Canada Immigration News | Saskatchewan PNP Updates 2024 | Work Permit Extensions
Last Updated: May 16, 2025, 9:37 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Saskatchewan is preparing to request a two-year extension of work permits for skilled temporary workers, following the example set by Manitoba, as a strategic response to recent federal cuts slashing the province’s immigration quotas under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
The federal government’s decision to reduce Saskatchewan’s immigration allotment by 50%, limiting nominations to only 3,625 in 2025—the lowest since 2009—has created significant challenges for workers and employers. Many temporary workers now face the risk of permit expirations without clear pathways to permanent residency, threatening both their livelihoods and Saskatchewan’s economic growth.
Federal Cuts and Their Impact on Saskatchewan
Canada’s nationwide immigration reductions under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan were driven by concerns over housing shortages, strained infrastructure, and social services. For Saskatchewan, this translated into drastic nomination cuts and tighter rules requiring 75% of nominees to be temporary residents already in Canada. This has constrained the province’s ability to attract international talent, especially from overseas.
SINP, responsible for over 90% of Saskatchewan’s economic immigration, has long been a critical channel for employers to recruit skilled workers in sectors where local labour supply falls short. The cuts have left businesses worried about labour shortages and have placed temporary workers in uncertain positions, many facing the possibility of having to leave before securing permanent status.
Saskatchewan’s Proposed Solution: Following Manitoba’s Lead
In response, Saskatchewan’s Immigration Minister, Jim Reiter, is engaging with federal counterparts to negotiate a work permit extension similar to Manitoba’s recently implemented policy. Manitoba granted a two-year extension to approximately 6,700 temporary workers whose permits expired or will expire in 2024-2025, allowing them to remain employed and contribute to the economy while awaiting permanent residency.
Reiter emphasized that local business leaders have called for such relief to maintain workforce stability. The proposed extension aims to support SINP candidates currently holding valid or recently expired work permits and would require federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approval.
Who Benefits from the Work Permit Extension?
- Temporary Workers: Skilled workers with expiring permits, especially those in the SINP Expression of Interest pool or prospective nominees in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
- Employers: Businesses facing labour shortages, particularly in industries like food services, retail, trucking, and agriculture, rely heavily on foreign workers to fill gaps.
- Communities: Retaining immigrant workers bolsters economic growth, cultural diversity, and social cohesion in Saskatchewan.
Note: Workers who have received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) for SINP are excluded from the extension but can access bridging open work permits upon application submission.
Key SINP Changes and Challenges in 2025
Due to federal restrictions, Saskatchewan implemented major SINP adjustments effective March 27, 2025:
- Sector Prioritization: Overseas recruitment is focused on healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades, aligning with federal priorities.
- Nomination Caps: Sectors like food services and trucking face a 25% cap on nominations.
- Closed Streams: Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator streams have been permanently shut down, limiting pathways for business immigration.
- Stricter Eligibility: Applications without a Saskatchewan job offer in certain subcategories are returned.
These changes create pressure on workers and employers, heightening the importance of the proposed work permit extension.
How the Extension Would Work
If approved, the extension would be administered by IRCC under a temporary public policy modeled after Manitoba’s approach:
- Eligibility: Candidates must be prospective SINP nominees employed in Saskatchewan, with valid work permits on May 7, 2024, that expired or will expire in 2025.
- Application: Workers would apply through IRCC, possibly needing support letters from the province.
- Duration: Successful applicants receive a two-year open work permit to maintain employment while awaiting permanent residency.
- Limitations: Approval depends on federal discretion, and proper documentation is essential to avoid refusals.
Preparing for the Changes: Advice for Workers and Employers
Workers should:
- Verify their work permit status and eligibility.
- Contact SINP at immigration@gov.sk.ca or call 1-833-613-0485 for guidance.
- Consider alternative immigration pathways if applicable.
- Consult licensed immigration professionals for personalized advice.
Employers should:
- Prioritize recruitment of temporary residents already in Canada to comply with federal mandates.
- Invest in training local workers to reduce reliance on international hires.
- Stay informed on SINP updates through official channels.
Why This Matters: Saskatchewan’s Economic Outlook
Immigration plays a vital role in Saskatchewan’s labor market, accounting for 12.5% of the population according to the 2021 census. The federal cuts risk undermining the province’s growth, with sectors like restaurants and trucking particularly vulnerable due to capped nominations.
The proposed work permit extension is a crucial stopgap to preserve skilled labour and maintain economic momentum while longer-term immigration solutions are explored.
Myth-Busting: What the Extension Is and Isn’t
- Myth: The extension covers all temporary workers in Saskatchewan. Fact: It applies only to specific SINP nominees with qualifying permit conditions.
- Myth: Saskatchewan can independently issue work permit extensions. Fact: Only IRCC can authorize such extensions.
- Myth: The extension guarantees permanent residency. Fact: It only provides time to pursue permanent residency pathways but does not guarantee approval.
Conclusion
Saskatchewan’s bid for a two-year work permit extension reflects proactive leadership amid challenging federal immigration cuts. By emulating Manitoba’s successful policy, the province aims to provide stability to thousands of skilled workers and the businesses that depend on them.
Temporary workers and employers should stay vigilant and prepared as negotiations continue. Monitoring official government announcements and seeking expert immigration advice will be key to navigating this evolving landscape.
Tags:
#SaskatchewanImmigration #SINP2025 #WorkPermitExtension #SkilledWorkersCanada #SaskatchewanPNP #CanadaImmigrationNews #ManitobaModel #TemporaryForeignWorkers #ImmigrationUpdates #SINPCuts #PNPChanges #CanadaWorkPermit #Immigration2025
If you need personalized guidance on navigating SINP or work permit extensions, feel free to contact Nohproblem Consulting for professional immigration assistance tailored to your case.
Sources:
- Government of Saskatchewan, SINP Official Website: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/moving-to-saskatchewan/immigrating-to-saskatchewan/saskatchewan-immigrant-nominee-program
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
- Government of Manitoba Work Permit Extension Announcement: https://www.manitoba.ca/immigration
- CBC News coverage on SINP cuts and labour market impact (2025)
