Yukon Nominee Program Prioritizes Candidates with a Work Permit in Canada for 2025 Intake

Overview of Yukon’s 2025 Nominee Program Intake

The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has officially begun issuing invitations for the 2025 intake. This announcement marks the next phase in Yukon’s evolving immigration strategy, following a significant influx of interest and a competitive selection process. On May 23, 2025, the territory confirmed that the latest intake period drew more submissions than the total number of nomination spots available, creating a challenging but strategically managed selection process for those seeking permanent residence through Yukon’s immigration streams.

What Happened in the Latest Intake?

The most recent YNP intake period occurred between March 31 and April 22, 2025. During this window, Yukon received 502 eligible submissions. Out of these, 392 applications closely aligned with the territory’s updated immigration priorities for 2025. Due to the limited number of nomination slots—just 215 for the entire year—Yukon had to make selective decisions about which candidates to invite. This drop in nomination spots represents a broader trend across Canada. At the beginning of 2025, the federal government implemented a 50% cut in nomination allocations for all Provincial and Territorial Nominee Programs (PNPs), as part of its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Yukon, like other jurisdictions, had to pivot to a more strategic and priority-driven selection framework.

Which Candidates Are More Likely to Be Selected?

With only 215 nomination spots available and 502 eligible applicants, Yukon’s selection process has become more focused than ever before. Those with the highest likelihood of receiving a nomination are individuals who were issued a temporary measure letter of support in the past. These letters allowed foreign workers already in Yukon to obtain a Work Permit in Canada valid for up to two years. This permit was intended for individuals whose employers planned to nominate them for permanent residence through the YNP in either 2025 or 2026. These temporary measures have become a pivotal part of Yukon’s selection priorities. Candidates holding a Work Permit in Canada through this process have demonstrated an established connection to the territory’s labor market, making them a preferred choice under the new guidelines. For the remaining spots, Yukon will turn to a randomized selection from the pool of qualifying submissions. This secondary selection process includes candidates from several groups:

• Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year;
• Graduates of Yukon University;
• Francophone or French-speaking applicants;
• Candidates holding a valid letter of support from an employer.

These eligibility factors help ensure that those selected have either a local connection or align with broader community and labor market needs.

A Shift to the Expression of Interest (EOI) System

A major change to the Yukon Nominee Program in 2025 is the introduction of an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This system aims to streamline applications while aligning them more closely with Yukon’s economic and demographic goals. Under this model, employers are now required to submit a web-based form detailing the foreign worker they wish to nominate. Instead of a first-come, first-served approach, the YNP now reviews all EOIs during the intake period and selects candidates based on established priorities. Once reviewed, selected employers receive invitations to submit full applications on behalf of their prospective employees. In addition to notifying selected applicants, Yukon’s immigration authorities also communicate with:

• Employers whose submissions qualified for the random draw pool but were not immediately selected;
• Employers whose EOIs were deemed ineligible.

This move toward a structured and data-driven selection process reflects Yukon’s need to manage increasing demand within a limited allocation framework. The territory’s introduction of the EOI system also mirrors trends seen in other Canadian jurisdictions, where limited nomination capacity necessitates more targeted selection models.

Implications for Foreign Workers Holding a Work Permit in Canada

For those already holding a Work Permit in Canada and working in Yukon, these changes carry significant implications. Previously, such workers could apply directly through employers under a less competitive system. Now, however, being selected for nomination requires a more nuanced approach, including meeting territorial priorities and possibly undergoing a randomized draw. This highlights the importance of maintaining legal status and continued employment while awaiting nomination. Those with a Work Permit in Canada linked to a Yukon-based employer’s intent to nominate remain in a favorable position, but they must ensure their applications and documentation remain updated and aligned with program requirements.

Who Stands to Benefit?

Candidates who have already established their presence in Yukon appear to have an edge in the 2025 intake. This includes individuals who:

• Have been employed in Yukon for a year or longer;
• Are recent graduates of Yukon University;
• Possess French language skills;
• Hold valid employer-issued letters of support;
• Already have a Work Permit in Canada tied to Yukon employment.

These factors not only reflect Yukon’s labor market needs but also its desire to retain individuals who have demonstrated adaptability and commitment to the region. The preference given to French-speaking candidates also indicates Yukon’s ongoing efforts to promote linguistic diversity and support Canada's bilingual framework, particularly in underserved or remote areas.

Understanding the Impact of Reduced Nomination Allocations

The reduction in nomination allocations is part of a broader federal policy to slow down permanent residence admissions across Canada. With the 50% reduction in PNP targets, all provinces and territories, including Yukon, have had to re-evaluate their application processes and eligibility criteria. For Yukon, this meant moving toward a more merit-based system and establishing new evaluation filters, such as the EOI system. It also required prioritizing candidates with stronger community ties, such as those who already hold a Work Permit in Canada and are working in key sectors. While this change may appear restrictive, it also reflects an effort to ensure that available nominations are granted to those most likely to integrate successfully into the local economy and community.

What Applicants Should Do Next

For prospective immigrants interested in the Yukon Nominee Program, it is essential to understand the current structure and prepare accordingly. Key steps include:

1. Securing a Valid Job Offer – A job offer from a Yukon-based employer is still a critical requirement.
2. Obtaining a Work Permit in Canada – Those who receive a temporary letter of support should apply for a Work Permit in Canada as early as possible.
3. Submitting a Strong EOI – Employers should provide accurate and compelling information in their Expression of Interest forms to improve the chances of selection.
4. Staying Informed – As this is a dynamic process, both applicants and employers should monitor updates from the Yukon government closely.

Moving Forward

The 2025 intake for the Yukon Nominee Program has underscored the growing complexity of Canada’s immigration pathways, particularly in light of reduced federal targets. With more submissions than available slots, Yukon is making careful choices about who will receive the opportunity to apply for permanent residence. Candidates with a Work Permit in Canada, particularly those already working in Yukon or with prior connections to the territory, are positioned more favorably under the new system. However, the random selection element means that all qualifying candidates still have a chance, provided their applications are timely and well-prepared. As immigration policies continue to evolve, understanding territorial priorities and adapting to new procedures like the EOI system will be essential for success in programs like the YNP. Whether you are an employer or a foreign worker, staying proactive and informed remains the most practical approach in navigating these changes. Source: https://www.cicnews.com/