Saskatchewan suspends processing applications for dozens of occupations

The province has reached 25% of its quota for nominations in trade, food service, and logistics sectors.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has suspended processing applications from workers in hospitality, food service, retail, and transportation sectors. This is due to reaching the 25% limit of the annual quota for these sectors.

According to official information, submitted Job Approval Forms (JAFs) for affected occupations will no longer be processed in 2025, unless additional nominations become available during the year. Employers can continue submitting forms — they will be accepted into the system but remain on hold until a possible quota reallocation.

Occupations subject to the 25% limit in SINP

Hospitality and Food Service

Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030);
Accommodation Service Managers (NOC 60031);
Service Managers (NOC 60040);
Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC 62010);
Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020);
Executive Housekeepers (NOC 62021);
Accommodation, Travel, Tourism and Related Services Supervisors (NOC 62022);
Customer and Information Services Supervisors (NOC 62023);
Cleaning Supervisors (NOC 62024);
Other Services Supervisors (NOC 62029);
Chefs (NOC 62200);
Cooks (NOC 63200);
Bakers (NOC 63202);
Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses (NOC 64300);
Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC 64314);
Waiters and Bartenders (NOC 65200);
Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers (NOC 65201);
Light Duty Cleaners (NOC 65310);

Transport and Logistics

Office and Administrative Supervisors (NOC 12010);
Administrative Officers (NOC 13100);
Payroll Administrators (NOC 13102);
Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110);
Dispatchers (NOC 14404);
Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300);

Retail

Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC 60020);
Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC 62010);
Buyers (NOC 62101);
Sales and Account Representatives, Merchandisers (NOC 64100);
Store Shelf Stockers, Clerks and Order Fillers (NOC 65102);

Other Services (excluding Public Administration)

Office and Administrative Supervisors (NOC 12010);
Administrative Officers (NOC 13100);
Payroll Administrators (NOC 13102);
Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110);
Dispatchers (NOC 14404);
Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC 60020);
Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030);
Accommodation Service Managers (NOC 60031);
Service Managers (NOC 60040);
Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC 62010);
Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020);
Executive Housekeepers (NOC 62021);
Accommodation, Travel, Tourism and Related Services Supervisors (NOC 62022);
Customer and Information Services Supervisors (NOC 62023);
Cleaning Supervisors (NOC 62024);
Other Services Supervisors (NOC 62029);
Retail and Wholesale Buyers (NOC 62101);
Chefs (NOC 62200);
Cooks (NOC 63200);
Bakers (NOC 63202);
Sales Representatives and Visual Merchandisers (NOC 64100);
Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses (NOC 64300);
Hotel Front Desk Clerks (NOC 64314);
Store Shelf Stockers, Clerks and Order Fillers (NOC 65102);
Waiters and Bartenders (NOC 65200);
Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers (NOC 65201);
Light Duty Cleaners (NOC 65310);
Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300);

Since March 27, 2025, major reforms have been implemented in the SINP program due to a 50% reduction in the federal quota and a new requirement: 75% of nominations must be issued to candidates already in Canada.

To adapt, the province has:

closed entrepreneurial streams;
limited international recruitment to only three sectors (healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades);
tightened conditions for graduates and open work permit holders;
introduced occupation limits to avoid imbalances favoring specific sectors and ensure sustainable economic growth.