Saskatchewan PNP Update

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has announced that it is returning applications from candidates employed in the transportation, retail, and accommodation and food services sectors. This move follows the introduction of a 25% cap on provincial nominations for these sectors, implemented in March 2025. The province has now reached that cap.

Applications submitted under these categories are being returned, as they no longer meet current program allocations. However, the SINP confirmed it will continue to accept Job Approval Forms (JAFs) from employers in these sectors. A JAF is a required step for obtaining a Job Approval Letter (JAL), which enables a candidate to enter the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool for provincial nomination.

The SINP also confirmed that nominations for candidates outside Canada will now be prioritized only for certain sectors: Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades. For all other occupations, only candidates who are already temporary residents of Canada will be supported for nomination.

These changes come in response to a 50% reduction in federal PNP allocations to most provinces and a new federal directive requiring that 75% of provincial nominees already be in Canada. To adapt, Saskatchewan has adjusted its intake strategy and made further changes, including:

Closing its Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator permanent residence pathways;

Removing eligibility for some Open Work Permit holders;

Limiting eligibility under the Student Category; and

Excluding spas, salons, and pet care services (except veterinarians) from SINP recruitment.

The province may reallocate nominations to capped sectors later in the year if space becomes available.