The Saskatchewan government has temporarily suspended the acceptance of new Job Approval Forms (JAFs) under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), creating uncertainty for employers and foreign workers alike.
The pause, effective February 18, 2025, follows the federal government’s decision to cut Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations by 50%, significantly impacting Saskatchewan’s ability to nominate immigrants.
What Is the SINP and Why It Matters?
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is a key immigration pathway for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
Through this program:
Saskatchewan employers can hire foreign workers when local talent is unavailable
Employers must submit a Job Approval Form (JAF)
Once approved, a Job Approval Letter (JAL) allows the worker to apply for provincial nomination
For many skilled workers, the SINP offers a faster and more accessible route to permanent residence than federal programs.
Why Has Saskatchewan Paused JAF Submissions?
The pause is directly linked to reduced federal immigration targets.
Saskatchewan’s SINP allocation for 2025 has been cut to 3,625 nominations
This is the lowest allocation since 2009
The reduction stems from Ottawa’s broader effort to limit immigration growth due to:
Housing shortages
Infrastructure strain
Pressure on healthcare and social services
As a result, Saskatchewan must reassess how it manages its limited nomination spaces.
Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers
Effects on Saskatchewan Employers
Employers that rely heavily on the SINP to fill labor shortages now face significant challenges.
Possible alternatives include:
Applying for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
Using federal pathways such as Express Entry
However, these options are often more expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain.
Mike Patel, owner of several small hardware stores in Saskatchewan, expressed disappointment, noting that the SINP is essential for attracting skilled workers to smaller communities where labor shortages are most severe.
Uncertainty for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers who planned to use the SINP as their pathway to permanent residency are now left in limbo.
Many may experience:
Delays in their immigration plans
Increased uncertainty about their future in Saskatchewan
The need to explore alternative immigration pathways
Salim Multani, a Saskatoon resident, shared his frustration, stating that the pause has made him question his decision to relocate to Saskatchewan for what he believed was a clearer PR pathway.
The Federal Immigration Context
The federal government has framed the reduction in immigration levels as part of a strategy to ensure “well-managed, sustainable growth.”
While Ottawa emphasizes national challenges, provinces like Saskatchewan argue that:
Immigration is critical to addressing local labor shortages
Reduced nominations weaken provincial economic growth
Rural and smaller communities are disproportionately affected
This has created growing tension between federal objectives and provincial workforce needs.
What’s Next for the SINP?
The JAF pause is expected to last several weeks, though no official reopening date has been announced.
According to the SINP:
The pause will be used to adjust and realign the program
When submissions resume, changes may include:
New eligibility criteria
Revised stream prioritization
Greater focus on high-demand occupations
What Should Employers and Workers Do Now?
During this uncertain period, affected individuals should:
Monitor official SINP announcements closely
Explore alternative immigration programs
Seek professional immigration guidance
Prepare documentation in advance for when the program reopens
The lack of clarity has caused concern, with many stakeholders anxious about how Saskatchewan’s immigration system will evolve.
Final Thoughts
The temporary suspension of JAF submissions under the SINP highlights the complex challenge of balancing federal immigration policy with provincial labor needs.
As Saskatchewan navigates this difficult period, questions remain about the province’s ability to attract and retain international talent in the long term. The coming months will be crucial in determining how the SINP adapts and how employers and foreign workers can move forward in an increasingly uncertain immigration environment.
