Saskatchewan Reserves 750 Nominations for Local Graduates

Saskatchewan has set aside a minimum of 750 provincial nomination spaces in 2026 for international graduates of its own colleges and universities, provided they land a job offer in one of the province’s priority sectors. The update, issued under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), changes how eligibility is assessed for the Student category. 

The Big Shift: Sector, Not Study Field 

Previously, applicants often had to show their job offer matched their specific field of study fairly closely. Under the revised guidance, what matters most is the employer’s operational sector. Healthcare, agriculture, technology, skilled trades, energy, mining, and manufacturing all qualify as priority sectors, which together are guaranteed at least half of the SINP’s total nomination allocation. 

That change opens the door for graduates whose careers are shifting laterally within a broad industry, rather than following a narrow, literal reading of their diploma or degree title. 

How the Allocation Breaks Down 

Priority sector applicants benefit from 750 reserved spaces, are not subject to intake windows, and do not need to wait until they have six months or less remaining on their work permit before applying. 

A separate, smaller pool covers three capped sectors — accommodation and food services, trucking, and retail trade — which together cannot exceed 25 per cent of total allocation. Within that pool, accommodation and food services get 714 nominations, while trucking and retail trade each receive 238. Employers in these capped sectors can only submit Employer Position Assessment applications during scheduled intake windows in January, March, May, July, September and November, and only for candidates who have six months or less left on their work permit. 

Everyone else- graduates working in sectors that fall outside both the priority and capped lists-faces no intake-window restriction and no six-month timing requirement either. 

Who Qualifies 

To apply under this sub-category, a candidate generally needs a credential from a Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institute, a valid post-graduation work permit, at least six months (780 hours) of related paid work experience in the province, and a full-time, permanent job offer in an occupation classified at NOC TEER level 0 through 3, or in a designated trade. Employers must also hold an approved Employer Position Assessment before a candidate can confirm their file. 

Refugee claimants, students who have not finished their program, and graduates of institutions outside Saskatchewan are not eligible under this particular pathway, even if they later obtained a Saskatchewan-issued work permit. 

Why It Matters 

Provincial programs like SINP exist to keep local graduates in the local labour market, and Saskatchewan’s targeted sectors line up closely with its known labour shortages, particularly in healthcare, skilled trades and agriculture. For international students already studying in the province, this update effectively widens the pool of eligible job offers without lowering the underlying work-experience or language requirements. 

Staying Ahead With Canada Immigration News 

Provincial nominee programs shift often, and SINP intake windows, sector caps and processing statistics can change with little notice. Canada Immigration News tracks every SINP update, along with news from every other province, so you always know exactly where your application stands — check back regularly to stay ahead of the changes that affect your journey.