Refugee claims in Saskatchewan have surged nearly 98% due to significant federal and provincial immigration cuts. The number of claims rose from 683 between April and June 2024 to 1,344 during the same period in 2025, according to Statistics Canada. This increase comes as the number of permanent residents in the province has dropped by more than half.

Chris Veeman, an immigration lawyer in Saskatoon, noted the challenges faced by many individuals seeking refuge. "I have a consult coming up with someone that's looking at a refugee claim with no option to continue studying," he said. "This is a person that's been a student, so they don't have work experience, but it's kind of the only option now for her."

Nationally, asylum claims have also risen, increasing by 32% from 363,505 claims in the second quarter of 2024 to 479,542 in the same period in 2025. Other provinces have reported similar trends, with Manitoba seeing an 87% increase, Alberta a 57% increase, and British Columbia a 53% increase in asylum claims.

Veeman explained that many immigrants are turning to asylum claims as their options for permanent residency diminish. "If someone files a claim today, they probably won’t get a hearing for about a year and a half," he said. "That will buy you a year and a half of working in Canada, and maybe you're sending money back to your family to keep them alive."

The situation is compounded by a significant drop in new permanent residents in Saskatchewan, which has recorded the steepest decline among provinces. Between April and June 2025, the province welcomed only 3,467 new permanent residents, down from 7,414 during the same period the previous year, marking a 53% decrease. Nationally, the number of new arrivals fell by 23%, from 134,172 to 103,507.

Ottawa's latest immigration plan allocates approximately 1,000 additional spots for Saskatchewan's provincial nominee program next year. This program allows provinces to nominate newcomers for permanent residency based on labor market needs. However, for many individuals already in Canada on temporary permits, this increase may come too late.

Drew Wilby, the province’s deputy minister of immigration, stated that Saskatchewan's share of the program will rise to between 5,500 and 6,000 spots, up from just over 5,000 this year. "I think it is very manageable, a very sustainable number," he said.

Veeman emphasized the human impact of these statistics, stating, "It’s wreaking havoc with people’s lives. Their families have sold their houses in order to fund them to come to Canada. Education is great, but it was really about getting PR in Canada."

Subbiah S., who moved to Saskatoon with his family in March 2023, expressed frustration over the immigration changes. He had anticipated receiving permanent residency soon after buying a house. "I bought a house as well, considering, 'OK, next month I'll be getting my [permanent residency] … but this bomb has dropped,'" he said.

Subbiah, who has been working as a software developer, noted that recent policy changes have affected his eligibility for permanent residency. New rules for the points-based application system mean he no longer qualifies for federal express entry through the Canadian experience class, which is designed for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.

Statistics Canada also reported a sharp decline in Saskatchewan's net number of non-permanent residents, which include international students and temporary foreign workers. The province experienced a net gain of 2,035 non-permanent residents in spring 2024, but this shifted to a net loss of 803 in the second quarter of 2025.

Stacey Hallman, an analyst with Statistics Canada, highlighted the rapid impact of federal immigration policies on migration patterns. "In Saskatchewan, the largest drop we see is in the number of immigrants … who are permanent residents," she said.

The province continues to face challenges in retaining residents, with a net loss of 1,022 people to other provinces, primarily Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, in spring 2025. Veeman noted that immigration programs alone cannot resolve these issues. "People are going to go where they're going to be happy. The answer is just creating more and better opportunities here, a better quality of life," he said.

As for Subbiah, he is considering relocating to Alberta, where he hopes to secure a spot through that province's nominee program. "We just want to focus upon our future,” he said. "If nothing works out, then yes, we have to think about the other opportunities going forward."