Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Situated in the far northwestern region of Canada, Yukon holds an important place in the nation’s history. It is especially well known for the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, which shaped much of its early development.
Population and Lifestyle
Today, Yukon has a population of roughly 30,000 residents, with most people living in its capital city, Whitehorse. The territory is valued for its close-knit communities and access to vast natural landscapes, making it attractive for those who enjoy outdoor living.
Economy
The economy of Yukon is mainly supported by industries such as mining and tourism, which play a key role in its growth and sustainability.
Immigration Pathways
Individuals who have the skills and experience in demand in the territory may be eligible to apply for a provincial nomination through the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), which is part of Yukon’s immigration system.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Yukon PNP
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has been active since 2002 and is used to support immigration into Yukon, a Canadian territory.
Purpose of the Program
The program is designed to help Yukon meet its labour market needs by attracting immigrants who can contribute to the local economy.
Who It Targets
YNP focuses mainly on skilled workers and business applicants who have relevant education, qualifications, and work experience needed to settle and work successfully in Yukon.
Immigration Intake and Population
Each year, Yukon welcomes a few hundred new immigrants, which represents close to 1% of its population. Recently, the territory’s population has grown to over 40,000 residents.
Program Streams
YNP includes one enhanced stream called Yukon Express Entry, while the remaining pathways are base streams.
Enhanced streams are connected with Canada’s Express Entry system, whereas base streams operate independently outside Express Entry.
Express Entry Connection
Canada’s immigration authority, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), manages economic immigration through the Express Entry system. Candidates in this system receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
When a candidate receives a provincial nomination through Express Entry, they are awarded an additional 600 CRS points, greatly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next draw.
Applicants must accept the nomination in their Express Entry profile to receive these additional points.
Enhanced streams generally have faster processing times, often around six months or less, while base streams may take over a year.
For base category nominations, applicants must submit their permanent residence application directly to IRCC without Express Entry alignment.
Yukon Immigration Pathways
Those who wish to immigrate to Yukon can apply through five main categories:
- Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
- Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker
- Business Nominee
- Yukon Community Pilot
Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
This stream is for skilled foreign workers who already have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer. Employers use this pathway when they cannot find suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.
Skilled Worker Program
This category is intended for skilled foreign workers who are supported by a Yukon employer for permanent residency. Applicants must work in a job classified under NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.
Critical Impact Worker Program
This stream is for semi-skilled or unskilled workers in high-demand occupations. Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Yukon employer, although they are not required to be physically present in Yukon at the time of application.
Business Nominee Program
This option is for experienced business individuals who want to start, buy, or partner in a business in Yukon. Applicants are expected to make a significant investment and actively manage their business in the territory.
Yukon Community Pilot
This pilot program allows nominated individuals to obtain a special work permit that enables them to work for multiple employers within participating Yukon communities. The program ran from January 2020 to June 2023.
Yukon Express Entry Details
Job Offer Required: Yes
Processing Time: Approximately 12–14 weeks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Qualify under one of Canada’s three economic immigration programs
- Have an active Express Entry profile
- Show sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members
- Hold a full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer
- Intend to live and work in Yukon
Application Process
First, the applicant must secure a job offer from a Yukon employer, who must demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role.
Next, the applicant must provide proof of settlement funds.
The candidate then submits the Yukon Express Entry application together with the employer.
If approved, IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA), after which the applicant submits full documentation for permanent residency.
Once IRCC and Yukon authorities verify the documents, the applicant is granted permanent residence
Yukon Skilled Worker Program
Job Offer Required: Yes
Processing Time: Approximately 12–14 weeks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Have the required education and relevant work experience for the position (at least a high school diploma)
- Possess a minimum of one year of work experience related to the job offer
- Hold a valid work permit if currently living in Canada
- Have a confirmed full-time and permanent job offer from a Yukon employer
- Meet the required language proficiency standards
- Ensure the employer satisfies all program-specific requirements
Application Process
First, the employer must advertise the job both locally and across Canada to confirm that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
Once this step is completed, the employer may offer the job to the foreign worker. The position must be permanent and full-time.
