Saskatchewan Cuts SINP Processing Times to Two Weeks

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program processed most application types within two weeks between April 1 and June 30, 2026, the province reported July 14.

No tracked category had a longer wait than in the first quarter. Five of nine application types improved; the rest were unchanged or unpublished.

Faster Decisions Across Key Streams

International Skilled Worker employment-offer applications fell from three weeks to two. Agriculture Talent Pathway applications also dropped from three weeks to two, while the Innovation and Tech Talent Pathway and Health Talent Pathway remained at two weeks.

Under the Saskatchewan Experience category, Existing Work Permit applications improved from three weeks to two weeks. International Student applications continued to take about two weeks.

Second-review requests from applicants with job offers were processed in one week, down from two weeks. Saskatchewan does not publish processing times for second reviews involving applicants without job offers.

A second review must be requested within 30 days of receiving an ineligible letter. The applicant must provide adequate justification, and the province bases the review only on information included in the original application.

Employer Position Assessments took three weeks, compared with four weeks in the first quarter. Saskatchewan employers use these assessments to seek approval to hire foreign workers through the SINP. The program’s service standard for this application type is six weeks.

Province Uses More Than Half Its Allocation

The federal government gave Saskatchewan 4,761 provincial nomination spaces for 2026. By June 30, the province had issued 2,628 nominations, representing about 55 per cent of its annual allocation.

Half of the available nominations, or 2,380 spaces, were assigned to priority sectors. Capped sectors received 1,190 spaces, while other sectors received 1,191. Saskatchewan updates its nomination totals every quarter.

Two Intake Periods Remain

Employers in capped sectors must apply during designated intake windows. They can submit an Employer Position Assessment only when the worker has six months or less remaining on their work permit. Spaces are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until each intake reaches its limit.

Saskatchewan scheduled seven intake periods for 2026. Two remain, on September 14 and November 2.

The latest intake ran July 6 and 7 and offered 175 spaces: 25 for trucking, 50 for retail trade and other services, 50 for accommodation, and 50 for food services. Every capped sector reached its limit on the day applications opened. The province separated accommodation and food services into distinct categories for this intake.

How Candidates Can Apply

International Skilled Worker candidates must create an online Expression of Interest profile. The SINP scores candidates out of 110 using factors such as provincial connections, work experience and language ability.

Profiles remain valid for one year. Expired profiles must be replaced to remain under consideration by Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan periodically invites high-ranking candidates whose job or work experience is considered in demand. Invited candidates have 60 days to submit a complete nomination application.

Saskatchewan Experience applicants do not need an Expression of Interest and may apply directly. Successful nominees can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence. Approved applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.