The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) offers several pathways for skilled workers, business people, and semi-skilled workers to gain permanent residency in Canada’s Yukon territory. With booming labour shortages across occupations, the YNP aims to attract foreign nationals who can fill critical economic needs.
What is the Yukon Nominee Program?
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) established by the territorial government of Yukon in 2002.
As one of Canada’s three territories, along with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Yukon has a small population of just over 40,000 residents. This sparse population, coupled with a thriving economy, has led to pronounced labor shortages across occupations.
As a result, the YNP was created to attract more skilled foreign workers and business investors who can fill critical economic needs and help drive continued growth in Yukon’s economy.
The Yukon government actively use the YNP to target specific in-demand skills, education, work experience, investment capital, and other attributes that will benefit its communities and expand its economic capacity.
Source: https://www.canadavisa.com/yukon-provincial-nominee-program.html
What are the different streams under YNP?
The Yukon Nominee Program consists of five streams, each tailored to meet specific needs. Read on to learn more about each stream.
Yukon Express Entry
The Yukon Express Entry stream is an enhanced immigration option aligned with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry system.
It is for skilled foreign workers who have an approved Express Entry profile and a valid job offer from a Yukon employer. Getting nominated through this stream results in an additional 600 points awarded to the candidate’s Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker Program allows Yukon employers to hire foreign skilled workers for long-term, permanent jobs they have been unable to fill with local talent.
Applicants must have the required education, credentials, and work experience for positions classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, or B.
Critical Impact Worker
The Critical Impact Worker Program also enables Yukon employers to hire foreign workers for permanent in-demand roles.
This stream is for semi-skilled jobs classified under NOC C and D. Applicants need at least 6 months of relevant work experience.
Business Nominee
The Yukon Business Nominee Program caters to experienced entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or purchase businesses in Yukon. Applicants should have a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 and invest at least CAD $300,000.
Community Pilot
The Yukon Community Pilot offers a pathway for skilled foreign workers nominated through an Express Entry or PNP stream to obtain a 2-year open work permit to work for multiple employers in select Yukon communities.
The table below provides an overview of the general information for the streams under YNP:
| Stream | Job Offer Required | Express Entry Profile Required | Basic Requirements |
| Yukon Express Entry | Yes | Yes | Valid job offer + Express Entry requirements |
| Yukon Skilled Worker | Yes | No | Valid job offer in NOC 0, A, B |
| Yukon Critical Impact Worker | Yes | No | Valid job offer in NOC C, D |
| Yukon Business Nominee | No | No | Business experience + CAD $500K net worth |
| Yukon Community Pilot | Yes | No | Nominated candidates, job offers in community |
Let’s explore each stream in detail in the following section to understand how they work and who they’re designed for.
How does the Yukon Express Entry stream work?
The Yukon Express Entry stream allows the territory to nominate foreign nationals who already qualify for one of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs and have an approved Express Entry profile.
Given its alignment with IRCC’s Express Entry system, it enables faster processing times than other YNP streams.
Overview of Yukon Express Entry stream
Let’s take a closer look at the key details of the Yukon Express Entry stream.
- Part of the enhanced streams in the YNP which are aligned with Express Entry
- Applicants must have an active Express Entry profile and qualifying job offer from a Yukon employer
- Processing time is 12-14 weeks
- Receiving nomination results in an extra 600 CRS points awarded to the Express Entry profile
Requirements of Yukon Express Entry stream
To qualify for the Yukon Express Entry stream, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Express Entry profile: Have an active profile in IRCC’s Express Entry pool.
- Federal programs: Meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three federal economic immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.
- Settlement funds: Have sufficient funds to support settlement in Canada for themselves and any dependents. IRCC determines required amounts based on family size.
- Job offer: Have a valid full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer.
- Yukon intent: Demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in Yukon after immigrating.
