Saskatchewan Halts Job-Offer Pathway Intakes Amid Federal Immigration Cuts

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Key Takeaways

• Saskatchewan temporarily halts new Job Approval Form submissions for SINP pathways starting February 18, 2025, due to reduced federal quotas.
• Pause affects key SINP streams requiring job offers and will last several weeks while potential program adjustments are reviewed.
• Existing applications continue, but new JAF submissions are prohibited; no exceptions granted during the temporary suspension.

On February 18, 2025, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) declared a temporary stop on new submissions for Job Approval Forms (JAFs) tied to job-offer based pathways to permanent residency. This decision stems from a significant policy shift at the federal level. The federal government has cut Saskatchewan’s nomination allocations by 50% for 2025, forcing the province to adjust its immigration pathways to fit within the reduced limits.

This temporary halt directly affects Saskatchewan employers who rely on the SINP to hire and retain foreign talent, as well as prospective immigrants aiming to secure permanent residency through job offers. The suspension is expected to last several weeks. In the meantime, the SINP will review existing applications and potentially adjust program rules to align with the reduced quotas.

Saskatchewan Halts Job-Offer Pathway Intakes Amid Federal Immigration Cuts

Impacted SINP Streams

The pause has spread across several key SINP pathways that require job offers. These include:

International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer Stream
Agriculture Talent Pathway
Health Talent Pathway
Tech Talent Pathway

These streams are traditional avenues for highly skilled professionals, farm workers, healthcare practitioners, and employees in tech-based roles. For now, the process of using JAFs to support permanent residency applications is on hold. Employers cannot file new JAFs, which serve as the foundation of these immigration applications.

Why Did this Happen?

The federal government’s decision to reduce overall immigration numbers for 2025–2027 brought about this pause. Provincial allocations under the larger Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) framework were sharply cut. The number of PNP invitations dropped from 117,000 to just 55,000 for 2025, meaning fewer spots are available nationwide.

At the provincial level, Saskatchewan faces three main reasons for the pause:

Managing Current Applications: The SINP needs time to process applications already in the system. Without this pause, a flood of new applications could disrupt fairness in processing under the reduced quotas.
Adjusting Program Rules: The SINP may need to modify eligibility and application requirements to ensure alignment with lower nomination allocations.
Avoiding Overflow: Temporarily stopping new JAF intakes ensures the province does not receive more applications than it can process within limited federal quotas.

Ramifications for Employers and Applicants

This announcement brings strong implications for both employers and those seeking permanent residency.

Effect on Employers: Saskatchewan businesses that depend on JAFs to support foreign workers’ immigration will not be able to begin new processes. This pause creates challenges in sourcing global talent for industries like agriculture, healthcare, and technology.
Effect on Foreign Workers: Skilled workers aiming for permanent residency through job-offer-based SINP streams will need to wait until the intake resumes. This delay could also affect timelines for securing long-term stability in Canada.
Existing Applications: For those who already have applications in process, work will continue during the pause. However, the SINP has stressed that program adjustments could still affect eligibility and processing outcomes.
No Exceptions: It is important to note that no exceptions for new JAF submissions will be granted throughout this temporary suspension.

Exploring Alternatives During the Pause

For those directly impacted by this pause, alternative pathways exist:

Federal Express Entry System (EES): Skilled workers may enter Canada’s Express Entry pool, which evaluates candidates based on work experience, education, and language skills.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Work Permits: Employers might consider LMIA-based permits, which allow hiring foreign workers by demonstrating labor shortages.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits: For some jobs, this route provides another option to keep workers in Canada without depending on SINP JAFs.
Programs in Other Provinces: While many provinces face constraints due to federal cuts, exploring immigration pathways elsewhere could offer possibilities.

Broader Changes in Immigration Policy

The suspension of new JAF submissions occurs alongside wider changes in Canada’s immigration system for the next three years.

Reduction in Admissions: The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan will see Canada admit fewer permanent residents compared to previous projections. For 2025 alone, there will be 105,000 fewer new arrivals than initially planned.
Focus on In-Canada Residents: In 2025, more than 40% of newly admitted permanent residents will come from individuals already living in Canada as temporary residents.
Economic Class Priority: By 2027, nearly 62% of new permanent residents will fall under economic immigration categories such as skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
Francophone Immigration Goals: Despite the decrease in overall numbers, Canada aims to increase admissions of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. Francophone newcomers will make up 5% of new residents in 2025 and 2026, rising to 10% by 2027.
Temporary Resident Limits: To balance reduced permanent resident intakes, Canada is placing new restrictions on international study and work programs, including limits on certain work permits.

Employers’ Challenges During the Pause

As this pause unfolds, employers are facing immediate disruptions in hiring plans. Industries heavily dependent on foreign workers—such as healthcare and technology—are grappling with uncertainty about when the process will resume. Experts from VisaVerge.com highlight that such pauses may cause employers to shift their strategies, possibly turning to federal pathways or exploring international recruitment options through LMIAs.

Future Prospects

The SINP has indicated that this suspension is temporary, but no official timeframe has been given for reopening JAF intakes. When the intake process resumes, employers and applicants should brace for potential modifications:

Partial Reopening: Once the intake resumes, the SINP might only accept applications for specific job categories or certain streams, giving priority where it is most needed.
Possible Adjustments: The program may introduce stricter eligibility criteria, modified intake quotas, or other framework changes to ensure fair distribution of limited spots.
Program Updates: Employers and foreign workers can expect ongoing updates from SINP. Staying informed will be crucial as the program evolves.

What’s Next?

Employers and applicants affected by this pause should act now to explore available alternatives or prepare for post-pause procedures. For employers relying on foreign talent, considering federal programs like Express Entry or labor market processes might be necessary in the short term. Prospective immigrants should remain vigilant and adapt their plans based on evolving program conditions. To monitor the latest developments or access official updates, visit the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program’s official website.

Conclusion

The temporary suspension of new JAF intakes under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is a significant development that reflects broader shifts in Canada’s immigration landscape. The federal government’s reduction in provincial allocations has created challenges for programs like SINP, reshaping pathways to permanent residency.

Employers, applicants, and other stakeholders must stay informed and ready to adapt to program changes when the intake reopens. Exploring federal alternatives or remaining engaged with SINP announcements will be key to navigating these changes effectively. Consulting immigration professionals may also help ensure compliance and readiness amid these uncertainties.

Learn Today

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) → A provincial immigration program allowing Saskatchewan to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local needs.
Job Approval Form (JAF) → A required document in SINP processes, validating job offers for foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) → A federal framework through which Canadian provinces nominate immigrants based on their specific economic and demographic needs.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) → A governmental process determining if hiring a foreign worker fills a labor shortage without affecting Canadian workers.
Francophone Immigration Goals → Canada’s aim to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, supporting bilingualism and regional diversity.

This Article in a Nutshell

On February 18, 2025, Saskatchewan paused Job Approval Form submissions for key immigration streams due to a federal quota cut. Employers face foreign talent shortages, while applicants endure delays in residency pathways. This highlights Canada’s shifting immigration priorities, urging stakeholders to explore alternatives like Express Entry and adapt to upcoming policy changes.
— By VisaVerge.com