The Government of Yukon has announced an extension of its agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to support foreign nationals with expiring work permits. This measure aims to provide stability to workers in the Yukon and assist them in their transition to permanent residency under the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
Extended Work Permit Eligibility
Foreign nationals who were living and working in the Yukon as of May 16, 2024, and have work permits that expired since January 1, 2025, or are set to expire before December 31, 2025, can apply for a Yukon-specific work permit. This permit will be valid for up to two years, offering continued employment opportunities while they await nomination under the YNP.
Employers must plan to nominate these workers for permanent residency in 2025 or 2026 for them to qualify. If eligible, applicants will receive a letter of support from the Government of Yukon to include in their work permit application to IRCC.
Application Process and Deadline
The intake period for requesting a temporary measure letter of support opens on March 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM Yukon Standard Time (YST) and closes on April 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM YST.
Applicants can find detailed requirements and submission instructions on the Yukon government’s official webpage. The request form will be available once the intake period begins.
Reduced YNP Allocations and Future Considerations
In January 2025, IRCC informed the Yukon government of a 50% reduction in YNP nominee allocations for the year. With the federal government prioritizing immigration level stabilization, this reduction is expected to continue. As a result, fewer foreign nationals will have the opportunity to gain permanent residency through the YNP annually.
Given these changes, workers with expiring permits in 2025 who intend to apply for the YNP should consider submitting their support request as soon as possible to secure their status in Canada.
YNP Intake for 2025
The Yukon Department of Economic Development is finalizing the YNP intake approach for 2025, incorporating feedback from industry organizations. The objective is to align the program with labour market needs while ensuring foreign workers have a viable path to remain in the territory. Further details on the updated process will be announced soon.
Key Takeaways
- Eligible foreign nationals can apply for a Yukon-specific work permit valid for up to two years.
- The application period runs from March 19, 2025, to April 2, 2025.
- IRCC has reduced Yukon’s nominee allocations by 50%for 2025.
- The Yukon government is working with industry groups to adapt the YNP for the changing immigration landscape.
This initiative reflects the government’s efforts to retain foreign workers who play a critical role in Yukon’s economy. Applicants should act promptly to secure their eligibility under this temporary measure before the deadline. By extending this temporary measure, Yukon is providing essential support to foreign workers and businesses relying on skilled labour. Eligible individuals should take advantage of this opportunity to secure their status and continue contributing to the local economy. For the latest updates on immigration policies and work permit options, visit ImmigCanada today.
Leave a Reply