In a positive development for both employers and aspiring immigrants, Yukon has secured 67 additional nomination allocations for the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) this year. This increase brings the territory’s total to 282 nomination spaces in 2025, up from the original 215 set by the federal government after it reduced overall PNP allocations by 50%.
The announcement was officially published on the Government of Yukon’s website on August 21, 2025, and marks a significant win for employers who have been requesting more capacity to bring in international talent.
What This Means for Yukon Immigration in 2025
The additional spaces will allow Yukon to continue inviting skilled foreign workers through its provincial immigration streams, creating opportunities for both local employers and international applicants.
With the new allotment, the territory now has 80 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) available to issue in August 2025, following processing of earlier applications, ITAs already sent, and 13 ITA withdrawals.
Yukon’s Advocacy for More Immigration Spots
Throughout 2025, the territory actively lobbied the federal government for enhanced nomination allocations to better serve employer needs. As the local labour market continues to demand skilled talent in healthcare, trades, and Francophone communities, Yukon pressed for more space to ensure businesses could maintain operations and grow.
In March 2025, the YNP transitioned to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, quickly receiving over 500 submissions from employers wanting to nominate foreign nationals. This demonstrated both the overwhelming demand for workers and strong employer participation in Yukon’s immigration initiatives.
Yukon PNP Priorities for ITAs
The EOI intake period (March 31 to April 22, 2025) revealed that nearly 400 submissions matched key provincial priorities, including:
- Applicants who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year
- Graduates of Yukon post-secondary institutions
- Francophone candidates, to boost Yukon’s bilingual workforce
- Applicants who received a Temporary Measure Letter of Support (enabling them to apply for a special Yukon work permit)
These groups remain at the forefront of Yukon’s immigration strategy as the territory focuses on retaining talent, strengthening Francophone immigration, and supporting critical workforce demands.
ITAs Issued So Far in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the ITAs issued through the YNP in 2025:
- 54 carry-over applications from 2024 processed (as of January 22, 2025) → Left 161 spaces remaining
- 153 ITAs issued between May 23–27, 2025:
- 19 for 2024 Temporary Measure Letter of Support recipients
- 54 for 2025 Temporary Measure Letter of Support recipients
- 78 aligned with other priorities (Graduates, Francophones, long-term Yukon residents)
- 2 professionals in regulated healthcare sectors
After 13 withdrawals, Yukon confirmed it has 80 ITAs available moving into late August.
Additionally, 10 spaces are reserved for regulated healthcare workers until September 20, 2025. Employers filling these roles are encouraged to connect with the YNP before that deadline.
About the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
The Yukon Nominee Program is the primary pathway for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence through a Yukon employer. To qualify, a candidate must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a recognized employer in the territory and meet all eligibility requirements.
The YNP currently offers the following streams:
- Critical Impact Worker Stream – For candidates with job offers under TEER 4 or 5 (entry-level and semi-skilled roles).
- Skilled Worker Stream – For candidates with job offers under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Express Entry Stream – Linked to the federal Express Entry system.
- Yukon Community Program Pilot – Now closed.
Yukon also runs the Yukon Business Nominee Program, designed for entrepreneurs wishing to invest in and operate businesses in the territory.
The Path to Permanent Residency
Once an employer receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they can submit a nomination application for a foreign worker. Upon approval:
- The employer, candidate, and Government of Yukon sign a Tri-Partite Agreement (TPA).
- The nominee can then apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent residence within six months.
This provides a clear, employer-backed PR pathway for foreign nationals to build a future in Yukon.
Final Thoughts
With 282 total PNP spots in 2025, the Yukon Nominee Program is now better positioned to address ongoing labour shortages while giving international workers an opportunity to settle permanently in the territory.
Employers will especially benefit from easier access to talent, and qualified candidates—especially Francophones, healthcare workers, and Yukon graduates—will find greater chances of receiving an invitation this year.
For anyone interested in immigrating to Canada’s North, Yukon continues to be an attractive destination with rising nomination opportunities and a clear path to permanent residency.
