The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has temporarily paused the acceptance of new Job Approval Forms (JAFs) due to a 50% reduction in its 2025 nomination allocation by the federal government.
This pause, effective February 18, 2025, is expected to last several weeks as the SINP reviews current applications and implements necessary program changes. The reduction aligns with the federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, which decreases overall immigration levels, including cuts to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations which is being halved from 117,000 to 55,000 invitations in 2025.
Reason for the Pause
The federal government has significantly reduced the number of nominations available to Saskatchewan for 2025. This decision impacts the province’s ability to process applications for skilled workers, international graduates, and other potential nominees under the SINP. In response, this pause is expected to last several weeks to allow for a review of current applications and necessary program adjustments.
During this period, no exceptions will be made, and changes to program and eligibility requirements may affect existing applications. The SINP will continue to process applications from skilled workers during this time.
This federal decision has significantly impacted various provinces. For instance, British Columbia’s PNP allocation for 2025 has been reduced to 4,000 nominations, a 50% decrease from 2024. This unexpected cut has led to backlogs and extended processing times, prompting the province to adjust its operations accordingly.
Similarly, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador have expressed concerns over the reduced allocations, emphasizing potential challenges in addressing labor market needs and economic growth.
These changes have sparked debates about the implications for Canada’s labor market and economic development, as provinces rely on PNPs to attract skilled workers tailored to their specific needs. The federal government’s stance focuses on sustainability and addressing public concerns over infrastructure and service capacities.
