4,761 Nominations Allocated for 2026
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has confirmed its initial nomination allocation for 2026 at 4,761 spots. Unlike 2025, there are no federal requirements mandating that a specific percentage of nominees must already be temporary residents in Canada. Saskatchewan has also indicated that additional nominations may be released later in the year, subject to approval by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Strong Focus on Priority Sectors
A significant portion of the 2026 allocation will be directed toward Saskatchewan’s key economic needs. At least 50% of all nominations (2,381 spots) are reserved for priority sectors, which include:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Skilled Trades
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Technology
Within this priority allocation, 750 nominations are specifically set aside for Saskatchewan post-secondary graduates who are working in priority sectors, reinforcing the province’s commitment to retaining international students trained locally.
Caps Introduced for Certain Industries
To ensure balanced growth, SINP has placed limits on several sectors. A maximum of 25% of nominations (1,190 spots) will be issued to capped sectors, broken down as follows:
- Accommodation and Food Services: 15% (714 nominations)
- Trucking: 5% (238 nominations)
- Retail Trade: 5% (238 nominations)
These caps are designed to prevent overconcentration in specific industries while maintaining opportunities across the broader labour market.
Mid-Year Review and Flexibility Built In
SINP has confirmed that priority sectors may exceed the 50% minimum allocation if demand is higher than expected, which could reduce nominations available to other sectors. A mid-year assessment will be conducted to evaluate progress. If Saskatchewan is unable to meet the 50% priority-sector target, the province may redirect nominations to other sectors to ensure full use of its allocation.
What This Means for Applicants
The 2026 SINP framework clearly signals Saskatchewan’s focus on critical labour shortages, high-demand industries, and local graduate retention. Candidates working in priority sectors, especially Saskatchewan graduates, are likely to have stronger nomination prospects, while applicants in capped sectors should expect more limited opportunities.
Updates on draw timelines and potential additional allocations are expected as the year progresses.