Yukon Express Entry Step-by-Step Process
The Yukon Express Entry stream offers a clear, step-by-step pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Yukon. It follows a 10-step process below:
- Employer job offer: A Yukon employer extends a permanent, full-time job offer to the foreign candidate after demonstrating no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available.
- Express Entry profile: The candidate creates an online Express Entry profile and is assigned a profile number and job seeker validation code if eligible.
- Settlement funds: The candidate proves they have sufficient settlement funds for themselves and their dependents.
- Joint application: The employer and candidate jointly complete and submit the Yukon Express Entry application form.
- Invitation to Apply: The candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC.
- Permanent residence application: The candidate submits all required documents to IRCC to finalize their application.
- Document verification: IRCC and Yukon’s Immigration Unit verify all submitted documents.
- Nomination: Upon approval, the candidate receives a nomination from the Yukon government.
- Work permit: The candidate can apply for a temporary work permit to work in Yukon while their permanent residence application is processed.
- Permanent residence issued: The candidate is granted permanent resident status after health, security, and criminality clearances.
How does the Yukon Skilled Worker program work?
Yukon employers can hire qualified foreign skilled workers for long-term, permanent jobs through the Skilled Worker Program. Candidates must meet education, work experience, and language criteria.
Overview of Yukon Skilled Worker program
Let’s take a closer look at key details on the Skilled Worker Program requirements:
- For skilled occupations classified under NOC 0, A, or B
- Applicants need at least a high school diploma and 1 year of relevant work experience
- Valid job offer from Yukon employer required
- Processing time is 12-14 weeks
Requirements for Yukon Foreign Nationals
Skilled Worker candidates must fulfill the following:
- Education and experience: Possess the education level and work experience specified under NOC for the offered job. Minimum of high school diploma required.
- Work experience: Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience for the job.
- Work permit: Hold a valid work permit if already in Canada.
- Job offer: Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Yukon employer.
- Language: Meet the minimum language standards outlined below.
As for Language Requirements, applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
For NOC 0 or A jobs
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6 in each ability (CLB 7 equivalent)
- CELPIP: Minimum score of 7 in each ability
- TEF: Minimum score of 4 in each ability
For NOC B jobs:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 5 in each ability (CLB 5 equivalent)
- CELPIP: Minimum score of 5 in each ability
- TEF: Minimum score of 3 in each ability
Requirements for Yukon Employers
Yukon employers must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Registered business in Yukon for at least 1 year
- Meet territorial labour standards
- Provide business license and corporate registry documentation
- Offer wages equal to or above the median wage for the occupation
- Pay for return travel costs if permanent residency is denied
- Arrange screening interviews for candidates already in Yukon
- Verify the credentials and qualifications of the candidate
- Pay $230 employer compliance fee
- Advertise the job nationally for at least 4 weeks to confirm no qualified Canadians are available
How does the Critical Impact Worker program work?
The Critical Impact Worker program allows Yukon employers to hire foreign nationals for in-demand permanent jobs classified under NOC C and D that they have been unable to fill.
Overview of Critical Impact Worker program
Let’s take a closer look at key details on the Critical Impact Worker program:
- For semi-skilled occupations classified under NOC C and D
- Applicants require at least 6 months of relevant work experience
- Valid full-time, permanent job offer from Yukon employer needed
- Processing time is 12-14 weeks
Requirements for Yukon Foreign Nationals
To qualify as a Critical Impact Worker, candidates need to meet these essential criteria:
- Education and experience: Have the education and experience specified under NOC for the offered position. Minimum of high school education required.
- Work experience: Possess at least 6 months of relevant work experience for the job.
- Work permit: Hold a valid work permit if already in Canada.
- Language: Meet the minimum language requirements outlined below.
