Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) – Immigration to Yukon, Canada

Once renowned for the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century, Yukon is now home to around 30,000 residents, most of whom live in Whitehorse, the territorial capital. Today, Yukon’s economy relies heavily on mining and tourism, with vibrant communities surrounded by stunning wilderness. It’s an ideal destination for individuals who appreciate tight-knit societies and outdoor adventures.

To meet its workforce demands and attract qualified newcomers, Yukon operates its own immigration pathway called the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). Through this initiative, skilled professionals and business investors with the right qualifications and work experience can receive a territorial nomination leading to Canadian permanent residency.

Overview of the Yukon PNP

Established in 2002, the YNP aims to draw more immigrants who can contribute to Yukon's economic and social development. Each year, Yukon welcomes a few hundred new residents, representing nearly one percent of its total population, which recently surpassed 40,000.

The YNP includes one enhanced stream, known as the Yukon Express Entry (YEE), which is linked to the federal Express Entry system, while the remaining options are base streams, functioning independently of it.

Under Canada's Express Entry system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates for economic immigration are ranked through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence during regular Express Entry draws.

Receiving a provincial nomination adds 600 extra CRS points, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw. Once nominated, you must accept the nomination in your Express Entry profile to claim these additional points. Enhanced streams, such as Yukon Express Entry, typically offer faster processing times—often within six months. In contrast, base streams can take 12 months or more to process. Applicants nominated through a base stream must apply directly to IRCC for their permanent residence.

Yukon Immigration Categories

If you are considering immigrating to Yukon, you can choose from the following five pathways under the YNP:

• 1. Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
• 2. Skilled Worker Stream
• 3. Critical Impact Worker Stream
• 4. Business Nominee Program
• 5. Yukon Community Pilot (YCP)

Yukon Express Entry (YEE)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must qualify for one of Canada’s three federal economic immigration programs.
• Must possess a valid Express Entry profile.
• Must show sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents.
• Must hold a permanent, full-time job offers from a Yukon-based employer.
• Must express a genuine intent to live and work in Yukon.

Process Overview:

• Obtain a job offer from an employer in Yukon who can prove no suitable Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position.
• Provide evidence of adequate settlement funds.
• Submit the Yukon Express Entry application along with your employer.
• Once approved, IRCC will issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
• After submitting all required documents, IRCC and Yukon authorities will verify your details before granting permanent residency.

Yukon Skilled Worker Program

Minimum Requirements:

• Possess the education and experience needed for the offered position (at least a high school diploma).
• Have at least one year of relevant work experience.
• Hold a valid work permit if you are currently in Canada.
• Must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements.
• Employer must satisfy additional program conditions.

How the process works:

• The Yukon employer must first advertise the position locally and nationally to confirm no Canadian worker is available.
• If eligible, the employer extends a full-time, permanent job offer.
• Both parties complete the necessary forms, and the employer submits the YNP application.
• Upon approval, the territory issues a nomination certificate.
• You may then apply for a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) and permanent residence with IRCC.
• You can begin working in Yukon while your PR application is processed. Once all background checks (security, medical, and criminality) are cleared, you’ll become a permanent resident of Canada.

Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have a permanent, full-time job offers from a Yukon employer.
• Should hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least six months of related work experience is mandatory.
• Must meet the minimum English or French language standards.
• Employer must satisfy specific program eligibility criteria.

Process:

• Secure a job offer from a Yukon employer who has demonstrated the unavailability of Canadian candidates.
• Both you and the employer complete the required YNP documentation.
• After submission, the territorial authorities review and approve the application.
• Once nominated, you can apply for a temporary work permit and permanent residency with IRCC.
• This allows you to work in Yukon while awaiting your PR approval.

Business Nominee Program

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 65 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid.
• Minimum 10 points for language skills on the same grid.
• Minimum IELTS Level 6 (English) or TEF Level 4 (French).
• At least three years of business management or entrepreneurial experience.
• A minimum of five years of experience relevant to the proposed business.
• Minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (verified by a Yukon accounting firm).
• At least CAD $300,000 in liquid assets (verified).
• Must prove that all assets were obtained legally.
• Must submit a Resettlement Plan showing intent to live in Yukon permanently.
• Must actively own and manage a business in the territory.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Confirm your eligibility for the Business Nominee Program and submit your initial application online.
• Once approved in principle, prepare and submit a detailed Business Plan outlining your proposed operations.
• Demonstrate a minimum investment of CAD $300,000 and ownership of at least one-third of the business.
• Apply for a temporary work permit to move to Yukon and begin business operations.
• Upon arrival, meet with a Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP) representative.
• Fulfill all program obligations during your first and second year of business operation.
• If all conditions are satisfied, the YBNP will support your permanent residence application with the federal government.
• Ensure your work permit remains valid until you officially become a permanent resident.

Yukon Community Pilot (YCP)

The Yukon Community Pilot offers a special work permit that allows nominees to work for multiple employers within a single participating Yukon community.

Program Duration: January 2020 – June 2023

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be nominated by Yukon for permanent residence.
• Must have two or three valid job offers within the same participating community.
• Must possess a letter of support from the Yukon government.
• Must meet federal work permit eligibility standards.

Your combined jobs must total at least 30 hours per week, be non-seasonal, and meet the territory’s minimum wage standards. Your employment history should demonstrate the ability to perform the job duties offered.

Application Steps:

• Ensure you have been officially nominated by Yukon for permanent residence.
• Obtain a signed support letter from the territorial government confirming the legitimacy and urgency of your job offers.
• Submit your federal work permit application along with the nomination and support letters.
• Once approved, your work permit allows you to work for up to three employers in the designated community.
• The work permit is valid for two years and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Participating Communities Include:

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