Saskatchewan has introduced significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (SINP), impacting foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. These updates include stricter eligibility criteria, nomination caps for specific industries, and the reopening of Job Approval Form (JAF) intake. The adjustments reflect the province’s focus on retaining workers in critical sectors while tightening recruitment from overseas.
Resumption of Job Approval Form Intake
As of March 27, 2025, the SINP has resumed accepting JAFs after a temporary pause in February. Employers in Saskatchewan can once again submit these forms to hire skilled foreign workers. JAFs are a crucial requirement for obtaining Job Approval Letters, which are necessary for PR pathways under the SINP. The province has stated that 75% of its 2025 immigration allocation will be dedicated to candidates already residing in Saskatchewan, limiting overseas recruitment to select sectors.
Priority Sectors for Job Approval Letters
Going forward, only candidates in three sectors will receive priority for job approvals:
- Health
- Agriculture
- Skilled Trades
Candidates already in Canada with valid work permits can still apply for jobs across other industries. However, those outside Canada must be in one of the priority sectors to be considered.
Closure of Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator Streams
Effective March 27, 2025, the SINP has permanently closed three immigration streams:
- Entrepreneur Category
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
- Farm Owner/Operator Category
Existing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under these categories will be removed, and no new applications will be accepted. However, those who submitted their applications before this date will still be processed under previous criteria.
Nomination Caps for Certain Sectors
The SINP has imposed a nomination cap on three industries:
- Accommodations and Food Services
- Retail Trade
- Trucking
Only 25% of the province’s total annual nominations will be allocated to candidates in these sectors. Once this limit is reached, further applications will not be processed, and employers must wait until the following year to submit new JAFs.
Restrictions on Open Work Permit Holders
Certain Open Work Permit (OWP) holders are no longer eligible to apply under SINP programs. The province has cited concerns over worker exploitation and poor retention rates as reasons for this change. While the SINP has not provided a full list of affected OWP categories, it specifically mentions that spousal work permit holders will not be eligible.
Changes to the SINP Student Category
The eligibility criteria for the Student Category pathway have also been tightened. Now, only graduates from Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who have completed at least six months (780 hours) of paid work experience in Saskatchewan can apply. This work experience can be gained through:
- On-campus or off-campus employment
- Co-op terms
- Graduate fellowships
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs)
Additionally, graduates from DLIs outside Saskatchewan are no longer eligible for this stream. Instead, they must apply through alternative pathways such as the Student Talent Pathway, Health Talent Pathway, or Agriculture Talent Pathway.
Employer Eligibility Restrictions
As of March 27, 2025, three employer categories are no longer eligible to recruit foreign workers through SINP:
- Spas
- Salons
- Pet Care Services (excluding veterinarians)
Upcoming Information Sessions
The SINP will hold virtual information sessions on April 3 and April 9 for employers and prospective applicants. Those interested must register by emailing the following:
- Prospective applicants: immigration@gov.sk.ca
- Employers: employerservices@gov.sk.ca
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