The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program has officially announced its nomination allocation for 2026, along with several sweeping changes that will significantly reshape how the province selects immigrants next year. These updates will affect foreign workers, international students, and employers relying on the SINP for permanent residence pathways. 

For 2026, Saskatchewan has been allocated 4,761 provincial nomination spaces. This figure matches the total number of nominations the province ended with in 2025. While the overall allocation has not increased, the province is changing how these nominations will be distributed to better align immigration with labour market priorities. 

Under the new framework, Saskatchewan will reserve at least half of its 2026 nominations for priority sectors identified in its Labour Market Strategy. Up to 25 percent of nominations will be directed toward capped sectors, while the remaining portion will be allocated to other sectors. Unlike in 2025, Saskatchewan has confirmed that there will be no requirement for candidates to already be working in Canada in order to be selected in 2026. 

The list of priority sectors has expanded for the new year and now includes healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades, mining, manufacturing, energy, and technology. Within this priority allocation, 750 nomination spaces will be specifically reserved for graduates of Saskatchewan-based designated learning institutions who are employed in priority occupations. If demand in these sectors is particularly strong, Saskatchewan may allocate more than the minimum 50 percent to priority sectors, which could reduce opportunities in other areas. If the target is not met, unused spaces may be reallocated elsewhere. 

Applicants working in priority sectors will benefit from more flexibility. They will be able to apply at any time without waiting for specific intake windows, will not be subject to the six-month work permit expiry restriction, and will be allowed to apply from outside Canada. 

At the same time, Saskatchewan will continue to limit nominations in certain capped sectors. These sectors remain unchanged from 2025 and include accommodation and food services, trucking, and retail trade. Together, these capped sectors will account for no more than 25 percent of total nominations. The province has also indicated that it may adjust these limits during the year if labour market conditions change. 

For candidates in capped sectors, applications will only be accepted during designated intake windows scheduled throughout 2026. To prioritize workers who are closest to losing their legal status, applicants must be in the final six months of their work permit validity when applying. Saskatchewan has confirmed that all capped-sector applications submitted will be processed during 2026. 

The SINP has also announced several important changes affecting international students and work permit holders. To qualify under the SINP Student category, applicants must graduate from a Saskatchewan institution and live in the province while working in a field related to their education. Post-Graduation Work Permit holders who studied outside Saskatchewan will no longer be eligible under Saskatchewan Experience pathways, even if they have gained six months of work experience in their field. 

In addition, PGWP holders will be restricted to applying through specific SINP pathways, including the Student category, Health Talent pathway, Agriculture Talent pathway, Tech Talent pathway, and the International Skilled Worker category with an employment offer. Previous exemptions that allowed PGWP holders to apply under restricted occupations have been removed. Certain open work permit holders, including those on spousal open work permits, will also lose access to some SINP pathways. However, spousal open work permit holders may still qualify for streams that do not require a work permit, although additional proof of Saskatchewan residency for the applicant and accompanying family members may be required. 

To help prospective applicants understand these changes, Saskatchewan has announced a virtual information session scheduled for January 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. CST. 

Looking at historical trends, Saskatchewan began 2025 with 3,625 nomination spaces and later received additional allocations, bringing the total to 4,761 by year-end. The 2026 allocation mirrors this final 2025 number but remains significantly lower than the 8,000 nomination spaces Saskatchewan had in 2024. While the province may receive additional nominations later in 2026, the current allocation reflects a more controlled and targeted immigration strategy. 

Overall, Saskatchewan’s 2026 immigration plan places a stronger emphasis on priority occupations and local graduates while tightening access for certain sectors and permit holders. For applicants, this means that understanding sector eligibility, residency requirements, and pathway restrictions will be critical. Early planning and careful preparation will be essential to navigating the updated SINP landscape in 2026.