part of Saskatchewan’s effort to manage its limited provincial nominations effectively.

Key Changes to the SINP

In March 2025, the SINP introduced a new rule that places a 25% cap on nominations for candidates employed in the transportation, retail, and accommodation and food service sectors. This change means that once this cap is reached, no further applications from candidates in these sectors will be accepted under the current allocation.

As of now, the province has hit this 25% cap. Applications from candidates in these sectors will be returned as they no longer qualify. However, if any unused nominations become available later in the year, the SINP may issue additional nominations for these sectors.

Job Approval Forms (JAF) for Employers

Despite the changes, the SINP will continue to accept Job Approval Forms (JAF) from employers in these sectors. The JAF is a necessary document for employers who wish to hire foreign workers through the SINP. If the JAF is approved, the employer receives a Job Approval Letter (JAL), which serves as authorization to hire foreign workers. This letter allows workers to apply for provincial nomination through the SINP.

The SINP has clarified that the JAL is still required for workers under employer-focused streams in order to enter Saskatchewan’s Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, where they can be considered for provincial nomination.

New Limitations for Overseas Recruitment

Another significant change is the limitation on the recruitment of overseas workers. The SINP will now prioritize approvals for overseas candidates only in specific sectors, including:

• Health
• Agriculture
• Skilled Trades
  
  

Candidates in all other sectors must already be temporary residents of Canada to be considered for recruitment. This change is designed to ensure that Saskatchewan meets its labour market needs with workers who are already within the country.

Why Saskatchewan is Changing Its Provincial Nominee Program

The changes to the SINP are largely due to federal government decisions that have affected provincial nominee allocations. In 2025, the federal government reduced the PNP allocations for nearly all provinces and territories by 50%. This reduction forced Saskatchewan to reassess how it manages its provincial nominations.

Additionally, a new federal requirement now mandates that 75% of provincial nominees must already be in Canada. To comply with this, Saskatchewan has revamped its intake strategy to continue addressing its labour market needs effectively.

Other Changes Introduced by SINP

Earlier this year, the SINP also introduced several other changes, including:

• Closing its Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator PR pathways.
• Removing eligibility for some Open Work Permit holders.
• Limiting eligibility for the SINP’s Student Category.
• Excluding spas, salons, and pet care services (except for veterinarians) from recruitment eligibility.
  
  

These changes reflect Saskatchewan's adaptation to new federal policies and its efforts to prioritize recruitment for occupations that are most critical to the province’s economy.

Saskatchewan’s adjustments to the SINP aim to strike a balance between meeting the province’s labour market demands and managing its limited allocation of provincial nominations. As a result, applicants in affected sectors may experience delays or returns of their applications until additional spaces become available.