Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Yukon is the smallest of Canada’s three territories, located in the western part of the country and bordering Alaska, USA. Despite its size, Yukon offers abundant opportunities for skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Its major industries include tourism, mining, furniture, hydroelectricity, and handicrafts, making it an attractive destination for immigrants seeking employment or business opportunities. The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) allows the Yukon government to nominate eligible applicants for Canadian permanent residence. Nominated candidates receive a Nomination Certificate, which they can use to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The program operates under the Canada-Yukon Cooperation Agreement on Immigration.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) – Streams:
1. Skilled Worker Program
The Skilled Worker Program is designed for highly qualified professionals in NOC 0, A, or B occupations, including management, technical, and professional roles. Applicants must have at least one year of relevant work experience, demonstrate proficiency in English or French, and may need a valid Yukon work permit. This program allows Yukon employers to sponsor skilled workers, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, trades, and information technology, helping fill labor market gaps and contribute to the territory’s economic development.
2. Express Entry Stream
The Express Entry Stream targets candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool who work in NOC 0, A, or B occupations. Eligible candidates must meet federal Express Entry requirements and show a genuine intention to live and work in Yukon. Successful nominees receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, greatly improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This stream is ideal for highly skilled individuals with strong education, work experience, and language skills.
3. Critical Impact Worker Program
The Critical Impact Worker Program is intended for semi-skilled or low-skilled workers in NOC C or D occupations who fill positions in high-demand areas, such as hospitality, construction, transportation, and food processing. Applicants must have a job offer from a Yukon employer, relevant work experience, and sufficient proficiency in English or French. This stream ensures that essential roles crucial to Yukon’s economy are filled efficiently, even if advanced formal education is not required.
4. Business Nominee Program
The Business Nominee Program is for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to invest in or operate a business in Yukon. Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000 make an investment of at least $150,000 and have five years of entrepreneurial experience. Proficiency in English or French and a strong business plan demonstrating the economic impact of the proposed business are required. This program encourages foreign investment, job creation, and business growth in the territory, especially in sectors like hospitality, retail, services, and innovation.
5. Yukon International Graduate Stream
The Yukon International Graduate Stream is for individuals who have recently graduated from a Yukon post-secondary institution and wish to remain in the territory. Applicants must show a genuine intention to live and work in Yukon, meet language requirements if not already demonstrated during their studies, and may need a job offer in Yukon depending on the program. This stream helps retain skilled graduates and strengthens Yukon’s local workforce.Yukon Nominee Program – Overall Process
- Express Interest – Candidates show their intention to live and work in Yukon by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Choose a Stream – Applicants select the appropriate program stream: Skilled Worker, Express Entry, Critical Impact Worker, Business Nominee, or International Graduate.
- Submit Application – Complete applications are submitted to Yukon Government, including all required documents, work experience, language proficiency, and job or business details.
- Provincial Assessment – Yukon reviews the application to verify eligibility, skills, and suitability for the local labor market or business environment.
- Receive Nomination Certificate – Successful candidates are issued a Nomination Certificate from Yukon, confirming their eligibility for permanent residence.
- Apply to IRCC for Permanent Residence – Nominees submit their application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for federal PR processing.
- Federal PR Processing – The federal government reviews the application; this step usually takes 6 to 12 months depending on the program and completeness of the application.
