Yukon to Grant Additional Nominations for Permanent Residence

A Major Boost to Immigration Opportunities in 2025

In a move that promises to strengthen Yukon’s workforce and economy, the territorial government has announced a significant expansion of its immigration program. The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) will now offer 282 nomination spaces for permanent residence in 2025, up from the originally allocated 215. This increase of 67 additional nominations reflects the territory’s efforts to address pressing labor market needs and support employers in attracting skilled workers.

Understanding the Allocation Increase

The additional 67 nominations bring Yukon’s total allocation for 2025 to 282, providing much-needed flexibility for the territory. This adjustment is a direct response to earlier federal reductions in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations, which had limited Yukon’s ability to meet its economic and immigration goals. The new allocation is designed to balance the demands of local employers with the need to attract and retain skilled foreign workers.

Breaking Down the 2025 Allocations

Of the 282 total nominations, the distribution is as follows:

• 152 nominations are allocated for new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in 2025.
• 55 nominations are reserved for applications carried over from 2024, focusing on candidates who align with Yukon’s labor priorities.
• 8 nominations are set aside specifically for regulated healthcare occupations, addressing critical shortages in this sector.

With the additional 67 nominations, Yukon gains greater flexibility to address labor gaps and support key industries, ensuring that the territory can compete effectively for talent in a competitive national and global job market.

Streamlining the Process: The Expression of Interest System

To manage the high demand for nominations, Yukon introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system in March 2025. Under this system, employers submit EOIs on behalf of prospective foreign workers, allowing the government to prioritize applications that best meet the territory’s strategic needs.

Between March 31 and April 22, 2025, over 500 EOIs were received, highlighting the strong interest in opportunities in Yukon. Nearly 400 of these submissions aligned with the government’s priority criteria, demonstrating a clear alignment between applicant qualifications and territorial needs.

Priority Criteria for Nominations

Yukon’s 2025 nomination priorities focus on candidates who:

• Have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year.
• Are graduates of Yukon post-secondary institutions.
• Are French-speaking (Francophone) candidates.
• Hold a Temporary Measure Letter of Support, enabling them to work in Yukon under a special permit.

These criteria reflect a targeted approach to addressing labor shortages and ensuring that nominations go to individuals who are well-positioned to contribute to the local economy and integrate into the community.

Current Invitations and Application Processing

Thanks to the additional allocations, Yukon plans to issue 80 new ITAs in August 2025. This move is expected to provide relief to employers and candidates alike, though competition remains high due to the large number of qualified applicants. The government continues to process existing ITAs and withdrawals, with 13 withdrawals already accounted for in the current cycle.

Addressing the Impact of Federal Cuts

Earlier in 2025, the federal government reduced PNP allocations by 50%, significantly limiting Yukon’s ability to nominate candidates. This reduction created challenges for both employers and foreign nationals, as the territory struggled to meet its labor market needs with fewer available spots.

In response, Yukon implemented the EOI system and adopted a more strategic approach to nominations. By prioritizing candidates who align with specific criteria, the territory aims to maximize the impact of its limited allocation and ensure that nominations are awarded to those who can make the most significant contributions to the local economy.

This strategic shift underscores Yukon’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive immigration system, one that balances the needs of employers with the integration of foreign workers into the community.

Read more about Yukon’s immigration updates here.

Federal Reallocation and Strategic Priorities

The additional 67 nominations granted to Yukon are part of a broader federal reallocation strategy aimed at supporting provinces and territories in addressing critical labor shortages. This reallocation reflects recognition of Yukon’s advocacy efforts and the unique challenges faced by the territory in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Alignment with Economic and Labor Market Goals

The 2025 allocation of 282 nominations aligns closely with Yukon’s economic development strategy, which emphasizes supporting key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and tourism. By prioritizing candidates who meet specific labor market needs, the territory aims to ensure that nominations are awarded to individuals who can make an immediate and meaningful impact on the local economy.

Focus on Francophone Immigration

Yukon’s emphasis on Francophone candidates is part of a broader effort to support French-speaking communities across Canada. This initiative aligns with the federal government’s Francophone Immigration Strategy, which seeks to promote the growth and vitality of Francophone communities outside of Quebec. By prioritizing French-speaking candidates, Yukon aims to strengthen its bilingual character and create a more inclusive and diverse society.

Processing Updates and Employer Participation

The introduction of the EOI system has streamlined the nomination process, allowing employers to play a more active role in identifying and nominating qualified candidates. Employers are encouraged to submit EOIs on behalf of foreign workers by March 31, 2025, to ensure their candidates are considered for the 2025 allocation. This approach ensures that nominations are aligned with the specific needs of Yukon’s labor market and reduces administrative burdens on both employers and applicants.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Permanent Residence

For candidates who receive an ITA, the next step in the process is to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The federal government has committed to processing these applications in a timely manner, with a focus on minimizing delays and ensuring that successful candidates can transition to permanent residence as quickly as possible. This streamlined approach is designed to reduce uncertainty for applicants and ensure that Yukon can retain the skilled workers it needs to support its economic growth.

Conclusion

The announcement of 282 additional nominations for permanent residence in Yukon represents a significant step forward in addressing the territory’s labor market needs and supporting its economic growth. By increasing its allocation and implementing a strategic Expression of Interest system, Yukon is better positioned to attract and retain skilled workers who align with its economic and social priorities. This move not only strengthens the local workforce but also reinforces Yukon’s commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive immigration system for the future.

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