Saskatchewan Plans Longer Work Permits for Skilled Workers

Saskatchewan is facing a tough situation after the federal government cut its immigration nomination quota by 50%. The new limit allows only 3,625 people to be nominated under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) in 2025. This is the lowest number since 2009.

Many temporary foreign workers in the province now face permit expirations without a clear path to stay. Employers are also concerned as they struggle to find skilled workers locally.

The federal government now also requires that 75% of nominees be current temporary residents in Canada. This makes it harder for Saskatchewan to invite new talent from overseas.

Province Looks to Manitoba for Inspiration

To help fix this, Saskatchewan's Immigration Minister Jim Reiter plans to ask Ottawa for a two-year work permit extension for eligible temporary workers. This idea follows a recent agreement in Manitoba, where 6,700 workers got their permits extended until the end of 2025.

Reiter said local business owners are pushing for the same kind of help, as many of their employees are at risk of losing their legal status. Saskatchewan cannot extend work permits on its own, so it needs federal approval.

How the Manitoba Deal Works

In Manitoba, the extension helped workers whose permits expired in 2024 or will expire in 2025. These workers are already part of the province’s nominee program and are awaiting permanent residency.

The federal government allowed this extension to help employers and communities. The idea was to let skilled workers stay, continue their jobs, and keep the economy moving.

Now, Saskatchewan wants to follow that path.

Who Would Get the Work Permit Extension?

The two-year extension would help:

• Temporary workers with expiring permits in 2025.
  
• People in the SINP Expression of Interest pool.
  
• Workers in healthcare, agriculture, construction, trucking, and other vital sectors.
  

However, those who already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) for the SINP won’t be included. They already qualify for another type of open work permit after applying.

Why This Extension Matters

Saskatchewan’s economy needs workers, and most skilled immigrants come through the SINP. With the reduced number of nominations, many employers fear they will lose valuable employees.

Without new support, sectors like restaurants, retail, and trucking could face major worker shortages. Many business owners already say they’re unable to plan for growth.

Major SINP Changes Coming in 2025

To adjust to the smaller quota, Saskatchewan is making big changes to the SINP starting March 27, 2025. These include:

• Giving priority to healthcare, agriculture, and trades.
  
• Limiting food services and trucking to only 25% of nominations.
  
• Removing eligibility for spas, salons, and pet care (except vets).
  
• Closing the Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator streams permanently.
  
• Rejecting certain applications with no Saskatchewan job offer.
  

These changes will tighten immigration options further, making the extension even more important.

What the Extension Process Would Look Like

If approved, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would manage the extension. Workers must:

• Have had valid permits on May 7, 2024.
  
• Be employed in Saskatchewan.
  
• Apply through IRCC, possibly with a support letter from the province.
  

Approved workers would get a two-year open work permit to stay and work in Saskatchewan while waiting for permanent residency.

Challenges and Concerns Remain

There’s no guarantee the federal government will agree. Political or budget reasons might block the plan.

Also, not everyone will qualify. Some workers may still have to leave, especially those in lower-priority sectors.

Workers and employers are stressed. Many don’t know what to expect next. Consultants report high concern from clients, especially in food and transport industries.

What Workers and Employers Can Do Now

Workers should:

• Check permit status.
  
• Make sure they were working in Saskatchewan on May 7, 2024.
  
• Contact SINP for guidance.
  
• Consider other immigration streams.
  

Employers should:

• Focus on hiring temporary residents already in Canada.
  
• Offer training to reduce dependence on immigration.
  
• Monitor SINP updates regularly.
  

Looking Ahead: Why This Issue Matters

Immigration is key to Saskatchewan’s economy. The province relies on it to fill labor gaps and grow. Around 12.5% of its population are immigrants.

The recent federal changes aim to manage housing and services better. But for provinces like Saskatchewan, these cuts could create more harm than good.

Saskatchewan hopes Ottawa sees the value in helping its temporary workers stay. Without action, the province could lose skilled workers and slow down its economic progress.