As for language, here are the minimum requirements candidate will need to meet:
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 4
- CELPIP: Minimum overall score of 4
- TEF: Minimum overall score of 3
Requirements for Yukon Employers
To hire foreign nationals through this program, Yukon employers must fulfill the following:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Registered business in Yukon for at least 1 year
- Meet territorial labour standards
- Provide business license and corporate registry documents
- Offer wages equal to or above the median wage for the occupation
- Pay for return travel costs if permanent residency denied
- Arrange screening interviews for candidates in Yukon
- Verify the credentials and qualifications of the candidate
- Pay $230 employer compliance fee
- Advertise the job nationally for at least 4 weeks to confirm no qualified Canadians are available
How does the Business Nominee program work?
The Yukon Business Nominee Program offers pathways to permanent residence for qualified international entrepreneurs and investors. Candidates establish or purchase businesses in Yukon.
Overview of Yukon Business Nominee program
Let’s take a closer look at key details on the Yukon Business Nominee Program:
- For experienced business owners/managers
- Must have a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000
- Requires minimum investment of CAD $300,000 in Yukon business
- The 2-year work permit was issued initially to establish a business
- Processing time is 12-14 weeks
Eligibility Criteria for Yukon Business Nominee program
To qualify for the Yukon Business Nominee Program, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Score a minimum of 65 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid
- Achieve minimum language test scores (IELTS 6 or TEF 4)
- Have at least 3 years of entrepreneurial or business management experience
- Have at least 5 years of experience related to the proposed business
- Verify net worth of at least CAD $500,000
- Verify liquid assets of at least CAD $300,000
- Prove assets were obtained legally
- Submit resettlement plan for establishing Yukon residency
- Intend to permanently settle in Yukon
Yukon Business Nominee program Application Process
The Business Nominee Program follows a 6-step application process:
- Initial eligibility: Candidates confirm they meet eligibility criteria and submit an EOI into the program candidate pool.
- Invitation to apply: Select candidates from the pool are invited to submit a full YNP business application.
- Business plan: Invited candidates prepare and submit a detailed Yukon business plan and investment proposal.
- Work permit: Approved nominees receive a 2-year work permit to establish and operate their Yukon business.
- Nominee requirements: Nominees must fulfill residency, investment, reporting, and other requirements during their 2-year stay.
- Permanent residence: Nominees who meet all requirements after 2 years can apply for permanent residence.
Requirements for Yukon Nominees
During their 2-year work period in Yukon, Business Nominees must fulfill additional requirements:
Year 1 Requirements:
- Mandatory meetings with YNP representatives
- Begin residency and business establishment activities immediately
- Provide quarterly documentation on business activities
Year 2 Requirements:
- Business must be operational with all family members established in Yukon
- Submit financial statements and business documentation
- Host final site visit from YNP representatives
How does the Yukon Community Pilot work?
The Yukon Community Pilot offers a unique 2-year open work permit for skilled foreign nationals already nominated through an Express Entry or PNP stream.
Overview of Yukon Community Pilot
Let’s take a closer look at key facts about the Yukon Community Pilot:
- Pilot project running from 2020 to 2023
- For skilled workers nominated through Express Entry or a PNP
- Provides a 2-year open work permit for working in select Yukon communities
- Allows working for multiple employers within the same community
Requirements of Yukon Community Pilot
To qualify for the community pilot work permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid nomination through a Yukon immigration stream
- Get 2-3 eligible job offers within the same participating community
- Job offers must total minimum 30 hours/week
- Jobs must be non-seasonal and meet wage requirements
- Receive a signed letter of support from the Yukon government
- Meet eligibility for a work permit
Yukon Community Pilot Application Process
Candidates approved under the pilot program follow 4 steps:
- Get nominated by Yukon under an Express Entry or PNP stream
- Receive a signed letter of support from the Yukon government
- Apply online for the 2-year open work permit
- The permit allows working for up to 3 employers in the same community
Participating Communities of Yukon Community Pilot
The work permit under Yukon’s Community Pilot is valid only in 6 communities:
- Whitehorse
- Watson Lake
- Dawson City
- Haines Junction
- Carmacks
- Carcross
What are the main benefits of immigrating through Yukon Nominee Program?
