SINP processing times improve in Q2 2026
Saskatchewan reported faster processing across most immigration streams in the second quarter of 2026, with several application types finalized in approximately two weeks. The update reflects data covering April 1 to June 30, released on July 14 through the province’s official reporting platform.
The latest figures indicate improvements compared with the first quarter of the year, with no categories recording longer wait times. The update applies to applicants and employers participating in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
The timing update comes as the province continues to issue nominations under its 2026 allocation, with more than half of its annual quota already used by the end of June.
- Most SINP applications were processed in about two weeks in Q2 2026
- Five application types saw faster processing compared to Q1
- No categories experienced longer wait times during the quarter
- Second review requests with job offers were processed in one week
- Saskatchewan issued 2,628 nominations by June 30, 2026
- Total provincial nomination allocation for 2026 is 4,761
Processing times show broad improvements
According to the provincial data, five out of nine tracked application categories were processed more quickly in the second quarter. The remaining categories maintained the same timelines observed earlier in 2026.
Among International Skilled Worker streams, applications tied to employment offers, agriculture roles, and other targeted pathways were typically finalized in about two weeks. These categories had previously required closer to three weeks in some cases during the first quarter.
Applications under the Saskatchewan Experience category, including those for individuals with existing work permits, also saw reduced processing durations. International student applications in the same category held steady at roughly two weeks.
Second reviews and employer assessments
Requests for a second review from applicants with job offers were processed in about one week during Q2, representing a shorter turnaround than earlier in the year. These reviews are limited to cases where an applicant has received an ineligibility decision and submits a request within 30 days.
Employer Position Assessments, which allow Saskatchewan employers to hire foreign workers through the program, were completed in approximately three weeks. This was an improvement from four weeks during the previous quarter and remains below the program’s service standard of six weeks.
Processing data for second reviews without job offers was not published by the province.
Provincial nomination levels in 2026
The federal government allocated 4,761 nomination spaces to Saskatchewan for 2026. By June 30, the province had issued 2,628 nominations, representing approximately 55% of the total annual allocation.
Nominations are distributed across three sector-based categories that reflect labour market priorities and program management considerations. These include priority sectors, capped sectors, and other sectors.
Distribution across sector categories
The largest share of nominations in 2026 has been directed toward priority sectors, which account for 2,380 spaces. These sectors include healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades, mining, manufacturing, energy, and technology.
As of the end of June, 1,466 nominations had been issued within these priority areas. These sectors collectively represent half of the province’s annual allocation.
Capped sectors, which operate under defined limits, were allocated 1,190 nomination spaces. Within this group, accommodation and food services accounts for 15% of the total, while retail and trucking each represent 5%.
By mid-year, 718 nominations had been issued across these capped industries. The remaining 1,191 nominations fall under the “other sectors” category, where 444 had been issued by June 30.
Structured intake system for capped sectors
Employers seeking to hire under capped sectors must apply during scheduled intake windows established by the province. Each intake offers a fixed number of positions, which are filled on a first-come basis.
Eligibility for these intakes includes a requirement that the foreign worker being supported has six months or less remaining on their work permit. This condition applies specifically to Employer Position Assessment submissions.
Saskatchewan scheduled seven intake periods for 2026, with two remaining dates set for September 14 and November 2. These intakes are used to manage demand across sectors with limited nomination capacity.
The most recent intake, held on July 6 and 7, made 175 positions available across multiple industries. Trucking received 25 spaces, while retail and other services were allocated 50 positions.
Accommodation and food services were separated into two categories during this intake, with 50 positions allocated to each. All categories reached capacity on the same day they opened.
Program structure and application pathways
The SINP includes multiple streams that allow foreign nationals to apply for provincial nomination based on employment, work experience, or labour market demand. One commonly used route is the International Skilled Worker category.
Under this category, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest profile and enter a selection pool. Profiles are assessed using a points grid that accounts for factors such as work history, language ability, and connections to Saskatchewan.
Details of how points are calculated under this system are available through the Saskatchewan PNP (SINP) scoring framework. Profiles remain valid for up to one year from submission.
Periodic invitation rounds are conducted to select candidates with the highest scores and experience aligned with current labour needs. Those invited must submit a complete application within a specified deadline.
The Saskatchewan Experience category follows a different process, allowing eligible individuals already working in the province to apply directly without entering the Expression of Interest pool.
Transition to permanent residence
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination from Saskatchewan are eligible to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence. The nomination confirms that the province has selected the individual based on its economic priorities.
Following federal processing, successful applicants receive confirmation of permanent residence status. This process is consistent across most provincial nominee programs in Canada.
Ongoing updates and reporting
The province publishes quarterly updates on both processing times and nomination issuance levels. These updates provide insight into application trends and administrative timelines across different streams.
Processing times can vary depending on application volume, completeness of submissions, and program priorities. The Q2 2026 data indicates relative stability and improvement compared with earlier in the year.
Further updates, including future intake results and nomination totals, are expected in subsequent quarterly releases. Additional information on draws and program activity across provinces is compiled in the Saskatchewan Draws (SINP) index.
As of June 30, the issuance of 2,628 nominations marks the midpoint of Saskatchewan’s 2026 allocation cycle, with remaining spaces to be distributed in the second half of the year.