Saskatchewan Sets 2026 PNP Quota and Unveils Major Immigration Reforms
The Government of Saskatchewan has confirmed its Provincial Nominee Program (SINP) nomination allocation for 2026, alongside a series of major program changes that will significantly reshape how candidates are selected next year.
For 2026, Saskatchewan will have 4,761 provincial nomination spaces, matching the total it finished with at the end of 2025. While the overall number remains unchanged, the structure, priorities, and eligibility rules of the SINP will look very different in the coming year.
New Nomination Distribution Framework for 2026
To better align immigration with provincial labour market needs, Saskatchewan will introduce a three-tier nomination distribution model:
- At least 50% of nominations will be reserved for priority sectors
- Up to 25% will be allocated to capped sectors
- The remaining 25% will be available for other sectors
Unlike 2025, Saskatchewan will not apply an in-Canada residency requirement for nominees in 2026, giving overseas applicants renewed access to the program.
Priority Sectors Take Center Stage
In 2026, Saskatchewan will dedicate 2,381 nominations to candidates working in occupations critical to its economic strategy. The newly expanded list of priority sectors includes:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Skilled trades
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Technology
Within these priority sectors, 750 nomination spots will be specifically reserved for graduates of Saskatchewan-based designated learning institutions who are working in priority occupations.
Key advantages for priority-sector candidates include:
- Applications accepted year-round with no fixed intake windows
- No requirement to apply within the last six months of work permit validity
- Eligibility to apply from outside Canada
If demand is high, priority-sector nominations may exceed 50%, reducing spaces for other sectors. Conversely, unused priority-sector spaces may be reallocated.
Capped Sectors and Intake Windows
Saskatchewan will continue to limit nominations for certain occupations by capping them at 25% of total allocations. The capped sectors for 2026 remain the same as in 2025:
- Accommodation and Food Services: Up to 714 nominations (15%)
- Trucking: Up to 238 nominations (5%)
- Retail Trade: Up to 238 nominations (5%)
Candidates in capped sectors may only apply during six scheduled intake windows, each open for several days:
- January 6, 2026
- March 2, 2026
- May 4, 2026
- July 6, 2026
- September 7, 2026
- November 2, 2026
To prioritize those at risk of losing status, applicants in capped sectors can submit applications only during the final six months of their work permit validity. All capped-sector applications will be processed in 2026.
Major Rule Changes for Students and Work Permit Holders
Several important eligibility changes will take effect in 2026, impacting international graduates and work permit holders:
- SINP Student category applicants must graduate from a Saskatchewan DLI and live in the province while working in a field related to their studies
- PGWP holders who studied outside Saskatchewan will no longer be eligible for Saskatchewan Experience pathways, even with six months of related work experience
- PGWP holders will be restricted to specific SINP pathways only:
- Student
- Health Talent
- Agriculture Talent
- Tech Talent
- International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer
- Exemptions for PGWP holders in restricted occupations have been eliminated
- Certain open work permit holders, including spousal open work permit holders, will no longer qualify for some SINP pathways
- Spousal open work permit holders may still apply to select categories, but must provide additional proof of Saskatchewan residency for themselves and their family members, if applicable
To help applicants navigate these changes, Saskatchewan will host a virtual information session on January 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST.
How 2026 Compares to Previous Years
Saskatchewan began 2025 with 3,625 nomination spaces and later received an additional 1,136 allocations, bringing the total to 4,761. The 2026 allocation mirrors this post-increase figure.
However, the province’s nomination capacity remains 40.5% lower than in 2024, when Saskatchewan had 8,000 nomination spaces. While additional allocations may be granted in 2026, no increases have been confirmed yet.
If more nominations are received, Saskatchewan may adjust the balance between priority, capped, and other sectors—just as it did in 2025.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
