The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is a Canadian immigration program designed to attract skilled workers and business professionals to the Yukon territory. Established in 2002, the YNP aims to address local labour market needs and contribute to the territory’s economic growth.

Yukon welcomes a significant number of immigrants each year, contributing to its diverse population. Recent statistics indicate a territory-wide population exceeding 40,000, with immigrants constituting nearly 1% of this number.

The YNP offers various immigration streams tailored to different skill sets and career aspirations. These streams can be broadly categorized into two groups:

  • Express Entry-aligned: These streams, such as Yukon Express Entry (YEE), utilize Canada’s Express Entry system for faster processing. Skilled workers with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores who receive a YNP nomination gain an advantage in obtaining permanent residence.
  • Base Categories: These streams, including Skilled Worker and Critical Impact Worker, operate independently of Express Entry and typically have longer processing times.

Choosing the right immigration stream depends on your skills, qualifications, and career goals. Each stream has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

To explore your options and learn more about the YNP, please visit the following sections:

  • Yukon Immigration Categories: Provides detailed information on each YNP stream and its eligibility criteria.
  • Application Process: Outlines the steps involved in applying for the YNP.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: Offers answers to common inquiries about the YNP.

The YNP welcomes individuals who are eager to contribute to Yukon’s vibrant community and build successful careers in the territory.

Yukon Express Entry Information

 

Eligibility

 
  • Valid job offer from a Yukon employer for a full-time, permanent position.
  • Meet the requirements of one of Canada’s three economic immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class).
  • Have an active Express Entry profile with a valid Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents in Canada.
  • Intend to live and work in Yukon after obtaining permanent residence.
 

Processing Time

 
  • Approximately 12-14 weeks from nomination to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

How to Apply:

  1. Secure a job offer: The Yukon employer must advertise the position and demonstrate they couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill it.
  2. Meet economic immigration program requirements: Ensure you meet the criteria for one of the specified programs.
  3. Create an Express Entry profile: Submit your information and obtain a CRS score.
  4. Financial demonstration: Prove you have enough funds to support yourself and dependents in Canada.
  5. Complete Yukon Express Entry application: Submit the application form with supporting documents from both you and your employer.
  6. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If nominated, IRCC will issue an ITA for permanent residence application.
  7. Submit permanent residence application: Provide all required documents to IRCC.
  8. Document verification and decision: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Yukon’s Immigration Unit will assess your application and documents.
  9. Permanent residence confirmation: Upon successful verification, you will receive your permanent residence status.

Yukon Skilled Worker Program Information

 

Eligibility

 
  • Valid job offer: From a Yukon employer for a full-time, permanent position.
  • Education and work experience: Possess the qualifications required for the position, including at least a high school diploma and one year of relevant work experience.
  • Work permit (applicants in Canada): Hold a valid work permit if currently residing in Canada.
  • Language requirements: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score for the position.
  • Employer requirements: The employer must fulfill additional criteria set by the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
 

Processing Time

 
  • Approximately 12-14 weeks from nomination to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Application Process

 
  1. Job offer and advertising: The Yukon employer must first advertise the position within Canada and demonstrate they couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill it.
  2. Job offer and qualifications: You must receive a valid full-time, permanent job offer and possess the required education and work experience.
  3. Application submission: Both you and your employer complete and submit the necessary application forms to YNP.
  4. Employer approval: YNP assesses the employer’s eligibility and compliance with program requirements.
  5. Nomination: If the employer is approved, your application undergoes review, and upon approval, you receive a nomination from Yukon.
  6. Temporary Work Permit (TWP): Use your nomination to apply for a TWP from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  7. Permanent residence application: Submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC.
  8. Work and processing: You can work in Yukon under the TWP while your permanent residence application is processed.
  9. Security, health, and criminality checks: Upon successful completion of these checks, you are granted permanent resident status in Canada.

Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program Information

 

Eligibility

  • Valid job offer: Full-time, permanent position from a Yukon employer.
  • Education and work experience: Possess the qualifications required for the position, including at least a high school diploma and six months of relevant work experience.
  • Work permit (applicants in Canada): Hold a valid work permit if currently residing in Canada.
  • Language requirements: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score in English or French.
  • Employer requirements: The employer must fulfill additional criteria set by the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
 

Processing Time

 
  • Approximately 12-14 weeks from nomination to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
 

Application Process

 

  1. Job offer and advertising: The Yukon employer must first advertise the position within Canada and demonstrate they couldn’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill it.
  2. Job offer and qualifications: You must receive a valid full-time, permanent job offer and possess the required education and work experience.
  3. Application submission: Both you and your employer complete and submit the necessary application forms to YNP.
  4. Employer approval: YNP assesses the employer’s eligibility and compliance with program requirements.
  5. Nomination: If the employer is approved, your application undergoes review, and upon approval, you receive a nomination from Yukon.
  6. Temporary Work Permit (TWP): Use your nomination to apply for a TWP from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  7. Permanent residence application: Submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC.
  8. Work and processing: You can travel to Canada and work in Yukon under the TWP while your permanent residence application is processed.
 

