Saskatchewan has secured a modest increase in its 2025 immigration allocation, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approving 1,136 additional nominations for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This brings the province’s total for the year to 4,761, up from 3,625. However, the provincial government says this increase falls short of what is needed to meet labour demands or reverse recent federal cuts.
On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of Saskatchewan’s updated SINP allocations for 2025
- Details on federal cuts and program restructuring
- Priority sectors for nominations and sector caps
- Suspension of SINP skilled worker draws
- New rules for open work permit and PGWP holders
- Industries no longer eligible under SINP
- Provincial reaction to Ottawa’s immigration strategy
Federal Cuts Prompt SINP Reboot
The increased allocation follows Ottawa’s controversial decision to cut Saskatchewan’s PNP quota by 50 per cent earlier this year – the lowest level since 2009. In response, Saskatchewan temporarily paused intake of new Job Approval Forms and restructured the SINP with stricter criteria and new sector-specific nomination limits. These changes took effect in March 2025.
The federal government has also mandated that 75 per cent of nominations go to individuals already living in Canada as temporary residents, further limiting international recruitment opportunities.
Priority Sectors and Sector Caps
Saskatchewan says the increase will help address critical labour shortages in key sectors. Healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades remain top priorities and are set to receive expedited processing.
The province has also allocated up to 25 per cent of the new nominations to high-demand but capped sectors, including trucking, accommodations, food services, and retail trade. These industries had already reached their nomination cap in June, leading to the return of many applications. With the increased allocation, SINP has resumed processing some applications in these fields.
Industries like salons, spas, and pet care services are now excluded from eligibility altogether.
SINP Draws Have Quietly Ended
A major consequence of the reduced federal allocation has been the effective end of SINP draws. Once held monthly to invite skilled workers through the International Skilled Worker category, SINP draws have not taken place since September 2024.
These draws used to be a key pathway for candidates overseas and within Canada to receive provincial nominations for permanent residence. With fewer spaces and a focus on temporary residents already in Saskatchewan, the province has stopped issuing invitations through this route.
The suspension of draws has left many prospective immigrants in limbo, with limited visibility on when, or if, selections will resume.
Limited Relief for Employers and Applicants
Despite the added spaces, Saskatchewan officials stress that the new nominations are not enough to offset the broader impact of federal cuts. Diane Robinson, communications director at the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, stated:
“Reducing the number of permanent and temporary residents in Canada should not come at the expense of economic immigration to Saskatchewan.”
The province has also permanently closed its Entrepreneur, Farm Owner, and International Graduate Entrepreneur categories, narrowing its focus to labour market-driven streams aligned with retention and economic needs.
Revised Rules for Work Permit and Student Graduates
Under new SINP rules, some open work permit holders – including spouses of temporary foreign workers – are no longer eligible. PGWP holders must now have studied in Saskatchewan and be working in a related field to apply under the Saskatchewan Experience stream. Those who studied outside the province may still qualify through the International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer sub-category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saskatchewan’s PNP allocation increase in 2025?
Ottawa approved 1,136 additional nominations, increasing Saskatchewan’s total to 4,761 for 2025. The increase slightly eases pressure after an earlier 50 per cent cut to the SINP.
Will all sectors benefit from the increased nomination spaces?
No. Only certain sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades, and capped industries like trucking and food services will benefit. Some sectors remain excluded.
What happened to SINP draws for skilled workers?
SINP draws have effectively ended. The last one was held in September 2024. These used to occur monthly but stopped due to reduced quotas and new federal requirements.
Are all international students still eligible under SINP?
No. PGWP holders must now have studied at a Saskatchewan institution and worked in a related job to qualify under Saskatchewan Experience pathways.
Is the Entrepreneur or Farm Owner stream still available?
No. These categories have been permanently closed. Existing applications will be processed, but no new applications or EOIs are being accepted.
