Immigration Announcement
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Welcomes More Immigrants in 2025
Saskatchewan is opening its doors a little wider for newcomers in 2025. The federal government has approved 1,136 additional nomination spaces under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This brings the province’s total to 4,761 allocations, up from 3,625 earlier this year.
While this increase offers some relief for employers struggling to fill labour gaps, provincial officials warn the numbers remain well below past levels. With labour shortages continuing in health care, agriculture, and skilled trades, Saskatchewan is still calling for more federal support.
What Sectors will Benefit from the Increase?
The extra nomination spaces will not be spread evenly. Saskatchewan has clearly identified priority areas where the need is greatest.
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, and allied health workers remain at the top of the list.
- Agriculture: With farming at the heart of Saskatchewan’s economy, more workers are needed for seasonal and permanent roles.
- Skilled trades: Welders, electricians, mechanics, and construction workers continue to be in demand.
- Other essential services: Trucking, accommodation, food services, and retail trade will share up to 25% of the new nominations.
New Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Rules in 2025
Earlier this year, Saskatchewan restructured its nominee program with tighter rules after Ottawa’s decision to cut provincial allocations in half. This was the lowest level since 2009.
Here’s what changed:
| Category | New Rule/Limit |
| Hospitality, food services, retail trade, trucking | Capped at 25% of nominations |
| Other industries (spas, salons, pet care, etc.) | No longer eligible |
| Source of nominees | At least 75% must already be in Canada as temporary residents |
These changes reflect Ottawa’s broader plan to reduce both permanent and temporary residents across Canada.
Why the Numbers Matter for Saskatchewan
The province has long argued that reducing immigration levels nationally should not come at the expense of regional economic needs. With labour shortages affecting everything from hospitals to farms, Saskatchewan’s economy depends heavily on welcoming newcomers.
As Diane Robinson, spokesperson for the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, noted, employers are already under pressure. The additional 1,136 spaces will help, but they only soften the blow from earlier federal cuts.
The Road Ahead for Newcomers
For prospective immigrants, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program remains one of the strongest provincial pathways to permanent residency. Even with reduced quotas, SINP is still targeting workers in key sectors who can contribute immediately to the province’s economy.
If you are working in health care, agriculture, trucking, or skilled trades, this could be your opportunity. With Saskatchewan’s growing demand for talent, applicants with relevant skills and experience stand a stronger chance of receiving provincial nominations.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program Still a Key Pathway
While Ottawa’s cuts have limited overall immigration targets, Saskatchewan’s additional allocations provide some hope. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) continues to offer a pathway for skilled workers and their families to build a future in Canada. For many, this program represents not just a chance at permanent residency, but an opportunity to help grow one of Canada’s most dynamic provincial economies.
