Yukon, located in northwestern Canada, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant indigenous cultures, and growing economy fueled by mining, tourism, and small businesses. Despite its relatively small population, Yukon sometimes faces labor shortages, especially in its smaller and rural communities. To attract foreign workers and help fill these gaps, Yukon offers an accessible immigration route called the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
If you’re a skilled or semi-skilled worker looking for an easier way to move to Canada, the Yukon Nominee Program could be your perfect opportunity.
1. What is the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)?
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is a provincial immigration program operated through a partnership between the Government of Yukon and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows Yukon employers to sponsor qualified foreign workers and support them in obtaining Canadian permanent residence.
YNP is employer-driven — meaning you must have a job offer from a Yukon employer before applying.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
2. Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) Streams
There are several pathways under the YNP for different types of workers:
a) Yukon Skilled Worker Program
Designed for foreign workers who have specialized skills needed in Yukon.
Requirements:
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Full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer.
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Job must be classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
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At least one year of relevant work experience (within the last 10 years).
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Educational qualifications matching the job requirements (minimum post-secondary diploma or degree, depending on the job).
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Language proficiency:
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English or French: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
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Valid immigration status if already in Canada.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
b) Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program
This stream is for workers filling semi-skilled or entry-level positions in high demand.
Requirements:
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Full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer.
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Job classified under NOC TEER 4 or 5.
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At least six months of relevant work experience.
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Minimum education: completion of high school (or equivalent).
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Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
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Must show genuine intention to settle in Yukon permanently.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
c) Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
If you already have a valid Express Entry profile, Yukon can nominate you for faster processing through this specialized stream.
Requirements:
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Meet the eligibility for one of the three federal Express Entry streams:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
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Canadian Experience Class
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Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Yukon employer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
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Be accepted into the federal Express Entry pool.
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Satisfy the settlement funds requirement as per IRCC rules.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
d) Yukon Community Pilot (YCP) (Special Open Work Permit Program)
The Yukon Community Pilot is an innovative program that allows you to work for multiple employers in a smaller Yukon community under one work permit.
Eligible communities include:
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Whitehorse
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Watson Lake
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Dawson City
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Haines Junction
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Carmacks
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Carcross
Requirements:
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Must have two or three job offers (adding up to 30+ hours/week) from employers in the same participating Yukon community.
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All job offers must be for non-seasonal, year-round work.
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Job offers must be approved through the Yukon Nominee Program.
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Apply for a special two-year open work permit (no LMIA needed).
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
3. General Requirements to Apply for the Yukon Nominee Program
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Valid Passport.
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Job Offer from an eligible Yukon employer.
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Language Test Results (IELTS General, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada).
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada.
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Proof of Work Experience (reference letters, contracts, pay slips).
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Settlement Funds (especially if applying via Yukon Express Entry).
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Medical Exam and Police Certificates after nomination approval.
4. Employer Requirements
Yukon employers who want to hire foreign workers through the YNP must:
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Have been in active business operation for at least one year (or three years for certain critical sectors).
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Demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadians or permanent residents first (advertising locally).
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Offer wages and working conditions that meet Yukon’s labor standards.
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Assist with the newcomer’s settlement in the Yukon community.
5. Government Websites to Apply and Get More Information
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Yukon Immigration Main Page:
https://yukon.ca/en/immigration -
Federal Express Entry Portal:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/express-entry.html
