Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Saskatchewan Halts Immigration Pathway
A federal decision prompts temporary changes in Saskatchewan's immigration landscape.
In a development that may affect both employers and prospective immigrants, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has announced a temporary halt to the intake of Job Approval Forms (JAFs) starting February 18, 2025. This pause affects the province's job-offer based pathways to permanent residency, a move that could have significant implications for Saskatchewan's labor market and those seeking to make the province their new home.
The suspension, which is expected to last several weeks, has been attributed to a federal decision to halve the number of provincial nominations allocated to Saskatchewan in 2025. This is part of the federal government's broader strategy to adjust the immigration targets, as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027.
Understanding the Job Approval Form
The Job Approval Form is a critical component of Saskatchewan's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). It serves as a pre-requisite for employers aiming to hire foreign workers and for the workers seeking provincial nomination for permanent residency. An approved Job Approval Letter (JAL) signifies that an employer is authorized to fill a position with a foreign worker. However, with the current suspension, employers are unable to submit new JAFs, potentially delaying the recruitment of international talent.
Affected Immigration Streams
The suspension impacts several streams within the SINP that require a Job Approval Letter. These include:
-
International Skilled Worker Category
- Agriculture Talent Pathway
- Health Talent Pathway
- Employment Offer
- Tech Talent Pathway
-
Saskatchewan Work Experience Category
- Skilled Worker with Existing Work Permit
- Agriculture Talent Pathway
- Tech Talent Pathway
- Health Talent Pathway
- Students
Certain businesses and occupations are ineligible for JALs unless specific criteria are met, further narrowing the options for some employers and foreign workers.
Alternative Immigration Pathways
Despite this pause, prospective immigrants have alternative pathways to consider. The International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand stream offers an option for those with at least one year of experience in an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and, if selected, can apply for provincial nomination.
The federal Express Entry system also remains a viable route, where candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, influenced by factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Those meeting the requirements of Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program stand a chance to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Furthermore, the recently introduced Rural Community Immigration Pilot offers another pathway. It targets candidates with job offers from designated employers in specific communities, including Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan.
Looking Ahead
As the province navigates these changes, the temporary suspension of JAF intake is a strategic move to align with federal immigration targets while also implementing necessary program modifications. This pause presents a period of adjustment for both employers and immigrants, as they explore alternative routes to contribute to Saskatchewan's diverse and dynamic workforce.
