Author: Admin

As of March 27, 2025, the SINP has resumed accepting new Job Approval Forms (JAFs) after a temporary pause initiated on February 18, 2025. This resumption allows Saskatchewan employers to continue submitting JAFs to hire skilled foreign workers. However, the SINP has announced that 75% of its provincial immigration allocation for this year will be dedicated to candidates already residing in Saskatchewan on temporary status. Consequently, recruitment from outside Canada will be limited to workers in the health, agriculture, and skilled trades sectors.

The International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer sub-category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is designed for skilled workers who have received a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. This pathway enables eligible individuals to apply for Canadian permanent residency.​

Eligibility Requirements

• Job Offer: You must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer. The position should be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your employer is required to obtain a valid SINP Job Approval Letter, which serves as proof of the job offer. ​

• Work Experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in your intended occupation within the last ten years is required. ​

• Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate language proficiency of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French. It’s important to note that certain occupations may require higher language proficiency levels as determined by regulatory bodies or employers. ​

• Points Assessment: Achieving a minimum score of 60 out of 110 on the SINP point assessment grid is necessary. Points are allocated based on factors such as education, work experience, language ability, age, and connections to the Saskatchewan labor market. ​

• Licensure (if applicable): If your occupation is regulated in Saskatchewan, you must provide proof of eligibility for licensure.

Application Process

• Document Preparation: Gather all required documents, including proof of identity, work experience, education credentials, language proficiency, and the SINP Job Approval Letter from your employer. ​

• Online Application: Create an account on the SINP online portal, complete the application, and upload all necessary documents in PDF format. Ensure that translations are provided for any documents not in English or French, along with an affidavit from the translator. ​

• Submission: After thoroughly reviewing your application for completeness and accuracy, submit it through the online portal. Incomplete applications may be closed, requiring you to reapply. ​

Individuals seeking employment in Saskatchewan’s healthcare industry and wishing to be contacted by the SINP or health sector employers for relevant job openings should complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile.

International Healthcare Worker EOI

The International Healthcare Worker Expression of Interest (EOI) Pool is an initiative by the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) designed to connect skilled healthcare professionals from around the world with job opportunities in Saskatchewan’s healthcare sector. By submitting an EOI, candidates indicate their interest in working in Saskatchewan and provide details about their qualifications. This information assists provincial healthcare employers in identifying potential candidates for available positions.

It’s important to note that submitting an EOI is not an application to the SINP but serves as a pre-application to express interest in employment opportunities. ​

Eligible Occupations

Application Process

• Create an EOI Profile: Interested candidates must create an online EOI profile through the SINP’s application system. This profile includes personal information, professional qualifications, and details about the desired healthcare occupation.

• Profile Assessment: The SINP reviews submitted EOIs to identify candidates whose skills and experience match the needs of Saskatchewan healthcare employers.​

• Job Opportunity Notifications: Candidates with suitable qualifications may receive information about job postings, including instructions on how to apply.​

• Application for Provincial Nomination: Upon securing a job offer, candidates can apply for provincial nomination through the appropriate SINP pathway, such as the Health Talent Pathway or the Student Category.

The Yukon government is implementing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) in 2025. This change aims to strategically manage the limited number of nominations available due to a 50% reduction in allocations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allowing only 215 nominations for the year.

Under the new system, employers seeking to nominate foreign workers must submit an EOI between March 31, 2025, at 9:00 am and April 22, 2025, at 4:30 pm Yukon Standard Time. The EOI process replaces the previous first-come, first-served approach, enabling the government to prioritize candidates who align with specific criteria:

• – Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year​
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• – Graduates from Yukon University

• – Francophone or French-speaking individuals​.

• – Recipients of Temporary Measure Letters of Support​

Recipients of Temporary Measure Letters of Support

The Government of Yukon has introduced a temporary measure allowing foreign nationals with expiring work permits to request a letter of support. This letter enables them to apply for a Yukon-specific work permit valid for up to two years through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). ​

Application Period and Eligibility Criteria

The intake period for this initiative began on March 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM and will close on April 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM Yukon Standard Time. To be eligible, applicants must have had valid work authorization as of May 16, 2024, be currently residing and working in Yukon, and have an employer planning to nominate them for permanent residency under the Yukon Nominee Program in 2025 or 2026. ​

Application Process

Eligible individuals can request the letter of support by completing the Temporary Measure Letter of Support request form available on the Yukon government’s website.

