Saskatchewan PNP 2026: New Rules, Priority Sectors & Draws

Saskatchewan PNP 2026: Nomination Allocation and Key Program Changes Explained

As we look ahead to 2026, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is introducing several important updates that could significantly impact newcomers, international students, and temporary foreign workers looking to settle in the province. With a nomination allocation of 4,761 spots—matching the total from the end of 2025—Saskatchewan is fine-tuning its immigration strategy to better align with provincial labour market needs. If you’re considering applying through the SINP, these changes are definitely worth understanding.

Key Highlights

• Saskatchewan’s 2026 nomination allocation remains at 4,761 spots, same as 2025’s year-end total.
• 50% of nominations reserved for applicants in priority sectors like healthcare, trades, and tech.
• Capped sectors limited to 25% of nominations, with six scheduled application windows in 2025 and 2026.
• New rules for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders, especially those who studied outside Saskatchewan.
• More flexibility for overseas applicants in priority sectors—no work permit expiry restrictions.
• Virtual info sessions for program changes begin on January 7, 2026.

What’s Happening with Saskatchewan’s PNP in 2026?

The SINP is keeping its nomination numbers steady at 4,761 for 2026. While this mirrors the boosted allocation it ended with in 2025, it’s still 40.5% lower than the 8,000 spaces Saskatchewan had in 2024. Even so, the province is making big changes to how these spaces are distributed, placing a strong focus on matching newcomers to high-demand sectors in the province.

Focus on Priority Sectors

Half of all SINP nominations in 2026—totalling 2,381—will be earmarked for candidates working in priority sectors. These sectors were identified through Saskatchewan’s Labour Market Strategy and include:

• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• Skilled trades
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Energy
• Technology

Of these, 750 nomination spots are set aside for graduates from Saskatchewan-based Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who are employed in one of these sectors. This is great news for international students who’ve put down roots in the province after graduation.

Another major perk? If you’re applying under a priority-sector occupation, you can apply at any time—there are no intake windows—and you can even apply from outside Canada. You also won’t need to worry about your work permit expiring within six months, which is a restriction that applies to capped sector applicants.

Understanding Capped Sectors

In contrast, only 25% of SINP nominations will go to what are being referred to as capped sectors. These include:

• Accommodation and food services: Up to 714 spots (15%)
• Trucking: Up to 238 spots (5%)
• Retail trade: Up to 238 spots (5%)

Applications for these sectors are only accepted during designated intake periods. Here’s when those application windows will open:

• Window 1: January 6, 2025
• Window 2: March 2, 2025
• Window 3: May 4, 2025
• Window 4: July 6, 2025
• Window 5: September 7, 2026
• Window 6: November 2, 2026

If you work in one of these capped sectors, you’ll only be eligible to apply during the final six months of your work permit’s validity. This is aimed at prioritizing workers who are closest to losing their legal status in Canada.

New Rules for International Students and Work Permit Holders

Saskatchewan is also rolling out some significant changes that affect international students and holders of various work permits, including PGWP and open work permits.

Key changes include:

• Applicants under the SINP Student category must now be graduates from a Saskatchewan DLI and must be living and working in the province in a field related to their studies.
• PGWP holders who studied outside of Saskatchewan will no longer be eligible for any of the Saskatchewan Experience pathways—even if they’ve been working in their field for at least six months.
• PGWP applicants are now limited to specific SINP streams and subcategories:
  • Student category
  • Health Talent Pathway
  • Agriculture Talent Pathway
  • Tech Talent Pathway
  • International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer
• Exemptions for PGWP holders in restricted occupations have been removed altogether.
• Holders of spousal open work permits (OWPs) won’t qualify for some SINP streams. However, they may still apply for categories that don’t require a work permit under their eligibility criteria—but will likely need to show proof of their (and their family’s) residency in Saskatchewan.

How Does This Compare to 2025?

The 2026 nomination allocation is consistent with where Saskatchewan finished in 2025—4,761 spots in total. At the beginning of 2025, the province was working with just 3,625 nominations but received an extra 1,136 from the federal government later that year.

One of the most notable changes in 2026 is the broader definition of priority sectors. In 2025, they included just healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. Now, they’ve expanded to include tech, energy, mining, and manufacturing—reflecting Saskatchewan’s evolving economic needs.

Meanwhile, capped sectors remain unchanged from 2025, although the number of nominations allocated to each has been slightly tweaked. Just like last year, the SINP remains flexible and may adjust these allocations mid-year if required.

Final Thoughts

Saskatchewan’s 2026 SINP updates reflect a growing emphasis on aligning immigration with labour market priorities. For candidates in priority sectors, the expanded nomination share and greater application flexibility are promising. On the other hand, international students and temporary workers will need to carefully review the new rules to understand their eligibility—and act within the new timelines.

If you’re exploring your options through other Provincial Nominee Programs, you may also want to check out the Manitoba PNP, which also streamlines immigration for skilled workers and international graduates.

Need help figuring out where you stand? Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or overseas applicant, it’s a good idea to assess your eligibility early and stay on top of intake windows and stream requirements. Don’t miss out on your chance to build a future in Saskatchewan.

Contact us today or check out our other guides on immigration pathways across Canada.