The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has been granted a nomination allocation of 4,761 spaces for 2026—the same amount it ended 2025 with.
To support the use of this allocation the SINP will also institute a number of significant changes to its immigration programs in the new year.
At least 50% of its 2026 nominations will be reserved for candidates in priority sectors, and no more than 25% of nominations will go towards those in capped sectors—with the remaining 25% going to “other sectors.”
While the federal government imposed a 75% in-Canada requirement for SINP nominees in 2025, no such conditions for candidate selection have been implemented for 2026.
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Priority sectors
In 2026, the Government of Saskatchewan will be reserving 2,381 provincial nominations (50% of its total nomination allocation) for individuals working in priority sectors. The SINP has designated the following as priority sectors, based on its Labour Market Strategy:
- Healthcare;
- Agriculture;
- Skilled trades;
- Mining;
- Manufacturing;
- Energy; and
- Technology.
Within the priority sector allocation, 750 nomination spaces will be set aside for graduates of Saskatchewan-based designated learning institutions (DLIs) who are employed in priority-sector occupations.
If demand is high, priority sectors may exceed the 50% minimum, which could reduce the nominations available for other sectors. If the 50% priority sector target is not met, the unused nominations may be redirected to other sectors.
Unlike candidates in capped sectors, those in priority sectors can submit an application at any time (meaning there are no designated application intake windows) and will not be subject to the six-month work permit expiry rule. They can also apply from overseas.
Capped sectors
Saskatchewan is capping the percentage of nominations going to capped sectors at 25%, and provides a further breakdown for each capped sector in question:
- Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): Up to 714 spots, totaling 15%.
- Trucking (NAICS 48–49): Up to 238 spots, totaling 5%.
- Retail trade (NAICS 44–45): Up to 238 spots, totaling 5%.
These are the same sectors that the SINP capped in 2025.
The Government of Saskatchewan notes that there may be potential for mid-year adjustments to its nomination distribution for capped sectors.
Capped sector applications: The province has set six application intake windows for those employed in any of the above capped sectors. Below are when they are scheduled to open, and they will remain so “for several days”:
Window 1: January 6, 2025.
Window 2: March 2, 2025.
Window 3: May 4, 2025.
Window 4: July 6, 2025.
Window 5: September 7, 2026.
Other changes coming into force in 2026
The SINP has also noted the following changes that will affect work permit holders and international students:
- To be eligible under the SINP Student category, you must graduate from a Saskatchewan DLI and live in the province while working in a field relevant to your degree.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who studied outside Saskatchewan and have been working in their field of education for six months can no longer apply through any of the Saskatchewan Experience pathways.
- PGWP holders can only apply to certain SINP subcategories, streams, or pathways.
- These include the Student, Health Talent pathway, Agriculture Talent pathway, Tech Talent pathway, and International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer sub-categories.
- Exemptions for PGWP holders under restricted occupations have been removed.
- Certain open work permits (OWPs), like spousal OWPS, will no longer be able to apply to certain SINP pathways.
- Holders of spousal OWPs can still apply for categories that do not require having a work permit as part of stream criteria—but additional proof of Saskatchewan residency history for you and your family (if applicable) may be required.
Note: The SINP will be holding virtual information sessions for prospective applicants (regarding its program changes) on January 7, 2026 at 3 p.m. CST.
