SINP 2025: What’s New and What’s Gone
Saskatchewan Tightens Immigration Pathways in 2025: What You Need to Know
In a significant policy shift, Saskatchewan has revised its immigration program for 2025 in response to federal changes that reduced the province’s nomination allocation by 50%. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is now prioritizing candidates already living in Canada and focusing on sectors facing critical labor shortages.
On March 27, the SINP officially resumed accepting Job Approval Forms after a month-long pause that allowed the government to restructure its intake strategy. Saskatchewan’s new nomination target is set at 3,625—its lowest in over 15 years. Notably, 75% of these nominations are now reserved for temporary residents already in Canada.
Major Changes to Note:
🚫 Stream Closures
The SINP has permanently closed several business-related categories, including:
The Entrepreneur Category
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Sub-Category
The Farm Owner/Operator Category
Any candidate who submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to these categories but has not received an invitation will have their file removed from the system.
🎯 Sector-Focused Recruitment
Due to the limited number of spots, international recruitment will be tightly focused on:
Healthcare
Agriculture
Skilled Trades
Applicants from other sectors must already reside in Canada with valid temporary status to qualify for nomination.
📉 Sector-Specific Caps
Saskatchewan is also enforcing new sector caps. No more than 25% of total annual nominations can go to workers in:
Accommodation & Food Services
Retail
Trucking
Employers in these industries can still submit Job Approval Forms, but applications may be delayed or held over if the cap is reached.
⚠️ Restrictions on Open Work Permit Holders
Some Open Work Permit holders, including spouses of skilled workers, may no longer be eligible under SINP. Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify their eligibility based on updated program requirements.
Final Thoughts
Saskatchewan’s immigration adjustments reflect a broader national trend: slowing the pace of newcomer intake to better align with housing, employment, and service capacity. While the changes may present challenges for some, they also highlight quality immigration and labor market alignment.
