On This Page, You Will Find:
- Why Saskatchewan’s latest SINP intake windows filled almost immediately
- A breakdown of 2026 SINP nomination allocations and progress
- Which sectors are prioritised and which are capped
- What the latest intake statistics mean for employers and candidates
- Key steps to prepare for the September and November intake windows
- Frequently asked questions about the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
Saskatchewan’s latest Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) intake windows reinforced one clear message for employers – waiting until an intake opens is already too late.
The July 6 and July 7 intake windows reached capacity almost immediately across every capped sector, underlining the intense demand for Saskatchewan provincial nominations in 2026.
The rapid closures follow the province’s new intake system, introduced this year to manage limited nomination spaces in retail, trucking, accommodation and food services. Employers can now only submit Employer Position Assessments (EPAs) during six scheduled intake windows, with places allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis.
The latest figures also show Saskatchewan has already issued 2,628 nominations this year, representing 55 per cent of its annual allocation of 4,761 nominations.
July Intake Windows Filled Almost Immediately
The latest intake demonstrated just how competitive Saskatchewan’s nomination process has become.
On July 6:
- Trucking filled all 25 available positions.
- Retail Trade filled all 50 available positions.
- Accommodation filled all 50 available positions.
On July 7:
- Food Services filled all 50 available positions.
Every available position was taken, leaving no remaining capacity in any category.
The results mirror earlier intake windows held in January, March and May, which also reached their limits rapidly.
For employers, the message is increasingly clear – successful submissions depend on having a completed EPA ready before the intake window opens.
Saskatchewan Has Already Used More Than Half Its Annual Allocation
The province has now used 55 per cent of its 2026 nomination allocation.
| Nominee Sector | Annual Allocation | Nominations Issued | Share Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Sectors | 2,380 | 1,466 | 62% |
| Capped Sectors | 1,190 | 718 | 60% |
| Other Sectors | 1,191 | 444 | 37% |
| Total | 4,761 | 2,628 | 55% |
These figures include nominations already issued rather than applications currently being processed. Saskatchewan notes that actual remaining availability may therefore be lower than the published totals.
Priority Sectors Continue To Receive Most Nominations
Saskatchewan continues to direct the majority of nominations towards industries considered critical to the province’s labour market.
Priority sectors for 2026 include:
- Health care
- Agriculture
- Skilled trades
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Technology
Together, these sectors account for at least half of Saskatchewan’s annual nomination allocation.
The province says these industries are essential to supporting economic growth and addressing persistent labour shortages.
Capped Sectors Face Tight Limits
Several sectors remain subject to strict annual caps because of exceptionally high demand.
The capped sectors are:
- Retail (NAICS 44 – 45)
- Trucking (NAICS 48 – 49)
- Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72)
Combined, these industries can receive no more than 25 per cent of Saskatchewan’s annual nomination allocation.
The breakdown is:
- Trucking – 238 nominations (5 per cent)
- Retail – 238 nominations (5 per cent)
- Accommodation and Food Services – 714 nominations (15 per cent)
Within each intake window, approximately:
- 20 per cent of positions are allocated to trucking
- 20 per cent to retail
- 60 per cent to accommodation and food services
The province may adjust these distributions during the year if sector caps are reached or overall nomination allocations change.
Only Certain Workers Are Eligible
Eligibility rules have become considerably tighter in 2026.
For capped sectors, employers may only submit an Employer Position Assessment if the worker:
- Has valid temporary resident status in Canada.
- Has six months or less remaining on their work permit.
- Applies during one of Saskatchewan’s scheduled intake windows.
Applications submitted outside an intake window or for workers with more than six months remaining on their work permit are not accepted.
Employers Should Prepare Before September
Only two intake windows remain in 2026:
Given that every intake this year has either filled immediately or within a very short period, employers should complete their EPAs well before the next opening.
Although EPAs cannot be submitted before an intake begins, Saskatchewan allows employers to prepare draft applications in the OASIS portal in advance.
Having a completed application ready to submit the moment the intake opens could make the difference between securing a nomination opportunity and waiting several more months.
What The Numbers Tell Us
The latest statistics show demand for Saskatchewan nominations remains exceptionally strong despite tighter eligibility rules and scheduled intake windows.
The province has already used more than half of its annual allocation only halfway through the year, while every capped-sector intake has reached capacity rapidly.
For employers in trucking, retail, accommodation and food services, careful planning has become essential. With nomination places increasingly scarce, preparation before each intake window is now just as important as meeting the eligibility requirements themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the July SINP intake fill so quickly?
Demand for Saskatchewan nominations continues to exceed the number of available spaces. Every position in the July trucking, retail, accommodation and food services intake windows was claimed almost immediately after opening, reflecting strong employer demand and limited annual nomination allocations.
Which sectors are capped under the SINP in 2026?
Retail, trucking and accommodation and food services are subject to annual caps in 2026. Together they can receive no more than 25 per cent of Saskatchewan’s annual nomination allocation, with separate limits applying to each sector during every intake window.
Who can apply during a capped-sector intake window?
Only employers supporting workers with valid temporary resident status and six months or less remaining on their work permit can submit Employer Position Assessments during capped-sector intake windows. Applications that do not meet these requirements are not accepted.
How many nominations has Saskatchewan issued so far in 2026?
Saskatchewan has issued 2,628 nominations out of its annual allocation of 4,761, representing 55 per cent of its available nominations. Priority sectors have already used 62 per cent of their allocation, while capped sectors have used 60 per cent.
What should employers do before the next intake window?
Employers should prepare their Employer Position Assessment in the OASIS portal well before the intake opens. While submission is only possible during the official intake period, having the application ready in advance greatly improves the chances of securing one of the limited available positions.