The Government of Yukon has announced that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has granted an additional 67 allocations for the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) for 2025, bringing the total number of nominee allocations to 282 for this year.
This increase in yearly target comes as a direct result of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing advocacy to IRCC on behalf of Yukon employers, showing the territory’s commitment to meeting local labour market needs through strategic immigration.
Relief After Major Allocation Cuts
The additional allocations provide welcome relief after IRCC informed the Yukon in January 2025 of a 50% reduction in nominee program allocations for the year.
Prior to this increase, Yukon’s nominee allocation for 2025 was only 215 allocations, making these additional 67 allocations particularly valuable for employers and prospective immigrants.
New Invitations Coming Soon
The increase allows the YNP to invite more employers from the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool to apply. Additionally, due to withdrawals from the first round of invitations, 13 invitations can be reissued, meaning the Government of Yukon has 80 new invitations to apply being sent out in August 2025.
Invitations will be sent in the coming weeks, and employers who are invited to submit an application should note that the information provided during the EOI intake will be subject to verification.
AVOID RISK AND STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION
2025 Priority Areas Drive Selection
In April 2025, the YNP ran an EOI intake where employers submitted basic information about the foreign workers they wished to nominate. The program received just over 500 eligible submissions, with almost 400 of those aligning with the established priorities.
For 2025, employers from the EOI pool are being selected to submit a full YNP application if their candidate fell into one or more of the following priority areas as of April 22, 2025, when the EOI intake closed:
- Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in the Yukon for at least one year
- Yukon University graduates
- Francophone or French-speaking candidates
- Recipients of a Temporary Measure Letter of Support, as indicated by their employer in their Expression of Interest form
Given the high volume of applications aligning with these priorities, the department is unable to undertake a rolling assessment of further candidates who may become eligible for the priority areas throughout the year.
Impact on Canadian Immigrants
IRCC strike is expected to have an impact on many Canadians who rely on government services, such as the processing of applications for citizenship, passports, and other Canadian immigration-related services.
While the government has promised to prioritize benefit payments, including the Canada Child Benefit, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Veterans’ income support, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments, disruptions, and delays are still expected.
It is recommended that Canadians seeking government services during the strike should check the relevant government websites for up-to-date information on service disruptions and alternative options.
Special Healthcare Allocation Available
There are 10 allocations available specifically for regulated health care positions until September 30, 2025. Employers seeking to apply to the program for one of these positions may apply at any time and can contact the YNP for more information. After this date, these allocations will be redistributed to the EOI pool to ensure the program can use all its allocations by the end of the year.
Express of Interest (EOI) Period
The intake period for the Expression of Interest opened on March 21, 2025, and closed on April 22, 2025. Moving to an Expression of Interest model is consistent with other jurisdictions in Canada, as the Government of Yukon works to adapt to the changing immigration landscape across the country.
This approach allows the Government of Yukon to invite employers to submit applications for foreign nationals that align with the 2025 priorities, rather than relying on a first come, first serve approach.
Application Processing Summary
Initial Allocation Management
Carry-over applications received in a previous year and up until January 22, 2025 were reviewed and 54 applications were processed, leaving 161 nominations remaining
10 spaces for positions in regulated healthcare positions were set aside until September 30, 2025, leaving 151 nominations available
May 2025 Invitation Round
Between May 23 and May 27, 2025, 153 invitations to apply were issued, composed of:
- 19 (2024 Temporary Measure Letter of Support)
- 54 (2025 Temporary Measure Letter of Support)
- 78 applicants aligning with other priorities
- 2 for positions in regulated healthcare positions
Withdrawals and Current Status
From the 153 invitations sent out, 10 were withdrawn by the employer and 3 were withdrawn by the department, creating availability for the current round of 80 new invitations.
MAKE YOUR CANADIAN DREAM A REALITY
Need Help?
These additional allocations represent great opportunities for foreign nationals who meet Yukon’s priority criteria. The territory’s successful advocacy efforts demonstrate its commitment to supporting both employers and skilled workers in building sustainable communities.
For candidates who submitted through the EOI process and meet the priority areas, this news creates real pathways to Canadian permanent residence through the Yukon Nominee Program.
Contact ELAAR Immigration today to assess your eligibility for the Yukon Nominee Program and explore your immigration options.
