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Saskatchewan PNP Reopens, Following Major Changes and Federal Cuts
Posted on 07-04-2025

Saskatchewan PNP Reopens, Following Major Changes and Federal Cuts

Saskatchewan paused its Immigrant Nominee program in February due to low federal allocations. That pause was temporary; as of March 27, but Saskatchewan officially resumed accepting new approval forms. The Saskatchewan PNP reopening follows a 50 percent reduction in Saskatchewan PNP nominee allocations for 2025 by the Federal Government.

This temporary pause was a part of Canada’s plan to reduce Immigration Numbers. However, the Province has no plan to pause their programs in 2025. For some time, whole Provinces have been going through changes, as per the Federal government’s needs and instructions. In this Article, we will explore all the potential changes in the Saskatchewan Immigration program.

Saskatchewan PNP Reopens - Federal Cuts Update

Table of Contents

  1. Changes in Saskatchewan PNP (SINP)
  2. What’s the Reason behind the Temporary Pause
  3. What are the Prioritized Occupations for SINP in 2025
  4. SINP Closed Immigration Categories
  5. Saskatchewan Imposed CAP on High-Use Sectors
  6. Options of Open Alternative Pathways
  7. Conclusion
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Changes in Saskatchewan PNP (SINP)

Saskatchewan PNP, also known as SINP, has been through a lot of changes in 2025, including fewer allocations, closed streams and new eligibility for employers. These changes play an important role for those immigrants who are seeking a Job or permanent residency in the Province. The Provincial Nominee Programs play an important role in Canadian immigration.

  • Reduction in Number of Allocations- The federal Government cuts Saskatchewan PNP nomination allocation by 50%. According to the official website of Saskatchewan immigration, the Federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 is reducing overall levels of immigration.
  • Prioritization of Sectors- The STEM is one of the most in-demand sectors in the Canadian Workforce. So, the government is prioritizing nominations for healthcare, agriculture and skilled trades. These sectors are currently facing labour shortages.
  • The Closed Streams- The Saskatchewan PNP has closed the Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur and Farm Owner. These pathways were closed to new applicants on March 27, 2025.
  • The Revised Work Permit Eligibility- Some open work permits, such as spousal work permits, will no longer be eligible to apply to SINP pathways. They will require work permits dow to a higher risk of exploitation and retention outcomes.

What’s the Reason behind the Temporary Pause

Saskatchewan PNP has been essential for employers seeking to hire international workers when qualified Canadians are unavailable. The program changes will ensure fair access across sectors while maintaining the integrity of the programs.

The SINP has been playing a key role in the growth of the province. But due to a limited number of allocations, set by the federal Government of Canada. Saskatchewan was also instructed to ensure that 75 per cent of the province’s nominations go to the temporary residents who are already in Canada.

The Pause will allow Province to:

  • Review the Existing Applications
  • To build a Strategy to reduce the nominations
  • Develop a fair and transparent selection system and policies.

Over 90 percent of Saskatchewan’s economic immigration is facilitated through the SINP with it playing a key role in supporting the Growing Economy of the Province.

What are the Prioritized Occupations for SINP in 2025

As we all know that due to the requirements of the federal government, the chances for international recruitment will be limited. And the few nomination spaces that will be available for individuals outside Canada will focus on a few streams. These streams are:

  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture
  • Skilled Trades

These sectors reflect the critical labour condition in the Country, Canada is going through shortages of workers in various fields, so that's why the Government is trying to prioritise these streams for their economic advantages.

SINP Closed Immigration Categories

As of March 27, 2025, on the one hand, Saskatchewan PNP is reopened. On the other hand, they permanently closed a few streams. These closed immigration categories play an important role in shaping the Province’s labour needs.

Here is a list of closed immigration Categories:

  • Entrepreneur Category
  • International Graduate Entrepreneur Sub-Category
  • Farm Owner or Operator Category

The existing applicants and signed Business Performance Agreements will still be honoured and processed according to current program rules. In addition, the applicants are no longer accepted.

Saskatchewan Imposed CAP on High-Use Sectors

To manage the limited allocations fairly, the Saskatchewan PNP is introducing a sector-specific nomination cap on high-use Sectors. These sectors won’t receive more than 25 percent of the total nomination allocations.

Employers can still submit a job Approval form in these industries, but they won't be processed once the cap is reached.

  1. Accommodations and Food Services
  2. Retail Trade
  3. Trucking

Options of Open Alternative Pathways

Even the federal Government is cutting the number of allocations, and a few streams are being closed. But the International Skilled Worker and Saskatchewan Work Experience categories will remain open for the qualified applicants.

The province continues to welcome the skilled workers who will meet the labour market trends and needs.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan made a few significant policies and program changes under the Saskatchewan PNP. These changes affect employers, Immigrants and international students.

The province also stated that 75% of its 2025 immigration allocations will be dedicated to those candidates who are living as a Temporary resident in Canada. Even the selection of candidates from outside of Canada is closed. But in some sectors, Canada will be limited to workers in some selected sectors and fields.

If you are a young and passionate individual looking to work in Canada, then here is a list of New PR pathways. These pathways will not only help you get a good job but also give you an amazing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Saskatchewan PNP paused?

Ans: As of March 27, 2025, the Saskatchewan PNP(SINP)has officially resumed and started accepting job Approvals. In February, the province temporarily paused their provincial program due to a smaller number of allocations.Last year, Canada announced their Immigration Level plan for better future of Country.

What is a good score for SINP?

Ans: The SINP Points Assessment Grid is out of 100 points. In order to be eligible for the program, a candidate must score a minimum of 60 points. These points are based on various sectors, such as age, IELTS score, work experience and education.

Is IELTS required for SINP?

Ans: The IELTS score is required in the form of official results of any recent SINP-approved language test. The IELTS test is mandatory in Canada. Candidates need to submit their IELTS score at the time of form submission. Canada is a English spoken Country and having good scores in IELTS can help you with your application.

To search and compare programs in top universities in the UK and Canada, including popular courses, scholarships, and admission requirements, please click the following link: www.educationplanner.io/programs.

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