SINP opens the second intake window for capped sectors, i.e., the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has officially launched its second intake window for applications in capped sectors.

Starting March 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. EST, employers in selected capped sectors can submit applications on behalf of foreign workers. The eligible sectors for this intake include:

  • Accommodation and food services
  • Retail trade
  • Trucking

Almost all capped sectors quickly reached their limits during this second intake. Further details are outlined below.

Moreover, for capped sectors, employers are allowed to submit applications only for workers whose work permits are set to expire within six months or less.

Breakdown Of Intake By Capped Sector

Under the second capped-sector intake of 2026, the SINP will accept employer applications until the total cap of 400 positions is reached across all capped sectors. This is an increase of 100 positions compared to the first intake, which opened on January 13.

At the time of writing, the program has already filled the sector caps for accommodation and food services as well as trucking. Only 40 positions remain available under the retail trade sector.

Each capped sector has its own quota for every intake window. For the March 2 intake, the SINP established the following limits:

  • Accommodation and food services: 240 positions.
  • Retail trade: 80 positions.
  • Trucking: 80 positions.

The higher number of positions in the second intake may be linked to strong demand seen earlier in the year. During the first intake window, the accommodation and food services sector reached its cap on the very first day.

The remaining two sectors filled their quotas within one week.

For comparison, the first intake window had the following per-sector limits:

  • Accommodation and food services: 180 positions.
  • Retail trade: 60 positions.
  • Trucking: 60 positions.

At present, the province has not announced a closing date for the March 2 intake or for future intakes. When Saskatchewan released its 2026 intake schedule in December 2025, officials noted that each intake window would remain open “for several days.”

SINP Intake Schedule For 2026

The SINP has planned six intake windows for 2026. So far, two have opened and one has already closed (January 13).

The remaining intake dates are:

  • Intake 3: May 4, 2026.
  • Intake 4: July 6, 2026.
  • Intake 5: September 7, 2026.
  • Intake 6: November 2, 2026.

The province has not yet published the number of positions for future intake windows. Officials noted that intake distribution may change if a sector cap is reached early or if Saskatchewan’s overall nomination allocation is adjusted.

SINP Nomination Allocation For 2026

For 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has given Saskatchewan a total of 4,761 nomination spaces.

Out of this total, 25% of nominations are reserved for capped sectors, although the province may adjust this share later in the year.

This 25% allocation is divided as follows for each intake window and for the full year:

Capped Sector Nominations Allocated Per Intake Window Nominations Allocated In 2026
Accommodation and food services 60% 15%
Retail trade 20% 5%
Trucking 20% 5%

Overall in 2026, the accommodation and food services sector has been assigned 714 nomination spaces. Both the trucking and retail trade sectors have been allocated 238 spots each.

Unlike capped sectors, employers hiring in priority or other sectors do not need to wait for intake windows. Applications in these categories can be submitted at any time.

Priority Sectors For 2026

The SINP has identified the following industries as priority sectors this year:

  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture
  • Skilled trades
  • Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Technology

Priority sectors are expected to receive 50% of all nominations in 2026. The remaining 25% is reserved for “other sectors,” which include industries not listed as priority or capped.

The province noted that allocations may shift depending on labour market demand. If priority sectors do not use their full share, remaining nominations may be reassigned to ensure all spaces are used. However, if demand in priority sectors rises, their share could exceed the planned 50%, which may reduce the number available for other sectors.

Important Background Information

For job-offer streams under the SINP, applicants must have a valid Job Approval Letter (JAL). This document confirms that the candidate has a qualifying job offer from an approved Saskatchewan employer.

Moreover, employers must submit a separate JAL request for every position they want to fill with a foreign worker.

Before a JAL can be issued, employers must first complete a Job Approval Form (JAF) and send it to the SINP for review. This step ensures that the offered position meets program requirements.

Each position listed in a JAF counts toward the intake window cap. If employers submit JAFs outside an active intake period, those applications will not be processed and will be returned.

The SINP continues to adjust its intake approach in response to labour shortages while managing limited nomination spaces for 2026.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.