Maple News reports that the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has undergone sweeping reforms, reshaping how foreign nationals can obtain permanent residence (PR) in the province. Effective March 27, 2025, several program streams have closed, and the province is introducing targeted priorities to better align immigration with local labor market needs.
One of the most notable changes includes the resumption of the Job Approval Form (JAF) intake, which had been paused since February 18, 2025. Employers in Saskatchewan can now once again submit JAFs to support the hiring of foreign workers. These forms, once approved, result in a Job Approval Letter—a key document required for job-offer-based permanent residency applications through the SINP.
However, the province has tightened the scope of who can be recruited from overseas. Going forward, recruitment outside Canada is limited exclusively to three crucial sectors: Health, Agriculture, and Skilled Trades. This strategic shift is part of Saskatchewan’s effort to fill high-demand roles while focusing the bulk of its immigration resources on applicants already living in the province. According to SINP, 75% of the provincial nomination allocations this year will be reserved for candidates already on temporary status in Saskatchewan.
In another significant move, Saskatchewan has permanently closed its Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator immigration streams. This decision signals a shift in focus away from business immigration towards addressing urgent labor market and demographic priorities.
The changes also introduce updated nomination caps across specific sectors, and several limitations have been placed on categories previously eligible for nomination. Open Work Permit holders will see reduced eligibility in certain cases. Similarly, eligibility under the SINP’s Student Category is now restricted, curbing opportunities for international graduates aiming to remain in the province after completing their studies.
Additionally, the SINP has delisted three types of employers from its recruitment pool. While the province has not publicly named these employer categories, the decision reflects a broader quality-control effort to ensure that immigration supports meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.
Overall, these updates demonstrate Saskatchewan’s evolving approach to immigration, prioritizing in-province retention and strategic recruitment in key economic sectors. These changes are expected to remain in place throughout 2025, with no further JAF pauses anticipated during the year.