This temporary measure is part of Yukon’s efforts to support foreign workers transitioning to permanent residency, especially in light of recent changes to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). The YNP has shifted to an Expression of Interest system, prioritizing applicants who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year, are Yukon University graduates, are Francophone or French-speaking, or are recipients of temporary measure letters of support. ​

These priorities were established in consultation with industry organizations and the Yukon business community to ensure the program meets local labor market needs effectively. The EOI system is designed to manage the high demand for nominations transparently and strategically, reflecting both government priorities and employer requirements. ​

Employers with existing applications from 2024 are not required to submit a new EOI; however, the 2025 priorities will apply to these carry-over applications. The Department of Economic Development will contact these employers with further information.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has permanently closed its Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur, and Farm Owner/Operator categories, effective March 27, 2025. This decision is part of broader program changes aimed at aligning with Saskatchewan’s long-term labor market needs and follows a 50% reduction in nomination allocations by the federal government and a requirement that 75% of all nominees must already be living in Canada as temporary residents. 

The closure affects new applications and existing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) that have not yet received Invitations to Submit Applications (ISAs); these EOIs will be removed from the system without further selections. However, applications submitted before the closure date will continue to be processed under the existing criteria.

Other Updates:

In addition to these closures, the SINP has introduced other changes, including:

• – Applications from overseas candidates will now focus on the healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades sectors. Recruitment for other sectors will prioritize candidates already residing in Canada on valid temporary visas.
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• – Nominations in the accommodation, food services, retail trade, and trucking sectors are capped at 25% of the province’s total annual nominations. This measure ensures a balanced distribution of nominations across various industries. 
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• – Businesses such as spas, salons, and pet care services (excluding veterinarians) are no longer eligible to recruit through the SINP. This change focuses the program on industries deemed essential to Saskatchewan’s economic growth.

These adjustments aim to optimize the limited nomination allocations and support sectors critical to Saskatchewan’s economy. 

As of March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the removal of additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for candidates with arranged employment under the Express Entry system. This change means that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive extra CRS points for having a valid job offer, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

Previously, candidates with valid job offers could receive an additional 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the position’s skill level. With the removal of these bonus points, candidates relying on arranged employment to boost their CRS scores may find it more challenging to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

For example, a candidate who previously had a CRS score of 540, including 50 points for a job offer, would now have a score of 490, potentially affecting their competitiveness in the Express Entry pool.

About the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It evaluates factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria to determine eligibility for an ITA. Candidates are ranked based on their CRS scores, and those with the highest scores receive ITAs during regular draws.

Reasons for Removing LMIA-Based Job Offer CRS Points

The decision to eliminate additional CRS points for arranged employment is part of IRCC’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and reduce potential fraud associated with LMIA-based job offers. By removing these points, the government aims to ensure that the Express Entry system remains fair and selects candidates most likely to succeed economically in Canada.

This policy change underscores the importance for Express Entry candidates to focus on enhancing other aspects of their profiles, such as improving language skills, gaining additional education or work experience, and exploring provincial nomination programs to increase their CRS scores and improve their chances of receiving an ITA.

The Canadian government has recently announced an increase in the number of applications it will accept under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. Initially, the plan was to process a maximum of 15,000 applications solely from the 2024 intake. However, the revised cap now allows for up to 25,000 sponsorship applications, encompassing submissions from both the 2024 and 2025 intakes.

This adjustment signifies a substantial commitment to family reunification, providing more opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. The selection process continues to utilize a lottery system, randomly inviting potential sponsors who submitted interest forms during the 2020 intake.

For those who may not receive an invitation through the PGP, the Super Visa program remains a viable alternative. This visa permits parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries allowed over a ten-year period.

These developments underscore Canada’s dedication to facilitating family reunification and enhancing the immigration process for families.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. The program has seen varying intake caps over the years, with the 2025 increase aimed at enhancing family reunification efforts.

Super Visa

As an alternative to the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods.

Key features of the Super Visa include:​

• Duration: Holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit without the need to renew their status.
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• Validity: The visa provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. ​
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• Eligibility Requirements:
  • – Applicants must have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.​
  • – A letter of invitation from the host child or grandchild, detailing arrangements for care and support.​
  • – Proof of the child’s or grandchild’s minimum necessary income.​
  • – Valid medical insurance coverage for at least one year.​
  • – Undergo an immigration medical examination. ​

The Super Visa offers a viable alternative for families wishing to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada temporarily, especially given the high demand and potential wait times associated with the PGP. It allows for extended visits without conferring permanent resident status.​

These developments reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification, providing multiple pathways for parents and grandparents to join their loved ones in Canada, either temporarily through the Super Visa or permanently via the expanded PGP.​

Canada is introducing 2 new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) set to launch on March 31, 2025, aimed at facilitating permanent residency (PR) for home care workers without requiring prior Canadian work experience. These programs also eliminate the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), streamlining the process for foreign workers to secure PR in Canada.

Key Features of the HCWP:

• Immediate Permanent Residency: Eligible caregivers can obtain PR upon arrival without prior Canadian work experience.

• Simplified Eligibility Criteria:

  • – Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.
  • – Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • – Work Experience: At least six months of recent, relevant experience in home care or completion of a six-month related training program. ​

• No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Required: Employers can hire without the need for an LMIA, simplifying the hiring process.

