The Yukon government is implementing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) in 2025. This change aims to strategically manage the limited number of nominations available due to a 50% reduction in allocations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allowing only 215 nominations for the year.
Under the new system, employers seeking to nominate foreign workers must submit an EOI between March 31, 2025, at 9:00 am and April 22, 2025, at 4:30 pm Yukon Standard Time. The EOI process replaces the previous first-come, first-served approach, enabling the government to prioritize candidates who align with specific criteria:
- – Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year
– Graduates from Yukon University
– Francophone or French-speaking individuals.
- – Recipients of Temporary Measure Letters of Support
The Government of Yukon has introduced a temporary measure allowing foreign nationals with expiring work permits to request a letter of support. This letter enables them to apply for a Yukon-specific work permit valid for up to two years through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Application Period and Eligibility Criteria
The intake period for this initiative began on March 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM and will close on April 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM Yukon Standard Time. To be eligible, applicants must have had valid work authorization as of May 16, 2024, be currently residing and working in Yukon, and have an employer planning to nominate them for permanent residency under the Yukon Nominee Program in 2025 or 2026.
Application Process
Eligible individuals can request the letter of support by completing the Temporary Measure Letter of Support request form available on the Yukon government’s website.
This temporary measure is part of Yukon’s efforts to support foreign workers transitioning to permanent residency, especially in light of recent changes to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). The YNP has shifted to an Expression of Interest system, prioritizing applicants who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year, are Yukon University graduates, are Francophone or French-speaking, or are recipients of temporary measure letters of support.
These priorities were established in consultation with industry organizations and the Yukon business community to ensure the program meets local labor market needs effectively. The EOI system is designed to manage the high demand for nominations transparently and strategically, reflecting both government priorities and employer requirements.
Employers with existing applications from 2024 are not required to submit a new EOI; however, the 2025 priorities will apply to these carry-over applications. The Department of Economic Development will contact these employers with further information.
