Saskatchewan Wants to Extend Work Permits for Skilled Workers

May 19, 2025

Ishita Soni

What’s Happening in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan’s Immigration Minister, Jim Reiter, wants to extend work permits for temporary foreign workers by two years. He’s following Manitoba’s example, where a similar extension helped thousands of workers. This comes after the federal government made big cuts to the number of immigrants Saskatchewan can nominate for permanent residency through its Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

Why Are the Federal Immigration Cuts a Problem?

Last year, the Canadian government decided to reduce immigration numbers across the country. They said it was to ease pressure on things like housing, healthcare, and schools.

As a result:

• Saskatchewan’s SINP nominations were cut by 50%, from over 7,000 to just 3,625 in 2025.
• Now, 75% of these nominations must go to people already living in Canada.

This is a big problem because most of Saskatchewan’s economic immigrants (over 90%) come through the SINP. With fewer spots available, many temporary workers might not get nominated and could be forced to leave when their work permits expire.

Saskatchewan’s Proposed Solution: Follow Manitoba’s Lead

To avoid this crisis, Minister Reiter wants to copy Manitoba’s recent deal. In that province, the federal government allowed 6,700 temporary workers to stay until the end of 2025, even if their permits were expiring.

Reiter hopes to:

• Negotiate a similar deal for Saskatchewan.
• Give temporary workers extra time to stay and apply for permanent residency.
• Help businesses keep their employees during this uncertain time.

He has said that Saskatchewan employers are asking for this kind of help.

How the Manitoba Deal Works (and Why It Matters)

Manitoba’s deal allowed temporary workers in their immigration system to get a two-year work permit extension. This:

• Helped businesses keep skilled workers.
• Reduced worker stress about losing their jobs or having to leave Canada.
• Was seen as a model for how provinces and the federal government can work together.

Saskatchewan now hopes to get the same support from Ottawa.

Who Would Benefit from the Extension?

The extension would help:

• Temporary Workers whose work permits expired in 2024 or will expire in 2025, especially if they’re part of the SINP.
• Employers in sectors like trucking, healthcare, and agriculture that rely heavily on foreign workers.
• Communities, by keeping skilled workers who support the local economy and social life.

However, it would not apply to workers who already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) from the SINP.

What’s at Stake for Saskatchewan’s Economy?

Saskatchewan’s economy depends on immigration to fill jobs that locals can’t. But now:

• With fewer nomination slots, businesses can’t keep up with demand.
• Some industries are capped, like restaurants and trucking, which can only receive 25% of the available SINP nominations.
• Other immigration streams, like those for entrepreneurs and farm owners, have been closed altogether.

Without an extension, Saskatchewan could lose many workers to other provinces or countries.

What’s Changing in the SINP in 2025?

To adjust to the cuts, Saskatchewan is changing how the SINP works starting March 27, 2025:

• Priority Sectors: Healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades will be prioritized.
• Capped Sectors: Food services and trucking can only receive 25% of nominations.
• Ineligible Sectors: Jobs like spa workers or pet groomers won’t be eligible.
• Closed Categories: Programs for entrepreneurs and international graduates will be shut down.
• Stricter Rules: Only those with Saskatchewan job offers can apply. Even open work permit holders will face new limits.

These changes mean fewer opportunities and more restrictions for immigrants.

How Would the Extension Work?

If the federal government agrees, here’s how the process would go:

• Eligibility: The worker must have had a valid Saskatchewan work permit on May 7, 2024, and be working in the province.
• Application: The worker would apply through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Documentation: Some may need a support letter from Saskatchewan.
• Outcome: If approved, the worker gets a two-year open work permit, allowing them to stay and work while trying to get permanent residency.

What Could Go Wrong?

There are still some risks and concerns:

• No Guarantee: The federal government might say no to Saskatchewan’s request.
• Not for Everyone: Only certain workers would qualify.
• Employer Challenges: Some businesses won’t be able to keep their workers due to nomination caps.
• Stress for Workers: Many are anxious and unsure what the future holds.

Even immigration consultants say clients are worried, especially those in affected sectors like trucking and food services.

What Can Workers and Employers Do Now?

For Workers:

• Check if your permit was valid on May 7, 2024, and if it’s expiring in 2025.
• Look into other immigration options, like Saskatchewan Work Experience.
• Talk to a licensed immigration consultant if needed.

For Employers:

• Focus on hiring workers already in Canada.
• Train local employees where possible.
• Keep up with SINP changes on the official website.

What This Means for Saskatchewan and Canada

The push for a work permit extension shows a bigger issue—the tension between federal immigration goals and provincial needs.

• Saskatchewan relies heavily on immigrants to grow its economy.
• The cuts are meant to help housing and public services across Canada, but they hurt provinces like Saskatchewan.
• Other provinces, like Alberta and B.C., are also adapting to fewer immigration nominations.

Globally, countries like Australia and the UK are also moving toward more selective immigration, focusing on critical skills.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan’s proposed work permit extension is a temporary but vital step to support workers and businesses during a difficult time. If successful, it could prevent labour shortages, keep families together, and give the province time to adjust to federal immigration changes.

For now, both workers and employers should stay informed and plan carefully as Saskatchewan works to protect its workforce and economy.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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