Yukon to Grant Additional Nominations for Permanent Residence

Despite national immigration nomination cuts, Yukon has made headlines by securing 67 additional nomination spots under the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). This increases its total allocations for 2025 to 282, a significant step up from the previous 215 allotted. With 80 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) expected to roll out this August, the move brings fresh hope to employers and immigrants alike.

Significance of the New Yukon Allocations

The new Yukon PR allocations signal growing opportunities for skilled workers, francophones, and graduates in rural Canada. This move supports regional development while easing national immigration pressures.

Reversing Federal Nomination Cuts

In early 2025, the federal government halved nomination allocations across several territories, including Yukon. However, through strong advocacy, the Government of Yukon successfully secured a 67-spot increase—restoring nomination capacity at a crucial time when the labour market needs support.

Accelerated ITA Rollout

Yukon now has 80 ITAs to issue starting August, following the processing of 2024 carry-over applications and the withdrawal of 13 previous ITAs. This batch of invitations aims to quickly connect qualified foreign workers with job offers across the territory. More on this update is detailed in this CIC News report.

Targeted Selection Through EOI

After transitioning to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, Yukon received over 500 submissions from employers between March 31 and April 22. Of those, nearly 400 met territorial priorities like work experience in Yukon, graduation from Yukon institutions, or being French-speaking, which is also supported by Canada’s push for francophone immigration.

Prioritizing Healthcare Talent

To address gaps in healthcare, Yukon has earmarked 10 nomination slots for regulated professionals in this field. Employers can nominate eligible candidates until September 20, 2025, as per the territory’s announcement.

Benefits of Updated YNP Allocations

A Renewed Path to Permanent Residency

With restored nomination spaces, Yukon can now offer more foreign nationals a reliable path to Canadian permanent residence. Those with local ties or strong employer backing stand a strong chance under this expanded capacity.

Strategic and Fair Selections

The selection criteria—emphasizing French language skills, Yukon-based experience, and post-secondary education—ensures that nominations are aligned with long-term community and economic priorities. This fair approach aligns with ongoing reforms by IRCC.

Faster Application Timelines

Once nominated, candidates and employers sign a Tri-Partite Agreement with the Government of Yukon. From there, applicants can apply to IRCC for permanent residency within six months, streamlining the journey to settlement.

Employer Support in Critical Sectors

Yukon’s move helps businesses hire in-demand workers faster—especially in industries like healthcare, where qualified personnel are in short supply. Employers now have more certainty when making long-term hires.

Understanding the YNP Process

Yukon operates four streams under the YNP:

• Critical Impact Worker

• Skilled Worker

• Express Entry

• Yukon Community Program Pilot (now closed)

Applicants must secure a full-time, permanent job offer from a qualified Yukon employer. Those with job roles falling under TEER 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) apply through Critical Impact Worker; TEER 0–3 roles qualify for Skilled Worker or Express Entry streams.

Post-EOI, selected employers receive ITAs and can nominate candidates. Once approved, the foreign national can initiate their permanent residence process with IRCC.

Yukon’s efforts to secure additional immigration spots—even in the face of federal-level cutbacks—demonstrate its commitment to thoughtful, locally driven immigration policies. With a refined EOI system and more nominations on offer, the YNP offers a strong, stable path to immigration for both employers and international workers.

To explore your options under the YNP or another program, visit A2Zimmi’s website or book a personalized consultation here.