In a move that has left both employers and foreign workers reeling, the Saskatchewan government has temporarily paused the intake of new Job Approval Forms (JAFs) for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
This pause, effective as of February 18, 2025, is a direct response to the federal government’s decision to cut provincial nominee program allocations by 50% for the year.
The SINP is a crucial pathway for foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. It allows employers to hire international talent when local candidates are unavailable, provided they obtain a Job Approval Letter (JAL) by submitting a JAF.
However, with the federal government’s reduction in immigration targets, Saskatchewan’s SINP allocation has been slashed to 3,625 spots for 2025, the lowest since 2009.
Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers
This pause has significant implications for both employers and foreign nationals. Employers who rely on the SINP to fill labour gaps will have to explore alternative immigration pathways, such as Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or the federal Express Entry System.
Meanwhile, foreign workers who were counting on the SINP for a smoother transition to permanent residency are facing uncertainty and potential delays in their immigration processes.
Mike Patel, who operates several small hardware stores across Saskatchewan, expressed his disappointment, highlighting the program’s importance in attracting talent to smaller towns.
Salim Multani, a resident of Saskatoon, shared his frustration, stating that the pause has made him question his decision to move to Saskatchewan for an easier path to permanent residency.
Federal Context
The federal government’s decision to reduce immigration levels is part of a broader strategy to achieve “well-managed, sustainable growth” amidst national housing, infrastructure, and social services challenges.
However, this reduction has been met with disappointment from provinces like Saskatchewan, which rely heavily on immigration to address labour shortages.
Future of SINP
While the pause is anticipated to last several weeks, there is no clear timeline for when JAF submissions will resume. The SINP has indicated that this period will be used to implement necessary program changes, potentially leading to modified eligibility criteria or stream prioritization upon reopening.
In the meantime, employers and foreign workers are advised to seek alternative immigration options or wait for further updates from the SINP. The uncertainty surrounding these changes has sparked panic among those affected, with many seeking clarity on the future of Saskatchewan’s immigration landscape.
The temporary pause on JAF submissions for the SINP reflects the complex interplay between federal immigration policies and provincial labour needs. As Saskatchewan navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the province’s ability to attract and retain international talent in the long term.
