Last Updated On 28 March 2025, 9:09 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

On March 27, 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s major provinces, made a groundbreaking announcement that’s set to reshape the province’s immigration landscape.

After months of uncertainty following a drastic 50% cut to provincial nominee allocations by the federal government, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is back in action.

The temporary pause on Job Approval Forms (JAFs) has been lifted, and sweeping changes to the SINP have been introduced to adapt to the new federal constraints.

These updates aim to prioritize key industries, streamline processes, and ensure Saskatchewan’s economy continues to thrive despite reduced nomination numbers.

This article dives deep into the details of these changes, their implications for immigrants and employers, and what the outcome means for Saskatchewan’s future.

Whether you’re an international worker, a local business owner, or simply curious about Canada’s immigration policies, this comprehensive guide will keep you informed and up to date.

The Big News: SINP Pause Ends, Program Revamped

After months of a temporary halt on accepting Job Approval Forms (JAFs)—a critical step for employers to sponsor foreign workers—the Saskatchewan government has lifted the pause effective immediately.

This move signals a return to action for the SINP, albeit under a radically transformed framework.

To navigate the federal cuts, the province has rolled out a series of program changes aimed at maintaining fairness, protecting program integrity, and aligning with long-term labour market needs.

The revamped SINP will focus on bolstering workforce growth in three priority sectors: healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:

Prioritization of Key Sectors for Overseas Candidates
- Approvals for candidates applying from outside Canada will now prioritize healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
- Recruitment for all other sectors (e.g., retail, hospitality) will be limited to candidates already in Canada on valid temporary visas.
Caps on Specific Industries
- Nominations for accommodation, food services, retail trade, and trucking will be capped at 25% of the province’s total annual nominations, reflecting a shift toward high-demand, high-impact sectors.
Exclusions for Certain Occupations
- Spas, salons, and pet care services (excluding veterinarians) are no longer eligible to recruit through the SINP, narrowing the program’s scope to essential industries.
Closure of Entrepreneurial Categories
- The Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator categories are being permanently shuttered, marking the end of an era for business-focused immigration streams.

For a full list of changes, visit the official Saskatchewan government website at saskatchewan.ca.

What This Means for Applicants

The overhaul has immediate implications for current and prospective SINP applicants.

Notably, applications under the Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand subcategories that lack a Saskatchewan-based job offer will be returned.

Affected candidates must contact the SINP directly to request a refund of their application fees.

For those navigating the process, the government has provided clear channels for support:

Email: immigration@gov.sk.ca
Phone: 1-833-613-0485

These changes underscore a shift toward a more selective, employer-driven immigration system.

If you’re an overseas applicant without a job offer in healthcare, agriculture, or skilled trades, your path to Saskatchewan just got narrower.

Conversely, temporary residents already in Canada may find new opportunities to secure permanent residency.

How to Navigate the New SINP: Tips for Applicants and Employers

For those affected by the changes, preparation is key. Here’s how to stay ahead:

For Applicants:
- If you’re overseas, target jobs in healthcare, agriculture, or skilled trades to boost your chances.
- If you’re already in Canada on a temporary visa, leverage your status—employers in non-priority sectors can still sponsor you.
- Check your application status with the SINP and act quickly if your file is at risk of being returned.
For Employers:
- Focus recruitment efforts on temporary residents for non-priority sectors.
- Explore training programs to upskill local workers, reducing reliance on international hires.
- Stay updated on nomination caps to avoid delays.

Looking Ahead: Saskatchewan’s Immigration Future

The end of the SINP pause and the program’s transformation mark a pivotal moment for Saskatchewan.

While the federal cuts have forced tough choices, the province is betting on a leaner, more focused immigration strategy to drive growth.

Whether this gamble pays off will depend on execution—and how well businesses and workers adapt to the new reality.

As Canada’s immigration landscape evolves, Saskatchewan’s story could set a precedent for other provinces grappling with similar challenges.

Why the SINP Matters to Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has long been a cornerstone of the province’s economic growth.

Designed to address labour shortages by nominating skilled workers for permanent residency, the SINP accounts for over 90% of Saskatchewan’s economic immigration.

Since its inception, it has helped employers fill critical roles in industries ranging from healthcare to agriculture when qualified Canadian workers were unavailable.

However, earlier this year, the federal government slashed nomination allocations for all provincial nominee programs by half, reducing Saskatchewan’s quota to just 3,625 nominations—the lowest since 2009.

Adding to the challenge, Ottawa imposed a new rule: 75% of nominees must already be temporary residents living in Canada.

These cuts sparked widespread concern among provincial leaders and businesses reliant on international talent.

“We are disappointed with the federal government’s decision,” said Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter.

“The SINP has been essential for Saskatchewan employers. The changes announced today will ensure our reduced nominations are used effectively to build our economy.”

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website