The Yukon's efforts to address its labour market needs have received a significant boost, as the territorial government confirmed it has obtained an additional 67 nomination allocations for its immigration program this year. The announcement, made on August 21, brings the Yukon Nominee Program's (YNP) total 2025 quota to 282, up from the 215 originally allotted by the federal government.
This increase is a direct result of the Yukon's advocacy throughout 2025, which aimed to reverse the impact of a 50% cut to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spaces and better meet the needs of its employers.
The demand for foreign talent was made clear earlier this year when the YNP transitioned to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. During the intake period from March 31 to April 22, the program received over 500 submissions from employers looking to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence.
Invitations have been strategically issued to employers whose nominated candidates meet key provincial priorities. These priorities target individuals who:
- Have lived and worked in the Yukon for at least one year;
- Are graduates of a Yukon post-secondary institution;
- Are French-speaking; or
- Hold a Temporary Measure Letter of Support, which facilitates a special Yukon work permit.
Notably, nearly 400 of the EOI submissions aligned with these priority areas, underscoring the local demand for candidates with existing connections to the territory.
ITA Figures and August Outlook
After processing 54 carry-over applications from 2024 and issuing 153 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) between May 23 and May 27, the program has calculated its remaining capacity. Factoring in 13 withdrawn ITAs, the YNP has confirmed it has 80 new invitations available to be sent out in August.
To further support critical sectors, the YNP has also reserved 10 nomination spaces for individuals in regulated healthcare positions. Employers seeking to fill these roles can submit applications until September 20, 2025.
How the Yukon Nominee Program Works
To be eligible for the YNP, a candidate must hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a qualified Yukon employer and meet the specific criteria of their chosen stream. The primary streams include:
- Skilled Worker & Express Entry: For job offers in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Critical Impact Worker: For job offers in NOC TEER categories 4 or 5.
Under the current system, employers submit an EOI to a pool. The province then invites selected employers to submit a full nomination application. If the application is approved, the employer and the foreign national sign a Tri-Partite Agreement with the Government of Yukon. With this nomination, the candidate can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
The territory also operates the Yukon Business Nominee Program for entrepreneurs aiming to establish themselves in the province.
