On March 27, 2025, the province of Saskatchewan announced significant changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), resuming application intake after a pause and adjusting policies to align with reduced federal quotas.
Key highlights:
ü JAF Intake Resumption: As of March 27, SINP has resumed accepting Job Approval Forms (JAF) from employers, allowing them to hire foreign workers. The pause had been in effect since February 18, 2025, and no further suspensions are expected this year.
ü Restrictions on Hiring from Abroad: Foreign candidates can now apply for jobs only in three sectors: healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. For all other industries, hiring is restricted to individuals already in Canada with a valid work permit.
ü Closure of Business Immigration Streams: The Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator categories are permanently closed. Applications submitted before March 27 will be processed, but new applications are no longer accepted, and existing EOIs (Expression of Interest) have been removed from the system.
ü Quota Limits for Certain Sectors: New restrictions have been introduced for hospitality, lodging services, food services, retail, and trucking—these industries can receive no more than 25% of total nominations per year. Once the quota is reached, JAFs will be denied or deferred to the next year.
Ban on nominations for some open Work Permit holders:
Certain Open Work Permit (OWP) holders, including those with spousal work permits, are no longer eligible for SINP due to concerns over exploitation risks and low retention rates.
· Stricter Requirements for International Graduates Applying for SINP: Only graduates from Saskatchewan's Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with at least six months of work experience in the province (including on-campus jobs, co-op placements, or PGWP work) remain eligible. Graduates from other provinces are no longer eligible for this program.
· Employer Exclusions: Spas, salons, and pet care services (except veterinarians) are no longer permitted to hire through SINP.
These changes emphasize prioritizing local temporary residents (75% of quotas) and key industries that contribute to Saskatchewan’s long-term economic growth.
‼️ This information is crucial for those living in or planning to move to Saskatchewan. REVIEW YOUR STRATEGY—consider changing jobs or even rethinking your move to this province in 2025.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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