Saskatchewan SINP Changes: Job Approval Forms

The Canadian federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 foreshadowed a sharp decline in total immigration, as we were cautioned late last year. These changes include a 50% reduction in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a vital immigration route for qualified workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. Employers looking to hire foreign nationals in the province will be impacted by the temporary suspension of all new Job Approval Forms (JAFs) announced by the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) in compliance with this reduction.

SINP has formally halted accepting new Job Approval Forms (JAFs) from companies as of February 18, 2025.

Job Approval Form

The first step in receiving a Job Approval Letter (JAL) under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is completing the Job Approval Form (JAF). The JAL will be given to the employer after the JAF is accepted. Because it gives firms the required authorisation to hire foreign workers, this form is an essential part of the immigration procedure. Employers cannot move on with the SINP program’s employment procedure without an approved JAF.

What is the SINP

Under Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program, the SINP is an immigration pathway program created to draw in foreigners who can support Saskatchewan’s economy while pursuing permanent residence. Because it allows firms to engage foreign workers when competent Canadian people are not available to fill job vacancies, the SINP has been a beneficial policy for some employers facing labour shortages. However, the Saskatchewan government has re-evaluated its immigration strategy in light of Canada’s current rising unemployment rate, which has resulted in a considerable decrease in the number of available slots under the SINP. A CBC news report claims that the SINP has not experienced a reduction in funding this size since 2009.

Suspension Duration

Although no expiration date has been specified, the Canadian government expects this temporary suspension to extend for a few weeks. Furthermore, the Saskatchewan government has made it clear that no exceptions will be made during this time, so any new applications will be put on hold until the ban is lifted.

These new modifications will have an impact on the SINP International Skilled Worker and Saskatchewan Work Experience programs. This halt may provide more difficulties for employers in sectors like healthcare and construction that need trained and experienced people to cover open positions.

It’s important that you, as the employer or prospective candidate, be up to date on SINP program updates as the situation develops. We are keeping a careful eye on developments and will promptly update this page with any new information as it becomes available or the Job Approval Form (JAF) submission procedure reopens.

Contact Kingston Immigration Consultant Pvt. Ltd. now if you need legal help understanding the new SINP amendments or if you have questions about your eligibility for alternative immigration channels. We will help you examine all of your options and avenues for immigration and will also walk you through the process.