Application Streams:

• Workers in Canada Stream: For caregivers already working in Canada.
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• Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream: For those outside Canada or not currently employed in the home care sector. This stream will open later in the year, with details to be announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the HCWP, applicants must:

• Job Offer: Secure a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (excluding Quebec).
• Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.​
• Education: Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent.​
• Work Experience or Training: Have at least six months of recent, relevant work experience or have completed six months of related training.

Application Process:

• Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (excluding Quebec) in the home care sector.​
• Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather proof of education, language proficiency, work experience or training, and other required documents.​
• Submit Your Application: Apply through IRCC’s online portal once applications open on March 31, 2025.​
• Attend Biometrics and Medical Exam: Complete the necessary biometric and medical examinations as instructed by IRCC.​
• Receive Permanent Residence: Upon approval, you will be granted PR status and can relocate to Canada. ​

Benefits of the HCWP:

• Job Flexibility: Caregivers can work in various settings, including private households, health care agencies, and residential care facilities.​
• Lower Language and Education Requirements: The program’s accessible criteria make it easier for more caregivers to qualify.​
• No LMIA Requirement: Simplifies the hiring process for employers and applicants.

Prospective applicants should begin preparing by:

• Improving Language Skills: Achieve the required CLB level 4 in English or French.​
• Securing a Job Offer: Connect with potential Canadian employers in the home care sector.​
• Gathering Necessary Documents: Collect all required documentation, including educational credentials and proof of work experience or training.​

These new pathways present a significant opportunity for home care workers seeking to establish a stable and rewarding career in Canada.

On March 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its largest-ever French category-based Express Entry draw, inviting 7,500 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence. This draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379, marking a significant decrease in the CRS threshold compared to previous draws.

This draw aligns with Canada’s goal to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec from 6.3% to 8.5%. In 2025 alone, IRCC has issued 18,500 invitations to French-speaking candidates across three draws, surpassing invitations in other categories such as the Provincial Nominee Program (2,297 invitations) and the Canadian Experience Class (9,350 invitations).

The substantial drop in the CRS score to 379 is notable, as it is the fourth-lowest ever for a French category-based draw. Such a decrease indicates a broader eligibility for French-speaking candidates, encouraging more individuals with French language proficiency to consider immigration to Canada. ​

Express Entry draws in 2025

For those interested in improving their CRS scores, enhancing French language skills can be a strategic move.

This draw underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Francophone minority communities and promoting linguistic diversity within its immigration framework.

Canada has recently revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria by removing the field-of-study restrictions for international students graduating from college bachelor’s programs. This change aligns college graduates with their university counterparts, allowing them to apply for a PGWP regardless of their field of study, provided they meet specific language proficiency requirements.

Previously, these graduates had to complete programs aligned with labor market shortages to be eligible.

In Canada, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program typically lasting 3-4 years, offered by post-secondary institutions that meet provincial standards.

Key Changes

• Eligibility Expansion: Graduates holding bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from Canadian colleges or universities are now eligible for the PGWP without any field-of-study limitations.
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• Language Proficiency Requirements:

Certain graduates remain ineligible for a PGWP

• – Have previously received a PGWP.
• – Studied English or French as a second language.
• – Completed general interest or self-improvement courses.
• – Received funding from Global Affairs Canada requiring return to their home country after graduation.
• – Completed over 50% of their program through distance learning, unless covered by COVID-19 measures.
• – Graduated from non-Canadian institutions located in Canada.
• – Completed programs not eligible for PGWP, including those under curriculum-licensing agreements.

Implications for International Students

This policy change provides greater flexibility for international students choosing their degree programs at public colleges or polytechnics. Now, students can confidently enroll in a wide range of disciplines without concerns about whether their field of study will impact their ability to obtain a work permit after graduation.

In summary, the removal of field-of-study restrictions for PGWP eligibility marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to international education, offering broader opportunities for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds.

On March 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its third Express Entry draw of the month, issuing 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To be eligible for this draw, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 736 and must have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 2:02 pm (UTC) on March 12, 2025

This draw follows a French-language proficiency draw on March 6, which issued 4,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 410, and a PNP draw on March 3 that invited 725 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 667.

2025 Express Entry draws

The Express Entry system manages applications for three economic immigration programs:

• – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Candidates in these programs are ranked based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

In February 2025, IRCC announced its priority categories for the year, adding education as a new category. The 2025 priority categories are:

• – French-language proficiency
• – Healthcare and social services occupations
• – Trade occupations
• – Education occupations

This strategic focus aims to address specific labor market needs and support Canada’s economic growth.

IRCC’s continued focus on PNP candidates underscores the importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration strategy, aiming to meet regional labor market demands and promote economic development across the country.