The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has announced that the province’s allocation for 2026 will be 4,761 nominations, the same number as the final allocation for 2025.
To make the most of this allocation, the SINP is implementing several important changes to its immigration programs in the coming year. Notably, at least 50% of nominations will be reserved for candidates in Priority Sectors, up to 25% will be limited to Capped Sectors, and the remaining 25% will be available for other sectors.
Unlike in 2025, when the federal government required that 75% of nominees reside in Canada, this condition will not apply in 2026.

For 2026, the SINP will reserve 2,381 nominations (50% of the total) for foreign workers in sectors identified as high priority for Saskatchewan’s labor market.

The Priority Sectors include:

• Health care
• Agriculture
• Trades
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Energy
• Technology

Of these, 750 nominations are specifically reserved for candidates who have graduated from a Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and are employed in a Priority Sector occupation.

Demand for Priority Sectors may exceed 50% of the total allocation. In that case, the number of nominations available to other sectors would be reduced. Conversely, if demand is below 50%, unused nominations will be redistributed to other sectors.

Candidates in Priority Sectors can apply at any time, without specific intake periods, and there are no restrictions related to the six-month remaining work permit rule. Applications from outside Canada are also eligible.

A maximum of 25% of 2026 nominations will be reserved for Capped Sectors. The allocation for each sector is:

• Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72): up to 714 nominations (15%)
• Transportation and Warehousing (NAICS 48–49): up to 238 nominations (5%)
• Retail Trade (NAICS 44–45): up to 238 nominations (5%)

These sectors are the same as those capped in 2025. The provincial government has stated that allocations may be adjusted mid-year depending on labor market conditions.

Candidates in Capped Sectors will have six separate application windows throughout the year. Each window is open for only a few days:

1. January 6, 2025
2. March 2, 2025
3. May 4, 2025
4. July 6, 2025
5. September 7, 2026
6. November 2, 2026

To prioritize those at greatest risk of losing their status in Canada, candidates in Capped Sectors must have a remaining work permit validity of six months or less. All applications submitted in these windows will be processed within 2026.

The SINP has also announced changes affecting Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders and international graduates:

• Student category applicants must have graduated from a Saskatchewan DLI and be employed in a related occupation in the province.
• PGWP holders who graduated from institutions outside Saskatchewan and have six months of work experience in education are ineligible for the Saskatchewan Experience category.
• PGWP holders may only apply under specific sub-categories/streams, including Student, Health Talent, Agriculture Talent, Tech Talent, and International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer.
• Exemptions for restricted occupations under PGWP are removed.
• Some open work permit holders (such as spouses) cannot apply to certain SINP streams, although some exceptions exist if no work permit is required. Additional proof of residence may be requested.

• In 2025, SINP initially had 3,625 nominations, which increased to 4,761 after a federal government adjustment.
• The 2026 allocation remains the same at 4,761 nominations, though additional allocations may be announced.
• Priority Sectors for 2026 have expanded to include health care, agriculture, trades, mining, manufacturing, energy, and technology.
• Capped Sectors remain the same as 2025, but allocations within each sector may differ.

This article is a summary prepared by Visa JP Canada based on official information from the Government of Saskatchewan, organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Source: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Immigration FAQs (English)