Saskatchewan got an increase to its 2025 immigration allotment, including 1,136 new spots under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The adjustment brings the total provincial nomination intake for the year to 4,761 candidates.
The surge comes on time as many sectors in Saskatchewan have been experiencing worker shortages. The authorities confirmed that the extra space will help in opening up processing for occupations that had already hit their quotas this year.
Also Read Saskatchewan Boosts 2025 Immigration Quota with Additional SINP Seats
Focus on Primary Labor Sectors
A quarter of the new quota, according to provincial representatives, is being allocated to priority sectors such as trucking, food services, accommodation, and retail. These sectors hit their 25% quota in mid-2025, and as a result, the SINP closed off the applications for the moment. Application in these sectors is now accepted with the increase in quota.
Policy Updates Impacting SINP in 2025
The SINP has also seen significant reforms this year, mainly due to federal-level immigration planning changes. Saskatchewan’s initial quota was reduced by half in January of 2025 from 2024 opportunities, reducing the province’s capabilities to react to labor demand.
Additionally, recent federal regulations mandate that 75% of provincial nominees be present in Canada already. Only 25% of capacity is under the provision for in-Canada eligibles. In global distribution, Saskatchewan has placed specific emphasis on those with healthcare, agricultural, and skilled trade skills, linking its strategy to long-term economic growth needs.
Other provincial policy reforms passed in 2025 are:
- Closing of the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator streams.
- Restrictions on some open work permit holders who are entering under the program.
- Tighter controls for the SINP’s Student Category. Elimination of spa, beauty parlor, and pet grooming facilities (except for veterinarians) from employment eligibility.
Different Provinces Set Immigration Policies
Saskatchewan is not the only province reacting to shifting immigration quotas in 2025. Several other provinces and territories have also had their quota adjusted, some increased and some decreased:
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Got an additional 1,000 nominations for its PNP and 475 AIP spots, for a total of 2,525 immigration positions.
- New Brunswick: Announced the creation of 1,500 PNP positions and 1,250 AIP positions, bringing its total quota to 4,250.
- Yukon: Saw a slight rise of 67 new nominations in the last month.
- British Columbia and Ontario: Their appropriations were reduced by 50%, with related stream closures and more restrictive intake limits.
Opportunities for Future Applicants
Eligible immigrants benefit from the expanded SINP quota, especially in Saskatchewan’s priority sectors. Trucking, retail, food services, and accommodation candidates who were earlier refused may have their files reconsidered.
However, with stricter eligibility criteria and federal caps targeting in-Canada candidates, overseas applicants will need to demonstrate outstanding qualifications in specific fields, such as medicine, agriculture, and the trades, to stand any chance of being nominated.
As Canadian provinces keep negotiating and readjusting their quotas, applicants are advised to remain informed with news updates and apply for multiple options under federal as well as PNPs immigration streams.
