Saskatchewan Receives Increased Immigration Quota for 2025

Saskatchewan has received 1,136 additional nominations under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) for 2025. This brings the province’s total allocation for the year to 4,761 nominations.

Priority for High-Demand Sectors

According to a government representative, 25% of the new nominations will go toward jobs in trucking, accommodation, food service, and retail trade. These sectors had already reached their nomination cap by June 2025, leading to returned applications. With this increase, applications in these areas will now resume processing.

Key Changes to SINP in 2025

Earlier this year, significant changes were introduced to the SINP, including:

• A 50% cut to Saskatchewan’s overall allocation compared to 2024.
• A new federal rule requiring that 75% of nominees must already be in Canada.
• Among the remaining 25% for overseas applicants, priority is given to healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
• Closure of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator PR pathways.
• Removal of eligibility for certain Open Work Permit holders.
• Restrictions for the SINP’s Student Category.
• Exclusion of spas, salons, and pet care services (except veterinarians) from the program.
  
  

These changes highlight the province’s focus on filling critical labour shortages while adapting to federal requirements.

Other Provinces Also See Changes

Saskatchewan is not alone in receiving an updated allocation. Other provinces and territories have also reported increases or reductions:

• Newfoundland and Labrador gained an additional 1,000 spots for its PNP, plus 475 under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), bringing its total allocation to 2,525.
• New Brunswick received 1,500 additional PNP spots and 1,250 under the AIP, for a total of 4,250.
• Yukon added 67 new nominations earlier this month.
• Meanwhile, provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia faced cuts of about 50% to their allocations, leading to the closure or capping of certain PNP streams.
  
  

What This Means for Applicants

For individuals seeking permanent residency through the SINP or other Provincial Nominee Programs, these updates create both opportunities and challenges. While Saskatchewan is opening up more space in essential industries, applicants must carefully review the updated eligibility criteria to ensure they qualify.