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Saskatchewan Confirms 2026 PNP Allocation, Introduces Significant Changes
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has confirmed a total nomination allocation of 4,761 spaces for 2026, the same number the province ended 2025 with.
Alongside the allocation announcement, Saskatchewan outlined significant changes to its immigration programs, including new sector-based limits, revised eligibility rules, and updated application procedures that will take effect in 2026.
Distribution of SINP Nominations in 2026
For 2026, Saskatchewan will allocate its nominations as follows:
- At least 50% reserved for priority sectors
- Up to 25% allocated to capped sectors
- Remaining 25% available for other sectors
Unlike 2025, when the federal government required 75% of SINP nominees to be residing in Canada, no in-Canada selection requirement has been announced for 2026.
Priority Sectors Expanded for 2026
The province will reserve 2,381 nominations for workers in priority sectors identified under Saskatchewan’s Labour Market Strategy. These include:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Skilled trades
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Technology
Within this allocation, 750 nomination spaces will be dedicated to graduates of Saskatchewan-designated learning institutions (DLIs) who are employed in priority-sector occupations.
If demand exceeds expectations, nominations for priority sectors may surpass the 50% minimum, potentially reducing the number of nominations available for other sectors. Unused priority-sector nominations may be reallocated.
Applicants in priority sectors will be able to submit applications year-round, will not be subject to the six-month work permit expiry rule, and may apply from outside Canada.
Capped Sectors and Nomination Limits
Saskatchewan has capped nominations for certain sectors at 25% of its total allocation, the same sectors that were 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 noted that mid-year adjustments to capped-sector allocations may occur based on labour market needs.
Application Intake Windows for Capped Sectors
Applications in capped sectors will be accepted during six scheduled intake windows, each open for several days:
- January 6, 2026
- March 2, 2026
- May 4, 2026
- July 6, 2026
- September 7, 2026
- November 2, 2026
To prioritize workers nearing the end of their status, applicants in capped sectors 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 also announced several eligibility changes affecting international students and work permit holders:
- Applicants under the SINP Student category must graduate from a Saskatchewan DLI and reside in the province while working in a field related to their education.
- PGWP holders who studied outside Saskatchewan will no longer be eligible under Saskatchewan Experience pathways, even after six months of employment.
- PGWP holders may apply only through 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 some spousal open work permit holders, will no longer be eligible for specific SINP streams.
- Spousal open work permit holders may still apply to streams that do not require a work permit but may need to provide additional proof of Saskatchewan residency.
The SINP will host virtual information sessions on January 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST to outline these changes.
Comparison With Previous Years
Saskatchewan began 2025 with 3,625 nomination spaces and later received an additional 1,136 allocations, bringing the total to 4,761 nominations by year-end.
The 2026 allocation matches the post-increase 2025 level but remains 40.5% lower than Saskatchewan’s 2024 allocation of 8,000 nominations. The province indicated that allocation levels and sector distribution may be reassessed if additional nominations are granted during 2026.