Big news from Saskatchewan: the government just hit the “play” button on its immigration program after a temporary pause, but it’s not business as usual. On March 27, 2025, they announced the end of the Job Approval Form (JAF) freeze and rolled out some major updates to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). Why? Because the federal government threw a curveball earlier this year, slashing provincial nomination spots by 50%. That leaves Saskatchewan with just 3,625 nominations for 2025—the lowest since 2009—and a new rule that 75% of them must already be living here as temporary residents.
“We’re not happy about Ottawa’s cuts,” said Deputy Premier and Immigration Minister Jim Reiter. “The SINP is a game-changer for businesses that can’t find enough Canadian workers. These changes are our way of making every spot count and keeping our economy strong.”
So, what’s new? The pause on JAFs is officially over—great news for employers and hopeful immigrants alike. But with fewer nominations to go around, Saskatchewan is shaking things up to focus on what matters most. Here’s the rundown:
- Hot Jobs Get Priority: Want to move here from overseas? You’ll need skills in health care, agriculture, or skilled trades to get a fast pass. For other jobs, only folks already in Canada on a valid visa can apply.
- Limited Spots for Some: Hotels, restaurants, retail, and trucking sectors will share just 25% of the nomination pie.
- Some Doors Closed: Spas, salons, and pet care (except vets) are out of luck—no more SINP help for them.
- Entrepreneur Dreams on Hold: The Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator categories? Done for good.
Want the nitty-gritty details? Head to Saskatchewan’s immigration FAQs.
There’s a catch for some applicants, though. If you applied under Express Entry or Occupations In-Demand without a Saskatchewan job offer, your application’s getting sent back. Don’t panic—you can request a refund by emailing immigration@gov.sk.ca or calling 1-833-613-0485. Got questions about your status? That’s the hotline to hit up.
Why does this matter? The SINP isn’t just paperwork—it’s how over 90% of Saskatchewan’s economic immigrants arrive. It’s the secret sauce for businesses desperate to fill gaps in the workforce. With these changes, the province is playing smart, zeroing in on health care, farming, and trades to keep things growing.
So, whether you’re a worker with big dreams or a boss hunting for talent, this is your heads-up: Saskatchewan’s immigration game just got a fresh twist!
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