General Information
As of March 27, 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan has officially announced the resumption of Job Approval Form (JAL) intake under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). However, the new system will function under updated terms, triggered by changes in the federal nomination allocation for 2025.
All employers intending to support the nomination of a foreign worker must take into account the set limits, revised priorities, and mandatory evaluation criteria, which are now significantly stricter than in previous years.
Reasons for the New Measures
In 2025, the federal government of Canada reduced the total number of nominations available to provincial immigration programs, including Saskatchewan’s. As a result, the provincial government was forced to:
- introduce temporary quotas on the number of supported JALs;
- revise the selection approach by prioritizing internal candidates;
- re-evaluate which sectors receive priority for foreign worker recruitment.
Officially Announced JAL Restrictions for 2025
1. SINP Nomination Quota Reduced by 50%
In 2025, the province was allocated only half of the number of nominations available in 2024. This significantly reduces the total number of spaces available to both employers and candidates.
2. Limitations for Applicants Outside Canada
Only 25% of SINP’s 2025 quota may be used for applicants residing outside of Canada. The remaining 75% is reserved for temporary residents already in the country on work or study permits.
Implication: Applicants abroad should expect a substantially lower probability of receiving provincial support, even with an approved JAL.
Priority Sectors for JAL Submission
According to the government decision, Job Approval Forms in 2025 will be primarily processed for applicants employed or offered employment in the following sectors:
- Healthcare – including nurses, physicians, technicians, caregivers, and other NOC-classified occupations;
- Construction – especially skilled trades, technical specialists, heavy equipment operators;
- Agriculture – farm workers, agronomists, livestock technicians, etc.
Restricted Sectors (Subject to 25% General Cap)
The following industries are subject to additional quota restrictions:
- Hospitality – hotel staff, kitchen workers, service roles;
- Trucking – long-haul and local truck drivers, logistics operators;
- Retail – cashiers, sales associates, administrative support.
These sectors may not exceed 25% of the total number of JALs approved in 2025.
What Remains Unchanged
Candidates who are already residing in the province of Saskatchewan and are lawfully employed remain a priority in the SINP application process:
- They maintain stable access to provincial support;
- Applicants must be working full-time in an occupation classified under NOC;
- The employer must provide written confirmation of employment and an official JAL aligned with SINP program requirements.
Recommendations for Employers and Candidates
- Check the availability of quotas at the time of submission.
- Work only with occupations that fall within the designated priority sectors or are in high demand.
- Consider time constraints and competition when planning your 2025 immigration strategy.
- Consult with licensed immigration professionals to assess program eligibility.
- Stay informed through the official government website:
🔗 saskatchewan.ca – SINP Updates
Conclusion
The immigration selection policy in Saskatchewan for 2025 demonstrates increased control over nomination volumes and a deliberate shift toward meeting local labour needs. While these new restrictions may complicate the process for some, for others—particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and construction—they offer a realistic and transparent path to permanent residency in Canada.
These changes reflect the province’s intent to manage immigration resources effectively and maintain economic stability under the revised federal immigration strategy.
