Hey there! If you’ve been looking into moving to Saskatchewan through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), I’ve got some important news for you. As of February 18, 2025, the SINP has paused the intake of Job Approval Forms (JAFs). This is a big deal for anyone hoping to immigrate through Saskatchewan’s job-offer-based streams, and I know many of you may be wondering how this affects your plans.
So, What Exactly Does This Mean?
If you’ve been hoping to use a job offer to get your permanent residency in Saskatchewan, this pause means that employers can no longer submit JAFs for those job-offer-based streams. The Job Approval Letter (JAL), which is necessary to apply for provincial nomination, won’t be issued during this time.
But don’t worry—if you’ve already submitted a JAF before the pause, your application will continue to be processed. It’s really only new applications that are impacted right now.
Why is This Happening?
The reason behind this pause is the federal government’s decision to cut Saskatchewan’s nomination allocations by 50% in 2025. This has caused the province to temporarily adjust its intake so that it can focus on what matters most. The SINP is using this pause as a chance to implement changes that they believe will improve the program moving forward.
It’s frustrating, especially if you were counting on the job-offer-based streams, but keep in mind that the SINP has said this break is temporary. They plan to reopen the intake in a few weeks, but no official date has been confirmed yet.
What Are Your Options If You Still Want to Immigrate to Saskatchewan?
I know this pause may feel like a setback, but there are still other ways to immigrate to Saskatchewan—and you might be able to apply right now! Here are some options to consider:
- International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand This is a great option for anyone who has at least one year of full-time experience in a high-skilled occupation that’s in demand in Saskatchewan. The best part? You don’t need a job offer to apply! You just need to meet the specific criteria for this pathway and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If you’re selected, you could receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination.
- Express Entry If you’re already in the Express Entry pool, or if you want to create a profile, you could be invited to apply for permanent residency through one of the federal programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program. If you have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, you might have a great chance of being selected!
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot If you’re open to living in a smaller community, this program might be a perfect fit. It’s designed to help immigrants settle in rural areas like Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. If you have a job offer from a designated employer in one of these communities, you might be eligible for permanent residency.
What Should You Do Next?
It’s totally normal to feel unsure or frustrated right now if you were hoping to use the job-offer pathway. But don’t lose hope! The immigration process in Canada is full of opportunities, and there are still plenty of ways to make your dream of moving to Saskatchewan a reality.
If you need help navigating these changes or figuring out the best path for your situation, I highly recommend reaching out to an immigration consultant. They can help guide you through the process and make sure you’re on the right track. If you need advice, feel free to reach out to NohProblem Consulting—we specialize in helping people like you with LMIA applications, permanent residency pathways, and everything in between!
Conclusion
Though the pause on the job-offer pathways may be a bump in the road, it’s not the end of the road. Saskatchewan still has a lot to offer for skilled workers, and there are other pathways that don’t require a job offer. If you keep looking at your options and stay proactive, your goal of becoming a permanent resident in Saskatchewan is still within reach.
Stay positive and keep going—your future in Saskatchewan is waiting!
