#sinp

Saskatchewan is one of the top provinces in Canada for skilled immigration programs. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) helps skilled workers and families apply for permanent residency in Canada. The province offers excellent career opportunities, affordable living, and a high quality of life. It is a popular destination for immigrants planning a successful future in Canada.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers skilled workers a great opportunity to apply for Canada PR. Saskatchewan provides excellent job opportunities, affordable living, and a strong future for immigrants.

SINP 2026: Guide to Saskatchewan’s New Immigration Changes

Saskatchewan has introduced major updates to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) for 2026, reshaping how workers, employers, and international graduates access provincial nominations. With new sector caps, priority allocations, and updated eligibility rules, this year brings one of the most structured and competitive SINP cycles to date.

This guide breaks down everything applicants and employers need to know for 2026.

SINP Nomination Allocation for 2026

Saskatchewan’s nomination allocation for 2026 is 4,761, matching the final allocation from the previous year.

The province has introduced a structured distribution model to ensure nominations support long‑term labour needs.

A key change for 2026 is that Saskatchewan is no longer required to nominate a specific percentage of temporary residents, giving the province more flexibility in selecting candidates.

Priority Sectors for 2026

At least half of all nominations are reserved for priority sectors that support Saskatchewan’s long‑term economic growth. These include:

• Healthcare

• Agriculture

• Skilled Trades

• Mining

• Manufacturing

• Energy

• Technology

Special allocation for graduates:

Within the priority sector allocation, 750 spots are reserved for Saskatchewan post‑secondary graduates working in priority occupations.

Why priority sector applicants benefit:

• Can apply year‑round

• Can apply from outside Canada

• Not restricted by the six‑month work permit expiry rule

• More predictable nomination access

Capped Sectors for 2026

Up to 25% of nominations are reserved for capped sectors. These sectors have strict limits to manage high demand:

• Accommodation & Food Services – 15%

• Trucking – 5%

• Retail Trade – 5%

Important rules for capped sectors:

• Applications are only accepted during specific intake windows.

• Once a sector reaches its cap, no further applications are accepted for the year.

• Job Approval Letters issued in 2025 for capped sectors do not carry over into 2026.

2026 intake windows for capped sectors:

• September 7, 2026

• November 2, 2026

Other Sectors (Up to 25%)

The remaining nominations are allocated to sectors outside the priority and capped categories.

Availability depends on:

• Demand in priority sectors

• Whether capped sectors reach their limits

• Mid‑year adjustments by the province

Major Eligibility Changes for 2026

Saskatchewan has updated several eligibility rules to improve retention and ensure nominees align with long‑term labour needs.

1. Updated Work Permit Rules

Priority sector applicants are no longer affected by the six‑month work permit expiry rule, giving them more flexibility.

2. Revised Student Eligibility

International graduates must meet updated criteria to qualify for nomination, particularly in priority occupations.

3. Employer Requirements

Employers must ensure:

• Job Approval Letters align with sector caps

• Positions meet provincial labour market needs

• Applications are submitted during the correct intake windows (for capped sectors)

Who Is Best Positioned in 2026?

Strongest candidates:

• Workers in priority sectors

• Saskatchewan graduates in priority occupations

• Skilled workers applying from overseas

• Applicants with long‑term job offers

More challenges for:

• Workers in accommodation, retail, and trucking

• Applicants relying on expired or unused 2025 Job Approval Letters

• Employers in high‑demand capped sectors

Need Help Navigating SINP 2026?

With new sector caps, intake windows, and eligibility rules, 2026 is a competitive year for SINP applicants.

Our team supports:

• Job Approval Letters

• Employer eligibility

• SINP application preparation

• Permanent residence submissions

• Strategy for priority vs. capped sectors

Contact One Canada Visa at [email protected]

Saskatchewan Program Reboot and New Priorities

On March 27, 2025, Saskatchewan lifted the five-week pause, rebooting the SINP with stricter criteria. The revamped program prioritizes nominations for workers in health care, agriculture, and skilled trades, aligning with federal directives to target critical labor needs. Overseas recruitment is now limited to these sectors, while other roles require candidates to already hold temporary status in Canada. A 25% cap on nominations. Ironically, nominations for hospitality, food services, retail, and trucking sectors further restrict these industries. The province also closed the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator streams and excluded certain employers (e.g., spas, salons, pet care services) from SINP recruitment.

The retooled SINP also terminates the Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand subcategories, with refunds offered for returned applications. Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders from non-Saskatchewan institutions and certain Open Work Permit holders (e.g., spousal permits) are now ineligible, citing risks of exploitation and poor retention. These changes aim to maximize the reduced allocation impact but limit opportunities for new entrants.

Navigating the Challenges

Stakeholders can take proactive steps to mitigate the pause’s impact:

Employers: Register for SINP information sessions on April 3 and 9, 2025, to understand new criteria and explore alternative pathways like the Rural Community Immigration Pilot in Moose Jaw. Verify job postings meet SINP requirements to prove local recruitment challenges. Consider hiring temporary residents already in Canada to align with the 75% quota.

Foreign Workers: Consult immigration representative to assess eligibility for other SINP streams (e.g., Existing Work Permit sub-category) or federal programs like Express Entry. Maintain valid work permits and explore job offers in prioritized sectors like health care or trade.

Saskatchewan Unveils Targeted Digital Campaign to Attract U.S. Physicians

In a strategic partnership with the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA), the Government of Saskatchewan launched a sophisticated digital recruitment campaign today, inviting physicians from the United States to explore rewarding career opportunities in the province. The initiative underscores Saskatchewan’s compelling advantages: competitive remuneration, a cost-effective lifestyle, exceptional work/life balance, and a stable, secure environment for professionals and their families. The campaign emphasizes the province’s reliability and appeal as a destination for medical practitioners.

“Saskatchewan offers one of the swiftest pathways to medical licensure for physicians holding American Board certification and who are licensed or eligible for full licensure in the United States,” said Terri Strunk, CEO of SHRA. “While we frequently promote our opportunities in the U.S., this campaign is uniquely tailored to resonate with physicians contemplating a northward move.”

The campaign strategically targets physicians in select U.S. states, with a particular focus on specialties such as emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and family medicine. It also highlights upcoming physician-focused webinars to provide in-depth insights into practicing in Saskatchewan.

Further amplifying its recruitment efforts, Saskatchewan is developing a comprehensive campaign featuring testimonials from physicians in Swift Current, Saskatoon, and North Battleford. These narratives will articulate the province’s unique advantages, including team-based care, a robust and supportive physician network, abundant opportunities for professional growth, and the profound fulfillment derived from serving Saskatchewan’s patients.

For more details on career opportunities or to register for an informational webinar, visit the SHRA website and discover why Saskatchewan is an unparalleled choice for U.S. physicians seeking to advance their practice and enrich their lives.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

An opportunity to permanently immigrate to Canada is provided by the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) run by the province of Saskatchewan.

One of Canada’s top immigration programmes is the SINP. Prospective immigrants who fit the province’s criteria for skills and experience may be granted a Saskatchewan provincial nomination certificate through this procedure. After getting this certification, the candidate may submit an application for provincial nomination for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The SINP accepts applications under the following categories:

International Skilled Worker Category

Saskatchewan Experience Category

Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operators Category