Effective April 23, 2026, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has officially retired the Job Approval Form (JAF) and replaced it with the new Employer Position Assessment (EPA). This is one of the most significant process changes to the SINP employer pathway in years, and both employers and candidates need to understand how it affects their applications.
What Has Changed?
Under the previous system, employers were required to submit a Job Approval Form (JAF) to the SINP. Upon approval, they received a Job Approval Letter (JAL) that authorised them to support a foreign worker’s permanent residency application. The candidate then used the JAL to apply for provincial nomination.
Under the new system, the JAF and JAL are consolidated into a single Employer Position Assessment (EPA). The EPA streamlines the entire employer-side process and introduces several improvements.
Key Features of the New EPA System
- Combined Submission: Employers now submit job details and candidate information together in one application, eliminating the two-step JAF-then-JAL process.
- Direct EPA Approval: Instead of receiving a JAL after a separate JAF review, the EPA approval is issued directly upon assessment.
- Candidate Email Notifications: Candidates will now receive direct email updates on their application status from the SINP, removing guesswork from the process.
- Multi-Candidate Coverage: A single EPA can now cover up to 10 candidates for the same position, making it more efficient for employers hiring multiple workers.
- Faster Processing: The streamlined process is expected to reduce overall processing times and improve transparency.
Why Did Saskatchewan Make This Change?
Saskatchewan has been refining its immigration processes to better serve its labour market needs. The province received an allocation of 4,761 nominations for 2026, with strict sector caps and intake windows for certain industries. The EPA system is designed to make the employer pathway more efficient and reduce administrative burden.
The change also aligns with broader SINP updates for 2026, including the introduction of a $500 application fee for all worker applicants (effective April 1, 2026), sector-based intake windows for capped industries, and enhanced compliance oversight.
What This Means for Employers
- All unused 2025 JAFs and JALs from the previous system are no longer valid under the new framework.
- Employers must familiarise themselves with the new EPA portal and submission requirements.
- For capped sectors (Accommodation and Food Services, Retail Trade, and Trucking), employers must still follow the scheduled intake windows and the six-month work permit expiry rule.
- Priority sector employers (Healthcare, Agriculture, Technology, Skilled Trades, Energy, Mining, and Manufacturing) continue to have year-round access.
What This Means for Candidates
- You will now receive direct communication from the SINP regarding your application status.
- Ensure your employer is aware of the new EPA system and has an active Certificate of Registration (COR) before initiating the process.
- Keep your documentation ready: valid language test results, educational credential assessments, and work experience records.
- If you are in a capped sector, monitor your work permit expiry date carefully – the six-month rule still applies.
Beware of Misinformation
With any major process change, misinformation spreads quickly. Do not rely on social media posts or unofficial sources claiming they can fast-track your EPA approval. Always verify information directly from the official Government of Saskatchewan website (saskatchewan.ca) or consult a licensed immigration consultant.
How Earnest Immigration Can Help
At Earnest Immigration and Citizenship Services Inc., our RCIC-licensed consultants help you navigate every step of the Canadian immigration process. Whether you need a profile assessment, application preparation, or strategic planning, our experienced team is here to guide you.Book a consultation today: Contact Us
