Saskatchewan Announces 2026 Nomination Allocation Along With Key PNP Updates

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has confirmed a total nomination allocation of 4,761 spots for 2026, matching the number of nominations the province closed with in 2025.

Along with confirming its allocation, Saskatchewan has announced significant changes to how SINP nominations will be distributed and processed in 2026, with a strong focus on priority occupations and labour market needs.

How Saskatchewan Will Distribute 2026 SINP Nominations

For 2026, Saskatchewan has divided its nomination allocation into three broad categories:

• At least 50% of nominations will be reserved for priority sectors
• Up to 25% will be allocated to capped sectors
• The remaining 25% will be available for other occupations

Unlike in 2025, when a large portion of SINP nominees had to be residing in Canada, no in-Canada requirement has been announced for 2026, giving overseas applicants more flexibility.

Priority Sectors for SINP in 2026

The Saskatchewan government will reserve 2,381 nominations for workers in priority sectors identified under its Labour Market Strategy. These sectors include:

• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• Skilled trades
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Energy
• Technology

Out of these priority nominations, 750 spots will be specifically set aside for graduates from Saskatchewan-designated learning institutions (DLIs) who are employed in priority occupations.

If demand is strong, priority sectors may receive more than 50% of the total nominations, which could reduce allocations for other sectors. Any unused priority-sector nominations may be reallocated elsewhere.

Applicants in priority sectors benefit from:

• Year-round application access (no intake windows)
• No six-month work permit expiry restriction
• Eligibility to apply from outside Canada

Capped Sectors and Limits in 2026

Saskatchewan has capped nominations for certain sectors at 25% of the total allocation, the same sectors capped in 2025:

• Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): up to 714 nominations (15%)
• Trucking (NAICS 48–49): up to 238 nominations (5%)
• Retail trade (NAICS 44–45): up to 238 nominations (5%)

The province has indicated that mid-year adjustments to these caps may be made depending on labour market demand.

Application Windows for Capped Sectors

Applicants in capped sectors can only apply during six intake windows, each open for a limited number of days:

• January 6, 2026
• March 2, 2026
• May 4, 2026
• July 6, 2026
• September 7, 2026
• November 2, 2026

To prioritize workers closest to losing status, capped-sector applicants may apply only during the final six months of their work permit validity. All capped-sector applications will be processed in 2026.

Additional SINP Changes Effective in 2026

Saskatchewan has also introduced several updates affecting international students and work permit holders:

• SINP Student category applicants must graduate from a Saskatchewan DLI and live in the province while working in a field related to their studies.
  
• PGWP holders who studied outside Saskatchewan can no longer apply through Saskatchewan Experience pathways, even after six months of work.
  
• PGWP holders are now limited to specific SINP pathways, including:
  • Student category
  • Health Talent pathway
  • Agriculture Talent pathway
  • Tech Talent pathway
  • International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer

• Exemptions for PGWP holders in restricted occupations have been removed.
  
• Certain open work permit holders, including spousal OWP holders, will no longer qualify for some SINP streams.
  
• Spousal OWP holders may still apply to non–work-permit-based streams but may need to show additional proof of Saskatchewan residency.
  

The SINP will also host virtual information sessions on January 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST to explain these program changes.

How 2026 Compares With Previous Years

Saskatchewan began 2025 with 3,625 nominations, later receiving an additional 1,136 spots, bringing the total to 4,761—the same level now confirmed for 2026.

While the 2026 allocation matches late-2025 levels, it remains 40.5% lower than the 8,000 nominations Saskatchewan had in 2024. The province has stated it may reassess allocations if it receives additional nomination spaces from the federal government during the year.

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