Yukon, located in the far northwest of Canada, has a rich history, including the famous Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it is home to around 30,000 people, with a growing economy in mining and tourism. The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) attracts skilled workers and businesspersons to address the territory’s labor market needs. Yukon has one enhanced stream called Yukon Express Entry, aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system, offering faster processing times. Other categories are base streams, requiring direct application to IRCC if nominated. Nominated candidates receive 600 additional CRS points, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Yukon Immigration Categories

Yukon offers five immigration options for those seeking to move to the territory:

1. Yukon Express Entry (YEE):

2. Skilled Worker:

3. Critical Impact Worker:

4. Business Nominee:

5. Yukon Community Pilot:

Yukon Express Entry

This program is designed for skilled foreign workers with a valid job offer for permanent, full-time work in Yukon. Employers in the territory can access the Express Entry pool to find suitable candidates.

Job Offer:

Required

Processing Time:

12-14 Weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Meet the requirements of one of Canada’s three economic immigration programs.
• Have an active Express Entry profile.
• Sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
• Obtain a valid, full-time, and permanent job offer from a Yukon employer.
• Intend to reside and work in Yukon.

Application Process:

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Yukon employer, demonstrating that there are no available Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.

Step 2: Prove your financial capacity to settle in Canada.

Step 3: Submit the Yukon Express Entry application form along with your employer’s support.

Step 4:  Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 5: Complete the application for permanent residence by providing all the necessary documents.

Step 6: Undergo document verification by IRCC and Yukon’s Immigration Unit.

Step 7: Once verified, you will be granted permanent residence.

Yukon Skilled Worker Program

Foreign skilled workers sponsored by a Yukon employer for Canadian permanent residence can apply under this category. The job must fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.

Job Offer:

Required

Processing Time:

12-14 Weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have the necessary education and work experience for the job (minimum high school diploma).
• Must possess at least one year of work experience relevant to the position.
• If the applicant is in Canada, a valid work permit is required.
• A valid job offer for a full-time and permanent position is essential.
• Must meet the minimum language requirements.
• Employer must meet additional requirements.

Application Process:

Step 1: The employer initiates the process by advertising the position locally and nationally within Canada to ensure no eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role.

Step 2: Once the employer selects you, they will extend a full-time and permanent job offer.

Step 3: You and the employer will complete all the necessary forms, and the employer will submit the complete application to the Yukon Nominee Program.

Step 4: After approval by the Yukon Nominee Program, your information will undergo review.

Step 5: If you are approved, the Yukon territory will nominate you.

Step 6: With the nomination, you can apply for a Temporary Work Permit from IRCC and simultaneously submit an application for permanent residence.

Step 7: While your permanent residence application is being processed, you can use the work permit to work in Yukon.

Step 8: Once you pass the security, health, and criminality checks, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.

Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program

Semi-skilled or unskilled workers in high-demand occupations in Yukon can apply if they have a valid job offer from a Yukon employer. Applicants do not need to be in Yukon when applying.

Job Offer:

Required

Processing Time:

12-14 Weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Hold a permanent full-time job offer.
• Possess the education and work experience required for the job, with a minimum high school diploma.
• Have at least six months of related work experience.
• Possess a valid work permit if already in Canada.
• Meet the minimum language requirement in English or French.
• The employer must also meet additional requirements.

Application Process:

Step 1: Obtain a job offer from a Yukon employer who has first advertised the position and demonstrated the unavailability of Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the role.

Step 2: Complete the required forms in collaboration with your employer and submit the application to the YNP (Yukon Nominee Program).

Step 3: Once the employer’s application is approved, the YNP will review your information.

Step 4:  Upon approval, you will receive a nomination from the Yukon territory, allowing you to apply for a temporary work permit and permanent residence application through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).

Step 5: After obtaining your work permit, you can travel to Canada and work in Yukon while waiting for your permanent residence application to be processed.

Business Nominee Program

Entrepreneurs with proven business experience can start a new business, partner with an existing one, or purchase and operate an existing business in Yukon. A significant investment in the Yukon-based business is required.

Processing Time:

12-14 Weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid.
• Obtain a minimum of 10 points for language ability on the Nominee Assessment Grid.
• Achieve Level 6 in the IELTS (English) or Level 4 in the TEF (French).
• Have at least three years of entrepreneurial or business management experience.
• Possess at least five years of experience relevant to the proposed business.
• Demonstrate a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (verified by a Yukon accounting firm).
• Possess at least CAD $300,000 in liquid assets (verified by a Yukon accounting firm).
• Prove that your net worth and liquid assets have been obtained through legal means.
• Submit a Resettlement Plan showing your intention to live in Yukon.
• Intend to settle in Yukon permanently and run a business in the territory.

Application Process:

Step 1: Ensure your eligibility to immigrate to Yukon and then submit your application on the Yukon website.

Step 2: Upon receiving approval in principle, submit a Business Plan outlining your strategy to establish a successful business.

Step 3: Demonstrate the CAD $300,000 investment in the business and at least one-third ownership.

Step 4: Apply for a temporary work permit to travel to Yukon and start your business.

Step 5: Upon arrival in Yukon, meet with a Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP) representative.

Step 6: Fulfill additional requirements during the first and second years in Yukon as a nominee.

Step 7: If all requirements are met during the two-year work period, the YBNP will support your application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence.

Step 8: Maintain a valid work permit until obtaining permanent residence status in Yukon.

Yukon Community Pilot

The Yukon Community Pilot is designed to assist individuals who have been provincially nominated and want to work for multiple employers in one of the participating Yukon communities. The pilot program is active from January 2020 to June 2023.

Job Offer:

Required

Processing Time:

12-14 Weeks

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be nominated by the territory of Yukon for permanent residence.
• Must have 2 or 3 eligible job offers, all located in the same participating Yukon community.
• Must obtain a signed letter of support from the Yukon government.
• Must meet the requirements for the work permit.
• The combined jobs must total at least 30 hours of work per week, be non-seasonal, and offer a wage that meets or exceeds the minimum wage.
• Your work experience must demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the jobs offered.

Application Process:

Step 1: Ensure you have received a provincial nomination from Yukon for permanent residence.

Step 2: Obtain a signed letter of support from the Yukon government, confirming the legitimacy of the job offers and the need for your immediate employment in the community. The letter should contain details such as employer names, occupation, weekly working hours, and job locations.

Step 3: Include the signed letter and a copy of the nomination letter from the Government of Yukon in your application.

Step 4: Apply online on the Canadian federal government website, based on your location.

Step 5: Upon approval, the work permit will allow you to work for up to three different employers in one of the participating Yukon communities.

Step 6: The work permit will be valid for 2 years, and your employers will not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment.