Saskatchewan SINP Announces 2026 Nomination Allocation and Big Changes Are Coming

For 2026, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has received 4,761 nomination spaces, that’s the same total Saskatchewan ended 2025 with. But the main takeaway isn’t only the number. It’s how Saskatchewan plans to distribute those nominations across sectors, and what those rules mean for employers, workers, and international graduates.

Saskatchewan Has 4,761 Nominations for 2026 

Saskatchewan’s initial nomination allocation for 2026 is 4,761. In 2025, the federal government required that 75% of nominees had to be people already in Canada. For 2026, Saskatchewan says there’s no federal “in-Canada” requirement like that. 

Why does that matter? Because it affects who Saskatchewan can nominate and how flexible the program can be. It also matters for overseas applicants who have a job offer and are watching these changes closely. 

Saskatchewan may also get additional nominations later in 2026, depending on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). That’s not guaranteed, but it’s possible. 

How Saskatchewan Plans to Use Those Nominations 

Saskatchewan is splitting the 2026 nominations into three big groups. Here’s the breakdown: 

1) Priority sectors: at least 50% (2,381 nominations) 

These sectors are being put first on purpose. Saskatchewan says they connect to the province’s Labour Market Strategy, meaning they’re tied to long-term growth and major needs. 

Priority sectors for 2026 are: 

• Healthcare 

• Agriculture 

• Skilled Trades 

• Mining 

• Manufacturing 

• Energy  

• Technology. 

And inside that priority slice, 750 spaces are reserved for Saskatchewan post-secondary graduates who are working in priority-sector jobs. 

2) Capped sectors: up to 25% (1,190 nominations total) 

Saskatchewan is capping three sectors. These are the same sectors that were capped in 2025. 

The capped sectors are: 

• Accommodation and Food Services – 15% (714 nominations)

• Trucking – 5% (238 nominations)

• Retail Trade – 5% (238 nominations) 

Saskatchewan says these sectors have received a disproportionate share of nominations in the past. So now, the program is setting clear limits so other industries don’t get squeezed out. 

3) Other sectors: 25% (1,190 nominations) 

This bucket includes all sectors that are not a priority for the province and are not capped. 

Priority Sectors: Why These Applicants Have an Advantage 

If you’re in a priority sector, the rules give you more flexibility and that can make a real difference. 

If you work in a priority sector: 

• You can apply any time (no special intake windows)

• You aren’t subject to the six-month work permit expiry rule

• You may be able to apply from overseas 

Now, there’s a twist. Saskatchewan says priority sectors may go over the 50% minimum if demand is high. That sounds positive, until you realize it could reduce the space available for other sectors. But it makes sense, if healthcare needs more workers, Saskatchewan might shift nominations there. 

Capped Sectors: The Rules Are Tighter, and Timing Matters 

If you’re in accommodation/food services, trucking, or retail, the program now works differently. It’s not a steady open intake but more like a controlled release. 

These caps apply to businesses classified under NAICS codes: 

• NAICS 72 (Accommodation and Food Services)

• NAICS 48–49 (Trucking/Transportation-related)

• NAICS 44–45 (Retail Trade) 

SINP will mainly use the NAICS code listed on an employer’s Certificate of Registration (COR) to decide whether the cap applies. 

And no, businesses shouldn’t try to change NAICS codes to avoid caps. If a business misrepresents what it does, that can become a program integrity issue. 

What Happens If a Capped Sector Hits Its Limit Early? 

If a sector reaches its cap, employers in that sector may not be able to submit more applications for the rest of the year. 

However, Saskatchewan says it will reassess after each intake and may move unused nominations between capped sectors if demand changes. So yes, there’s some wiggle room, but it depends on how the year unfolds. 

Six Intake Windows Are Planned for Capped Sectors 

For 2026, capped-sector applications will be accepted during six planned intake windows, scheduled for January, March, May, July, September and November. The first intake window is expected to open on January 6, 2026. 

These windows may stay open for several days, which helps employers and workers coordinate. However, windows can close quickly if application limits are reached, so it’s best to be prepared and apply early. You should communicate this clearly to your employer.  

The Six-Month Work Permit Expiry Rule 

Capped-sector workers can only apply during the final six months of their work permit validity. So, if someone has more than six months left on their work permit, their application under a capped sector won’t be accepted. 

Why would Saskatchewan do that? The program says it’s meant to prioritize workers who are closest to losing status. That makes sense, but it can be frustrating for workers and employers who prefer to plan ahead. The rule effectively pushes applications closer to the end of a permit, which can be stressful. 

Other Major Changes for 2026: Work Permits and International Students 

The SINP has also shared changes that affect open work permit holders, students, and PGWP holders. 

Some Open Work Permits Will no Longer Qualify for Certain Pathways 

Certain open work permits, like spousal open work permits, will no longer be eligible to apply to some SINP pathways. 

Saskatchewan says this is connected to risks like exploitation and weaker retention outcomes. In plain terms, the province wants to support stable work arrangements and long-term settlement. 

But spousal open work permit holders aren’t fully shut out. They can still apply through streams where a work permit isn’t part of the criteria, including: 

• Agriculture Talent Pathway

• Health Talent Pathway

• Tech Talent Pathway

• International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer 

In some cases, additional proof of Saskatchewan residency history may be required, including for immediate family. 

International Students: Stronger Saskatchewan Ties Are Required 

The Student category is becoming more specific about who qualifies and what counts as eligible experience. To qualify under the SINP Student category: 

• You must graduate from a Saskatchewan Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

• You must live in Saskatchewan during your studies

• You must gain work experience related to your degree while in the province 

This means that students who lived, studied, and worked in Saskatchewan during their program may have a path through the SINP. 

PGWP Holders Face New Limits Too 

PGWP holders can only apply to certain SINP streams: 

• Student

• Health Talent Pathway

• Agriculture Talent Pathway

• Tech Talent Pathway

• International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer 

Also, exemptions for PGWP holders under restricted occupations have been removed.  

And there’s another important change: If you studied outside Saskatchewan but have been working in Saskatchewan for six months, you can no longer apply through Saskatchewan Experience pathways. 

The 750 Reserved Spots for Saskatchewan Grads 

Within priority sectors, Saskatchewan has set aside 750 nominations for Saskatchewan post-secondary graduates working in priority-sector occupations. 

That matters for two reasons. First, it rewards graduates who stayed in the province and entered in demand fields. Second, it gives employers in priority sectors a more predictable way to retain workers who trained locally. 

If you’re a grad working in healthcare, tech, trades, agriculture, energy, mining, or manufacturing, this is one of the most encouraging parts of the update. 

What Should Applicants Do Next? 

Here’s the practical part for applicants: 

• If you’re in a priority sector, you have more flexibility, but it’s still crucial to be prepared and plan ahead. Allocations are more generous, but there’s no guarantee they will not be exhausted, so it can be helpful to apply as soon as you are eligible. 

• If you’re in a capped sector, watch the intake windows and the six-month rule closely.

• If you’re a student or PGWP holder, confirm which streams still apply to you and plot out your pathway. 

• Consider attending the SINP info session on January 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. 

The new rules make timing and eligibility more important than ever, especially if you’re in a capped sector or on a PGWP. Join the Moving2Canada community to get updates, reminders, and practical guidance as SINP changes roll out.