SASKATCHEWAN PLANS A TWO-YEAR WORK PERMIT EXTENSION FOR SKILLED WORKERS

In response to recent reductions in federal immigration allocations, Saskatchewan’s Immigration Minister, Jim Reiter, has announced plans to negotiate a two-year work permit extension for skilled temporary workers. The initiative is modeled after a similar program recently introduced in Manitoba and aims to provide stability and continuity for both foreign workers and Saskatchewan employers.


The move follows the federal government's decision to cut Saskatchewan’s Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) quota by 50%, reducing the number of nominations from previous levels to just 3,600 for 2025. This significant reduction poses challenges for employers across the province who rely on skilled international workers to meet their labour needs.


The proposed work permit extension would benefit temporary foreign workers currently residing in Saskatchewan whose permits are set to expire. By granting an additional two years of legal status, the province hopes to prevent worker displacement and mitigate the risk of labour shortages in key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, health care, and construction.


This policy echoes Manitoba’s recent agreement with the federal government, which extended work permits for 6,700 temporary workers until December 2025, allowing them to remain employed while awaiting permanent residency pathways.


Why It Matters

  • Supports economic continuity amid reduced SINP nominations

  • Helps temporary workers stay in Canada legally while awaiting PR opportunities

  • Strengthens Saskatchewan’s workforce retention strategy

  • Encourages long-term settlement and integration of skilled immigrants

The government of Saskatchewan is expected to work closely with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to finalize the extension framework in the coming months.

Is your work permit expiring soon?
At Global Opportunities, we’re here to help you understand your options under the latest provincial and federal policies. Contact us today to explore your eligibility for work permit extensions and provincial nominations in Saskatchewan.

Global OpportunitiesComment