Maple News reports that Saskatchewan has temporarily halted new applications for its job offer-based immigration streams under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The freeze, effective February 18, 2025, affects foreign nationals and employers seeking to submit Job Approval Forms (JAFs) — a required step in provincial nomination through employment offers.
According to the SINP, the pause was prompted by a significant reduction in the province’s annual nomination quota from the federal government. For 2025, Ottawa has slashed Saskatchewan’s allocation by 50%, aligning with lower national targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027. This development marks a tightening of Canada’s immigration intake under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which typically allow provinces to select skilled immigrants based on regional labor market needs.
The Saskatchewan government explained the pause will provide time for the province to make key program revisions in response to the federally imposed cutbacks. While no specific date has been given for resuming intake, officials have signaled that the suspension will likely last for several weeks. Applications that were submitted before February 18 will continue to be processed normally.
The Job Approval Form (JAF) is a crucial step in Saskatchewan’s international recruitment process. Employers submit a JAF to the SINP to confirm that a valid job offer exists for a foreign worker. Once approved, this document allows the worker to proceed with a provincial nomination application — an essential requirement for permanent residency under the program’s job offer streams.
This move signals potential changes ahead for the SINP’s operations and perhaps a recalibration of immigration streams involving employer sponsorship. Stakeholders, including employers and international workers aiming for Saskatchewan-based immigration pathways, are being advised to stay informed and plan accordingly amid these evolving regulatory dynamics.
Maple News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available, particularly around future program changes and the reopening of JAF submissions.