Saskatchewan has restructured its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a significant move that will impact aspiring immigrants. The new changes include the reopening of job offer-based PR pathways and strict limitations on certain categories. These reforms aim to streamline the immigration process while ensuring economic stability and workforce retention.
Key Highlights of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Changes
- Resumption of Job Approval Forms (JAFs)
- Strict sector-based recruitment restrictions
- Closure of Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator PR pathways
- Nomination caps on selected industries
- Exclusion of certain Open Work Permit (OWP) holders
- Limitations on Student Category eligibility
- Exclusion of certain employer types from SINP recruitment
Let’s break down these changes in detail.
Job Approval Forms (JAFs) Intake Resumed
As of March 27, 2025, Saskatchewan has resumed the intake of Job Approval Forms (JAFs). Employers can now submit new JAFs to hire foreign skilled workers. Previously, this process was halted on February 18, 2025.
What is a JAF?
- A form submitted by an employer to support the hiring of a foreign worker
- Leads to Job Approval Letters, required for PR pathways
Saskatchewan has assured that another pause in JAF intake is not expected in 2025. Notably, 75% of the provincial immigration allocation will be directed toward candidates already residing in Saskatchewan.
Calculate your eligibility for the Saskatchewan PNP with our points calculator. Check your score and explore your pathway to Canadian immigration today!
Sector-Based Restrictions on Overseas Recruitment
To ensure a focused approach, the SINP will prioritize three sectors for overseas job approvals:
| Sector |
|---|
| Health |
| Agriculture |
| Skilled Trades |
Foreign workers from other industries must already be in Canada with a valid work permit to be eligible for job approvals.
Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator Streams Closed
Saskatchewan has permanently closed applications for the following immigration streams:
| Closed Streams |
|---|
| Entrepreneur Category |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Category |
| Farm Owner/Operator Category |
Candidates who have already submitted applications before March 27, 2025, will be processed under previous criteria, but no new applications will be accepted.
Nomination Caps on Certain Industries
To balance the immigration intake, Saskatchewan has capped the number of nominations for three industries:
| Industry |
|---|
| Accommodations & Food Services |
| Retail Trade |
| Trucking |
- A maximum of 25% of annual nominations will be allocated to these industries.
- Employers can continue submitting JAFs beyond this limit, but approvals will only be granted if required.
- Once the cap is met, all pending JAFs will expire, and new submissions will be required for the following year.
Open Work Permit Holders Face New Restrictions
Certain Open Work Permit (OWP) holders are no longer eligible for SINP programs.
- SINP specifically mentioned that spousal work permit holders are now ineligible.
- Other OWP holders may also be affected, but specific details are yet to be disclosed.
- This move aims to reduce exploitation risks and improve workforce retention.
Student Category Eligibility Now More Restrictive
Graduates applying under the Student Category must meet stricter criteria:
| New Eligibility Criteria |
|---|
| Must have graduated from a Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institution (DLI) |
| Must have 6 months (780 hours) of paid work experience in their field |
| Work experience can be from: on-campus jobs, co-ops, graduate fellowships, or Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) |
Additionally, PGWP holders who studied outside Saskatchewan are no longer eligible for this stream. Instead, they must apply through other pathways, like:
- Student Talent Pathway
- Health Talent Pathway
- Agriculture Talent Pathway
- Skilled Worker: Employer Job Offer Sub-Categories
Three Employer Categories Removed from SINP
Employers in the following sectors can no longer recruit foreign skilled workers under SINP:
| Excluded Employers |
|---|
| Spas |
| Salons |
| Pet Care Services (excluding veterinarians) |
Information Sessions for Employers and Applicants
Saskatchewan will host two information sessions for employers and applicants to address these changes:
| Date | Prospective Applicants (CST) | Employers (CST) |
|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2025 | 3 p.m. | 10 a.m. |
| April 9, 2025 | 10 a.m. | 3 p.m. |
- Prospective applicants can register by emailing immigration@gov.sk.ca.
- Employers can register via employerservices@gov.sk.ca.
Stay updated on the latest Saskatchewan PNP draw! Check eligibility, score requirements, and invitations for Canada PR through the SINP program.
How Can Visa Solutions 4u Help?
Navigating immigration changes can be challenging. Visa Solutions 4u provides expert assistance to help you understand and adapt to Saskatchewan’s new PR policies. Our services include:
- Profile assessment to determine your eligibility under the new rules.
- Guidance on JAF submissions for job offer-based PR pathways.
- Support for students and skilled workers to explore alternative immigration streams.
- Assistance for employers looking to hire skilled foreign workers.
- Expert documentation and application filing to ensure compliance.
Contact Visa Solutions 4u today to simplify your Saskatchewan PR process.
