The Government of Yukon has announced a temporary pause on the intake of Whitehorse-based applications for the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). This significant decision aims to streamline efforts and manage the current volume of submissions. While this suspension affects Whitehorse, the program continues to accept applications from nominees in Yukon’s rural communities.

Why the Pause?

Effective immediately, the pause on Whitehorse-based applications is a proactive measure to handle the high volume of submissions. From January 1 to May 6, 2024, the Yukon Nominee Program received 590 applications. With only 107 processed, 483 applications are still pending. This number exceeds the 430-nominee allocation set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Yukon in 2024. By temporarily halting new applications from Whitehorse, the government can focus on processing existing ones and reduce delays.

What Does This Mean for Rural Yukon?

Despite the pause in Whitehorse, the Yukon Nominee Program remains crucial for the territory’s rural communities. Recognizing the unique challenges these areas face in hiring workers, the government continues to accept applications from these regions. This ensures that local businesses can meet their labour needs and maintain essential operations. The prioritization criteria will stay the same, helping businesses relying on the program to function smoothly.

Current Application Status

To better understand the current state of the Yukon Nominee Program, let’s look at some key figures:

• Applications Received (Jan 1 – May 6, 2024): 590
• Processed Nominations: 107
• Pending Applications: 483
• Nominee Allocation for 2024: 430

This pause allows the government to allocate resources efficiently, aiming for a sustainable and effective immigration process.

Processing Times and Prioritization

The typical processing time for a Yukon Nominee Program application is between 12 to 14 weeks. However, this varies based on application volume and complexity. Currently, the average processing time is 89 days. Prioritization criteria, as posted on Yukon.ca, remain:

• Current work permit holders with approaching expiration dates
• Visitor visa holders already in Canada
• Work permit holders with a permit expiring within a year
• Individuals outside Canada

This structured approach ensures that those in urgent need of processing are attended to promptly.

Looking Forward

The Government of Yukon aims to resume Whitehorse-based application intake by 2025. This pause is not a halt to Yukon’s immigration efforts but a step towards a more efficient process. The Yukon Nominee Program remains a vital tool for businesses to expand their workforce and for newcomers to make Yukon their home. The government continues to support essential initiatives to meet the needs of the territory and build a robust economy.