Immigrating through the Yukon Nominee Program comes with a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for people looking to settle in Canada. Let’s take a closer look at the main advantages:
- Provincial nomination: Receiving nomination from Yukon gives candidates enhanced opportunities to gain permanent residence.
- Faster processing: Enhanced streams like Yukon Express Entry offer faster standard processing times of 6-12 months compared to other PNPs.
- Strong job prospects: Yukon offers excellent employment opportunities in many occupations, and it faces serious hiring needs that cannot be met locally.
- Lower competition: Due to its small population, the Yukon receives fewer immigrants than larger provinces, meaning less competition for applicants.
- Business incentives: Yukon provides tax incentives, subsidies, and other support to help new businesses establish and succeed.
- Settlement assistance: Yukon communities actively help welcome and integrate immigrant families to facilitate the adjustment.
- Tight-knit communities: Yukon offers a highly interconnected community environment and proximity to nature.
How long does it take to process YNP applications?
As we walk through all the streams of the YNP, you might be wondering about the timeline for applications. Here’s what you need to know about the processing times.
- Yukon Express Entry: 12-14 weeks
- Skilled Worker: 12-14 weeks
- Critical Impact Worker: 12-14 weeks
- Business Nominee: 12-14 weeks
- Community Pilot: Work permit processing time depends on federal rules
The published processing times reflect when a nomination certificate is issued to candidates approved under the YNP.
Additional time is required after nomination to complete permanent residence applications with IRCC, which depends on individual circumstances.
Enhanced streams aligned with Express Entry in Canada, like the Yukon Express Entry program, generally offer faster overall processing compared to base streams.
Can I apply for Yukon PNP without a job offer?
Most Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) categories require a valid job offer from a Yukon employer in order to apply. However, there is one exception: The Yukon Business Nominee Program
This stream allows experienced entrepreneurs and investors to gain permanent residency without needing a job offer. Instead, applicants must meet criteria such as:
- Minimum entrepreneurial/management experience
- Relevant experience for the proposed business
- Verified personal minimum net worth
- Verified minimum investment capital
- Sufficient points on the YNP Entrepreneur Assessment
- Detailed Yukon business establishment plan
- Settlement plan for moving to Yukon
By meeting these requirements, immigrant entrepreneurs can submit an expression of interest to the business nominee pool without having a job offer in place.
If selected, nominees will need to provide a comprehensive business plan and proposal for establishing or purchasing an operation in Yukon. After fulfilling work permit requirements, nominees will apply for permanent residence.
Canada offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces that provide pathways to permanent residence based on local economic needs. Some of these other PNPs include:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- The Newfoundland and Labrador (PNP)
FAQs related to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
How long does it take to get permanent residency through Yukon PNP?
Processing times vary by stream, but enhanced streams like Yukon Express Entry can lead to permanent residency within 6-12 months. Base streams often take 12+ months.
Can I apply for Yukon PNP without a job offer?
Most Yukon PNP streams require a job offer except for the Business Nominee Program. Skilled workers generally need an offer to apply.
What jobs are in high demand in Yukon?
Jobs like nurses, engineers, IT professionals, construction workers, tourism staff, truck drivers, and food service workers are all in demand in Yukon currently.
How much investment is required for the Yukon Business Nominee Program?
Applicants need a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 and must invest at least CAD $300,000 into establishing or purchasing a Yukon business.
Can I bring my family members if I immigrate through Yukon PNP?
Yes, eligible dependents like a spouse and children can be included on your Yukon PNP application under Family Class sponsorship.
Does Yukon PNP lead directly to permanent residence?
Yes, receiving a nomination certificate allows you to apply for permanent residence with IRCC. Enhanced streams get expedited processing.
Is there a cap on how many people can apply to Yukon PNP?
No, unlike some PNPs, the Yukon PNP does not have a cap or limit on how many candidates can apply.
Can I get a representative to help with my Yukon PNP application?
Yes, hiring an authorized representative like a qualified immigration consultant can assist in preparing and submitting your application.