Situated in the remote northwest of Canada, Yukon holds a legendary place in the nation’s history. Best known for the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, the territory is now home to around 30,000 residents, most of whom live in the capital, Whitehorse. Yukon’s economy is largely driven by mining and tourism, making it an appealing destination for those who appreciate tight-knit communities and the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Skilled workers with experience in high-demand fields may be eligible for a provincial nomination through the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), the territory’s official immigration pathway.
Overview of the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has been operating since 2002, serving as a key immigration pathway for individuals looking to settle in Yukon. The program helps address the territory’s labor market needs by attracting skilled workers and businesspersons with the qualifications necessary to contribute to Yukon’s economy.
Although Yukon welcomes only a few hundred immigrants per year, this accounts for nearly one percent of its total population, which recently surpassed 40,000 residents.
YNP Immigration Streams
Yukon offers one enhanced immigration stream and multiple base streams:
- Enhanced Stream: Yukon Express Entry (YEE), which is aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system.
- Base Streams: Skilled Worker, Critical Impact Worker, Business Nominee, and the Yukon Community Pilot.
Enhanced streams provide faster processing times (typically six months or less), while base streams, which are not aligned with Express Entry, may take 12 months or longer.
Yukon Immigration Categories
Prospective immigrants can apply under the following five categories:
- Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
- Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker
- Business Nominee
- Yukon Community Pilot
Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
- Job Offer Required: Yes
- Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
- Minimum Requirements:
- Must qualify under one of Canada’s three economic immigration programs.
- Must have an Express Entry profile.
- Must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and family members.
- Must have a valid full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer.
- Must intend to live and work in Yukon.
Yukon Skilled Worker Program
- Job Offer Required: Yes
- Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
- Minimum Requirements:
- Must have the required education and work experience (minimum high school diploma).
- Must have at least one year of work experience relevant to the position.
- Must have a valid work permit if already in Canada.
- Must meet minimum language requirements.
- Employer must meet additional requirements.
Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program
- Job Offer Required: Yes
- Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
- Minimum Requirements:
- Must have a permanent, full-time job offer.
- Must have at least six months of relevant work experience.
- Must meet minimum language requirements in English or French.
- Employer must meet additional requirements.
Business Nominee Program
- Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
- Minimum Requirements:
- Must score at least 65 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid.
- Must have a minimum of 10 points for language ability.
- Must have at least three years of business management experience.
- Must possess a minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (verified by a Yukon accounting firm).
- Must have at least CAD $300,000 in liquid assets.
- Must submit a Resettlement Plan and intend to settle in Yukon permanently.
Yukon Community Pilot (YCP)
- Job Offer Required: Yes (2 or 3 job offers in the same participating community)
- Processing Time: Varies
- Minimum Requirements:
- Must be nominated by Yukon.
- Must have job offers totaling at least 30 hours per week.
- Jobs must be non-seasonal and meet or exceed minimum wage requirements.
Participating Communities:
- Whitehorse
- Watson Lake
- Dawson City
- Haines Junction
- Carmacks
- Carcross
The Yukon Nominee Program offers multiple pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and community-focused individuals to immigrate to the territory. Each category has specific requirements and benefits, making it essential for applicants to choose the best fit for their experience and goals.