Yukon Business Nominee Program Information

 

Eligibility

 
  • Nominee Assessment Grid: Achieve a minimum score of 65 points, with at least 10 points for language ability.
  • Language Requirements: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score equivalent to Level 6 in IELTS (English) or Level 4 in TEF (French).
  • Business Experience: Possess at least three years of entrepreneurial or business management experience.
  • Industry Expertise: Have at least five years of experience relevant to the proposed business.
  • Financial Resources: Demonstrate verified net worth of at least CAD $500,000 and liquid assets of at least CAD $300,000 through legitimate means.
  • Settlement Plan: Submit a comprehensive plan outlining your intention to live and run a business in Yukon.
  • Investment Commitment: Secure CAD $300,000 investment in the proposed business with at least one-third ownership.
 

Processing Time

 
  • Approximately 12-14 weeks from nomination to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
 

Application Process

 
  1. Eligibility Assessment: Confirm your eligibility through the Yukon government website.
  2. Application Submission: Submit your online application, including proof of eligibility and financial resources.
  3. Approval in Principle: If approved, develop a detailed Business Plan and provide evidence of investment.
  4. Temporary Work Permit (TWP): Apply for a TWP to travel to Yukon and initiate your business venture.
  5. Nominee Support: Upon arrival, meet with a YBNP representative and fulfill program requirements for two years.
  6. Permanent Residence Application: If you meet all requirements during the TWP period, receive YBNP support for your permanent residence application to the Canadian government.
  7. Maintaining Work Permit: Ensure you hold a valid TWP until obtaining permanent residence status.
 

Yukon Community Pilot Information

 

Eligibility

 

  • Provincial Nomination: Must be nominated by the Yukon territory for permanent residence in Canada.
  • Multiple Job Offers: Have at least two or three eligible job offers, all within the same participating Yukon community.
  • Letter of Support: Possess a signed letter of support from the Yukon government confirming the urgency of your employment in the community and the validity of the job offers.
  • Work Permit Requirements: Meet the eligibility criteria for a Temporary Work Permit as per Canadian immigration regulations.
  • Additional Job Offer Requirements: Each job offer must:
    • Total at least 30 hours per week combined.
    • Be non-seasonal employment.
    • Offer wages at or above the minimum wage for the specific occupation and location.
    • Align with your demonstrably relevant work experience.
 

Program Duration

 
 
  • The Yukon Community Pilot is scheduled to run from January 2020 to June 2023.

Benefits:

  • This work permit allows you to work for up to three different employers within the designated Yukon community.
  • The permit has a validity period of two years.
  • Employers offering the jobs are exempt from obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Participating Communities:

  • Whitehorse
  • Watson Lake
  • Dawson City
  • Haines Junction
  • Carmacks
  • Carcross
 

Application Process

 
  1. Secure a provincial nomination and a signed letter of support from the Yukon government.
  2. Ensure your job offers meet the program requirements outlined above.
  3. Gather necessary documentation, including the letter of support and nomination document.
  4. Choose the appropriate application form based on your current location and submit it online through the Canadian government website.
Where can I get more information about the YNP?

You can find more information about the YNP on the website of the Yukon government: https://yukon.ca/en/doing-business/yukon-nominee-program

How much does it cost to apply for the YNP?

There are several fees associated with applying for the YNP, including:

  • Application fee: $550
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $495
  • Biometric fee: $85 (if applicable)
What is the processing time for the YNP?

The processing time for the YNP varies depending on the stream you apply under. However, it is generally around 12-14 weeks from nomination to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

What are the different YNP streams?

There are five different YNP streams:

  • Yukon Express Entry (YEE): This stream is for skilled workers who have a high CRS score and a valid job offer from a Yukon employer.
  • Skilled Worker: This stream is for skilled workers who have a job offer from a Yukon employer and meet the requirements of one of Canada’s three economic immigration programs.
  • Critical Impact Worker: This stream is for semi-skilled or unskilled workers who have a job offer from a Yukon employer in an occupation that is in high demand in the territory.
  • Business Nominee: This stream is for individuals with proven business experience who wish to start a new business, partner with an existing business, or purchase and operate an existing business in Yukon.
  • Yukon Community Pilot: This pilot project is currently closed, but it allowed individuals who were nominated by the territory to get a special work permit that lets them work for multiple employers in one of the participating Yukon communities.
Who is eligible for the YNP?

To be eligible for the YNP, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a valid job offer from a Yukon employer for a full-time, permanent position.
  • Meet the minimum requirements of one of Canada’s three economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.
  • Have an active Express Entry profile with a valid Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents in Canada.
  • Intend to live and work in Yukon after obtaining permanent residence.