Saskatchewan Wants to Extend Work Permits for Skilled Workers

What’s Happening in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan’s Immigration Minister, Jim Reiter, is pushing for a two-year work permit extension for temporary foreign workers. Notably, he is following Manitoba’s recent example, where a similar agreement allowed thousands of workers to stay longer.

This proposal comes at a critical time. Earlier this year, the federal government significantly reduced the number of immigrants Saskatchewan can nominate for permanent residence through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). As a result, the province now faces growing pressure from employers and workers alike.

Why Are the Federal Immigration Cuts a Problem?

Last year, the federal government announced nationwide immigration reductions. According to Ottawa, these cuts aim to ease pressure on housing, healthcare, and education systems.

However, the impact on Saskatchewan has been severe:

• SINP nominations dropped by 50%, falling from over 7,000 to just 3,625 in 2025
• At least 75% of nominations must now go to candidates already in Canada

This matters because over 90% of Saskatchewan’s economic immigrants rely on the SINP. Consequently, with fewer nomination spots available, many temporary workers may lose their pathway to permanent residence. If their work permits expire, they could be forced to leave the province.

Saskatchewan’s Proposed Solution: Follow Manitoba’s Lead

To prevent a labour crisis, Minister Reiter wants Saskatchewan to replicate Manitoba’s recent agreement with the federal government.

In Manitoba, Ottawa allowed 6,700 temporary foreign workers to remain in Canada until the end of 2025, even if their work permits were expiring.

Similarly, Reiter hopes to:

• Negotiate a comparable agreement for Saskatchewan
• Give workers more time to apply for permanent residence
• Help employers retain staff during this uncertain period

Importantly, Saskatchewan businesses have actively requested this support, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

How the Manitoba Deal Works (and Why It Matters)

Manitoba’s agreement granted eligible workers a two-year work permit extension. As a result, the province:

• Retained skilled and experienced workers
• Reduced stress and uncertainty for families
• Stabilized key industries facing labour shortages

Because of these benefits, Manitoba’s deal has become a model for federal–provincial cooperation. Consequently, Saskatchewan now hopes Ottawa will offer the same flexibility.

Who Would Benefit from the Extension?

If approved, the extension would help:

• Temporary foreign workers whose permits expired in 2024 or will expire in 2025, particularly those in the SINP system
• Employers in trucking, healthcare, agriculture, and other labour-dependent sectors
• Local communities, which rely on immigrants for economic growth and social stability

However, it is important to note that workers who already received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) from SINP would not qualify.

What’s at Stake for Saskatchewan’s Economy?

Saskatchewan depends heavily on immigration to fill jobs that local workers cannot. Without intervention, the province faces serious risks:

• Businesses may struggle to meet labour demand
• Workers may move to other provinces with better options
• Some sectors remain tightly capped, including trucking and food services, which can access only 25% of SINP nominations
• Other streams, such as entrepreneur and farm owner programs, have already closed

Ultimately, without a work permit extension, Saskatchewan could lose a large portion of its workforce.

What’s Changing in the SINP in 2025?

Starting March 27, 2025, Saskatchewan will restructure the SINP to manage reduced nomination numbers:

• Priority sectors: Healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades
• Capped sectors: Food services and trucking limited to 25%
• Ineligible occupations: Spa workers, pet groomers, and similar roles
• Closed categories: Entrepreneur and international graduate streams
• Stricter eligibility: Only candidates with Saskatchewan job offers can apply, and even open work permit holders face new limits

As a result, immigration opportunities will become more competitive and restricted.

How Would the Work Permit Extension Work?

If the federal government approves Saskatchewan’s request, the process would likely involve:

1. Eligibility: The worker must have held a valid Saskatchewan work permit on May 7, 2024, and currently work in the province
2. Application: The worker applies directly through IRCC
3. Documentation: Some applicants may need a provincial support letter
4. Outcome: Approved workers receive a two-year open work permit, allowing them to remain employed while pursuing PR

What Could Go Wrong?

Despite the proposal, several risks remain:

• No guarantee Ottawa will approve the request
• Limited eligibility, leaving some workers without options
• Employer constraints due to nomination caps
• Rising stress and uncertainty among workers and families

In fact, immigration consultants report growing anxiety, especially among workers in trucking and food services.

What Can Workers and Employers Do Now?

For Workers

• Confirm whether your permit was valid on May 7, 2024
• Track your permit expiry date carefully
• Explore alternative pathways such as Saskatchewan Work Experience
• Seek advice from a licensed immigration consultant

For Employers

• Prioritize hiring candidates already in Canada
• Invest in training local workers where possible
• Monitor SINP updates on the official Saskatchewan website

What This Means for Saskatchewan and Canada

This proposal highlights a broader issue: the growing gap between federal immigration targets and provincial labour needs.

• Saskatchewan relies heavily on immigration to sustain its economy
• Federal cuts aim to reduce strain on housing and services
• Meanwhile, provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. must adapt quickly

At the same time, global trends show similar shifts. Countries such as Australia and the UK are also tightening immigration while prioritizing critical skills.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan’s push for a two-year work permit extension represents a temporary but essential solution. If approved, it could help retain workers, support businesses, and give the province time to adjust to new federal limits.

For now, workers and employers should stay informed, plan ahead, and prepare for multiple scenarios as Saskatchewan works to protect its workforce and economic future.

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).