Saskatchewan Uses 88% of Capped Immigration Nominations

Saskatchewan is approaching its 2026 immigration nomination limit for several major employment sectors, according to the latest figures from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

The province's October update shows that 88% of nominations allocated to capped sectors had been issued by September 30, leaving limited opportunities for the remainder of the year.

Meanwhile, priority industries and other sectors still had 27% of their combined allocation available.

Saskatchewan Has Issued 4,023 Nominations

Saskatchewan received an annual allocation of 5,261 provincial nominations for 2026, following an increase from its earlier quota of 4,761.

By the end of September, the province had issued 4,023 nominations, representing 76% of its allocation.

This left 1,238 nomination spaces, although officials warn that pending applications could reduce the actual number available.

The breakdown shows a significant difference between capped industries and other employment sectors.

Figures reflect nominations issued through September 30, 2026, excluding applications still being processed.

Which Industries Face Nomination Limits?

Saskatchewan restricts nominations in accommodation and food services, trucking, and retail trade and other services.

Together, these capped sectors can receive no more than 25% of the province's annual allocation.

Accommodation and food services have a 15% limit, while trucking and retail each have a 5% limit.

By comparison, Saskatchewan reserves at least half its nomination spaces for priority industries.

These include agriculture, energy, health care, manufacturing, mining, skilled trades and technology.

The province may direct additional nominations toward priority industries if demand increases.

Final 2026 Intake Windows Have Closed

Employers in capped sectors must submit Employer Position Assessments during designated intake periods rather than throughout the year.

Saskatchewan held its final scheduled intake windows on September 14 and 15.

A previously planned November 2 intake was cancelled, with its positions transferred to September.

Accommodation, food services and trucking reached their intake position limits.

At the latest update, retail had 26 unused positions from its 175 available places.

However, remaining nomination spaces do not guarantee another application opportunity in 2026.

Nomination Activity Remains Steady

Saskatchewan issued 1,395 nominations between July and September, compared with 1,405 in the second quarter and 1,223 during the first quarter.

Of the third-quarter nominations, 440 went to capped sectors.

The province averaged approximately 447 nominations monthly during the first nine months.

To use its entire 2026 allocation, Saskatchewan would need to issue approximately 413 nominations monthly during the final quarter.

SINP Processing Times Remain Short

The latest update also shows relatively quick processing across several immigration categories.

During the third quarter, employment offers, technology, agriculture and health talent applications averaged two weeks.

Existing work permits and international student applications also averaged two weeks, while Employer Position Assessments took four weeks.

Second-review requests involving applicants with job offers averaged one week.

These figures exclude the fastest and slowest 10% of finalized applications.

The SINP aims to process worker applications within 16 weeks and employer assessments within six weeks.

Workers should review sector restrictions, application requirements and remaining intake opportunities before planning their next steps.