Saskatchewan reaches job nomination caps in key sectors
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has confirmed that its first 2026 intake window for capped sectors has closed after reaching position limits across all eligible industries. The intake, which opened on January 13, filled within days, marking a rapid start to the province’s annual nomination schedule.
The capped sectors—accommodation and food services, retail trade, and trucking—each met their respective quotas before the next scheduled window in March. The SINP reported that accommodation and retail positions were filled within one day, while the trucking sector reached its cap by January 20.
- All capped sector nomination limits reached between January 13–20, 2026
- Accommodation and Food Services: 180 positions allocated
- Retail Trade: 60 positions allocated
- Trucking: 60 positions allocated
- Next intake window opens March 2, 2026
- Total 2026 SINP nomination allocation: 4,761 spaces
Program overview
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program enables the province to select candidates for permanent residence who meet regional labour market needs. Each year, the program divides its nomination spaces across multiple industry categories, including a portion dedicated to sectors operating under position caps.
For 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allocated 4,761 nomination spaces to Saskatchewan. Approximately 25% of these were reserved for capped sectors, with potential adjustments later in the year depending on provincial demand and federal allocation changes.
Sector distribution
During the first 2026 intake, the SINP distributed 300 total positions across the three capped industries. The breakdown included 180 for accommodation and food services, 60 for retail trade, and 60 for trucking. These figures correspond to the program’s broader distribution structure, where accommodation and food services account for 60% of annual capped nominations, while retail and trucking each represent 5%.
Saskatchewan officials note that these allocations are designed to reflect both sectoral labour shortages and the overall provincial nomination plan for the year.
Employer submission process
Employers in capped sectors must follow a structured application process to nominate foreign workers. They are required to submit a Job Approval Form (JAF) to the SINP, confirming that each position aligns with program criteria. Once approved, the employer can request a Job Approval Letter (JAL), which supports the candidate’s nomination under the SINP job offer streams.
Each position listed on a JAF counts toward the intake window limit. Applications submitted outside active intake periods are returned without processing. Employers can only apply for workers holding valid work permits with six months or less remaining at the time of submission.
Intake schedule for 2026
The SINP has scheduled five additional capped sector intake windows for the remainder of 2026, spaced roughly two months apart. Following the January intake, the next openings are set for March 2, May 4, July 6, September 7, and November 2. The province confirmed that all submissions within these intakes will be processed within the same calendar year.
The program initially planned to open its first 2026 intake on January 6 but delayed the launch by one week. According to the province, the adjustment had no impact on the total volume of nominations available for the year.
Provincial distribution and context
Saskatchewan’s capped sector approach mirrors similar nomination management strategies seen in other jurisdictions, including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). These systems enable provinces to align immigration pathways with immediate workforce priorities while maintaining control over processing capacity.
By distributing intakes across multiple windows, Saskatchewan aims to balance employer demand throughout the year and prevent early exhaustion of nomination spaces. The model also allows flexibility in reallocating unused quotas if one sector reaches its limit sooner than others.
Year-to-date summary
With the first window completed, all 300 capped positions under the initial 2026 SINP intake have been filled. The province has indicated that future intake distributions could shift if sectoral caps are consistently reached early or if IRCC adjusts Saskatchewan’s total nomination allocation later in the year.
The second intake, opening March 2, will continue to operate under the same capped structure, with each approved position counting toward both the intake and annual limits.
Public impact
The rapid filling of capped sector quotas highlights ongoing labour demand in Saskatchewan’s hospitality, retail, and transportation industries. The intake results also underscore the continued reliance on temporary foreign workers to support essential services and regional economic stability.
While employer applications for these sectors are temporarily closed, other SINP categories remain active for qualified candidates under separate nomination streams.
Looking ahead
Saskatchewan’s remaining intake windows will determine how efficiently the province manages its 2026 nomination capacity. Program adjustments, if any, are expected to reflect real-time labour needs and national immigration targets.
Further updates on intake results and nomination allocations will be provided as they occur through official provincial and federal releases.
For continued coverage of provincial nomination updates and immigration developments across Canada, visit our immigration news section.