After that, both the applicant and employer complete the necessary forms, and the employer submits the application to the Yukon Nominee Program.
If the employer is approved, the applicant’s file will be reviewed by Yukon authorities.
If the application is successful, the applicant receives a territorial nomination. This nomination can then be used to apply for a temporary work permit and permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
With the work permit, the applicant can begin working in Yukon while the permanent residence application is processed. Once all required medical, security, and background checks are completed, the applicant may become a permanent resident of Canada.
Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program
Job Offer Required: Yes
Processing Time: Approximately 12–14 weeks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer
- Possess the required education and work experience for the role (minimum of a high school diploma)
- Have at least six months of relevant work experience
- Hold a valid work permit if currently residing in Canada
- Meet the minimum English or French language requirements
- Ensure the employer fulfills additional program requirements
Application Process
The process begins with securing a job offer from a Yukon employer.
Before hiring a foreign worker, the employer must advertise the position and prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill it.
Next, both the applicant and employer complete the required application forms, after which the employer submits them to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
If the employer is approved, the applicant’s profile will be assessed by the program.
If successful, the applicant receives a nomination from the Yukon territory. This nomination allows them to apply for a temporary work permit and permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Once the work permit is issued, the applicant can travel to Canada and work in Yukon while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Yukon Business Nominee Program
Processing Time: Approximately 12–14 weeks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Score at least 65 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid
- Obtain a minimum of 10 points for language ability on the assessment grid
- Achieve IELTS Level 6 (English) or TEF Level 4 (French)
- Have a minimum of 3 years of experience in entrepreneurship or business management
- Possess at least 5 years of experience related to the proposed business activity
- Have a net worth of at least CAD $500,000, verified by a Yukon-based accounting firm
- Hold at least CAD $300,000 in liquid assets, also verified by a Yukon accounting firm
- Demonstrate that all funds and assets were obtained through legal sources
- Submit a settlement or resettlement plan showing intent to live in Yukon
- Commit to residing in Yukon and actively managing a business in the territory
Application Process
The first step is to confirm eligibility and submit an application through the official Yukon immigration process.
If approved in principle, applicants must submit a detailed business plan outlining how the proposed business will be established and operated successfully.
At this stage, the applicant must demonstrate the required investment of at least CAD $300,000 and confirm ownership of at least one-third of the business.
Once approved, the applicant can apply for a temporary work permit, which allows them to travel to Yukon and begin operating their business.
After arriving in Yukon, the applicant must meet with a Yukon Business Nominee Program representative and follow program requirements during the first and second year of operation.
If all conditions are met during the two-year period, the applicant may be supported in applying for permanent residence through the federal government of Canada.
Throughout the process, the applicant must maintain a valid work permit until permanent resident status is granted.
Yukon Community Pilot Program
Processing Period: Scheduled from January 2020 to June 2023
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be nominated by the Yukon territory
- Hold 2 or 3 eligible job offers within the same participating Yukon community
- Obtain a signed support letter from the Government of Yukon
- Satisfy all federal work permit requirements
In addition, the combined employment must:
- Total at least 30 hours per week
- Be non-seasonal in nature
- Meet or exceed the minimum wage requirements
- Match the applicant’s skills and work experience for the offered roles
Application Process
First, the applicant must already have a Yukon nomination for permanent residence.
Next, a support letter must be issued by the Yukon government confirming that the job offers are genuine and urgently needed. This letter includes details such as employer names, job titles, work hours, and locations.
The applicant must then submit this support letter along with their nomination letter when applying through the federal Government of Canada’s online system.
Once approved, the applicant receives a special work permit that allows them to work for up to three different employers within a participating Yukon community.
This work permit is valid for up to two years, and employers are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Participating Communities
- Whitehorse
- Watson Lake
- Dawson City
- Haines Junction
- Carmacks
- Carcross
