The Government of Saskatchewan has reactivated its Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), introducing significant policy shifts in response to federal reductions in nominee quotas.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), the changes are designed to streamline application processes and direct resources toward high-impact sectors, ensuring that Saskatchewan’s economic momentum continues despite fewer available spots for newcomers.
Focus on Key Sectors
The updated SINP will now prioritize candidates in three essential industries:
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Healthcare
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Agriculture
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Skilled Trades
Applicants outside these priority sectors—such as those in retail, food services, and hospitality—will only be considered if they already reside in Canada on a temporary visa.
Additionally, a cap has been set: only 25% of the province’s annual nomination spots will be allocated to industries like accommodation, trucking, and retail, to better concentrate efforts where labor demand is most pressing.
Entrepreneur Streams Permanently Closed
In a major shift, Saskatchewan has permanently shut down several business-focused immigration streams, including:
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Entrepreneur Category
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International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
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Farm Owner/Operator Category
This move marks a definitive end to business immigration under the SINP, which previously served as a key entry point for entrepreneurs and investors.
Impacts on Applicants and Employers
These reforms will affect both current and prospective SINP applicants:
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Individuals applying via the Express Entry or Occupations In-Demand pathways without a job offer from a Saskatchewan-based employer will have their applications returned. Refunds are available upon request.
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Temporary residents already living in Saskatchewan may benefit from the changes, especially in lower-priority sectors where nominations are still open for local candidates.
Employers are being encouraged to focus recruitment on residents already in the province and to adjust their workforce planning accordingly.
How to Navigate the New Guidelines
To succeed under the new SINP framework:
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Overseas applicants should prioritize securing job offers in healthcare, agriculture, or skilled trades.
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Temporary residents in Saskatchewan are advised to explore PR pathways within non-priority sectors.
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Employers should monitor sector-specific nomination caps and invest in workforce training to reduce dependency on international hiring.
The Bigger Picture
The changes follow a drastic cut to Saskatchewan’s federal nominee quota—from previous levels down to just 3,625 spots. Compounding the impact, 75% of nominees must now already be living in Canada, placing further constraints on international applicants.
Deputy Premier and Immigration Minister Jim Reiter expressed the province’s discontent:
“We are disappointed with the federal government’s decision.”
Nonetheless, Saskatchewan is repositioning its immigration strategy to remain effective and sustainable under the new limitations.
Why the SINP Still Matters
The SINP has long been vital to Saskatchewan’s economic development, responsible for over 90% of the province’s economic immigration, especially in sectors with chronic labor shortages.
While the new direction reduces intake volume, it emphasizes precision—targeting immigrants who can make the most immediate economic contributions.
As other provinces face similar pressures, Saskatchewan’s approach may serve as a template for managing immigration amid national policy shifts.