Saskatchewan Announces 2026 Nomination Allocation and Major SINP Reforms
2026 Nomination Allocation and Overall Framework
According to information released by the Government of Saskatchewan, the SINP will have a total nomination allocation of 4,761 spots in 2026, matching the final allocation level reached in 2025 after additional nominations were granted by the federal government. Unlike in 2025—when a federal requirement mandated that 75% of nominees be selected from within Canada—no such in-Canada selection requirement will apply in 2026.
For 2026, Saskatchewan has established a clearer allocation structure:
- At least 50% of nominations will be reserved for priority sectors;
- No more than 25% will be allocated to capped sectors;
- The remaining 25% will be assigned to other sectors.
If demand in priority sectors exceeds expectations, their share may rise above 50%, reducing the number of nominations available to other sectors. Conversely, if the 50% target is not reached, unused priority-sector nominations may be redirected to other sectors.
Priority Sector Allocations
In 2026, Saskatchewan will reserve 2,381 nomination spaces (50% of the total allocation) for individuals working in priority sectors. Based on the province’s Labour Market Strategy, the designated priority sectors are:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Skilled trades
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Technology
Within the priority-sector allocation, 750 nomination spaces will be set aside for graduates of Saskatchewan-based designated learning institutions (DLIs) who are employed in priority-sector occupations.
Applicants in priority sectors will benefit from increased flexibility:
- Applications may be submitted year-round, with no fixed intake windows;
- The six-month work permit expiry rule will not apply;
- Candidates may apply from outside Canada.
Capped Sector Allocations
As in 2025, Saskatchewan will continue to cap nominations in certain sectors, with capped sectors collectively accounting for no more than 25% of total nominations. The sector-specific caps are as follows:
- 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 provincial government has indicated that mid-year adjustments to capped sector allocations may be made if labour market conditions change.
Application intake windows and eligibility rules:
Applications in capped sectors will only be accepted during designated intake windows, each remaining open for “several days.” The scheduled windows are:
- Round 1: January 6, 2026
- Round 2: March 2, 2026
- Round 3: May 4, 2026
- Round 4: July 6, 2026
- Round 5: September 7, 2026
- Round 6: November 2, 2026
To prioritize workers closest to losing legal status, individuals in capped sectors may only apply during the final six months of their work permit validity. All capped-sector applications will be processed in 2026.
Additional Changes Taking Effect in 2026
Beyond sector-based adjustments, the SINP will implement several changes affecting international students and work permit holders:
- Applicants under the Student category must graduate from a Saskatchewan DLI and live in the province while working in a field related to their education;
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who studied outside Saskatchewan and have been working in their field of education for six months will no longer be eligible under any Saskatchewan Experience pathways;
- PGWP holders may only apply through specific SINP subcategories or 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 will be eliminated;
- Certain open work permit holders, such as spousal open work permit holders, will no longer be eligible for some SINP pathways. However, if the chosen category does not require a work permit, spousal open work permit holders may still apply, provided they submit additional proof of Saskatchewan residency history for themselves and their family members, where applicable.
Information Session and Year-to-Year Comparison
Saskatchewan’s immigration authorities have also announced that a virtual information session will be held on January 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, to explain the upcoming SINP changes to prospective applicants.
From a year-to-year perspective:
- At the start of 2025, the SINP had 3,625 nomination spaces, which increased to 4,761 after an additional 1,136 nominations were granted in August;
- The 2026 allocation begins at 4,761 nominations, with the possibility of further increases during the year;
- If additional nominations are received, Saskatchewan may reassess the distribution between priority and capped sectors;
- Notably, the 2026 allocation remains approximately 40.5% lower than the 8,000 nomination spaces available in 2024.
Overall, Saskatchewan’s priority sector list has expanded significantly for 2026, while capped sectors remain unchanged in name, though the number of nominations assigned to each sector has been adjusted.
Friendly reminder: There are many pathways to immigrate to Canada. We recommend first using UNA AI to generate an objective and neutral immigration plan, so you can gain an initial understanding of the possible immigration pathways and their requirements, and then choose to proceed with one-on-one consultations with a licensed Canadian immigration consultant partnered with UNA.
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