The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has received an increase in allocations for 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granting an additional 67 nominations. This raises the total allocation to 282 nominees for the year, giving the territory greater capacity to address labour shortages and attract skilled talent.
Earlier this year, Yukon faced a setback when IRCC reduced its allocations by 50%, dropping its 2025 quota to just 215. The latest increase is therefore a significant relief for employers and newcomers alike. More spaces mean more opportunities for:
- Employers to fill urgent skill gaps.
- Foreign nationals to secure a pathway to permanent residency.
- The territory to strengthen key sectors, from healthcare to community-based industries.
Priority Areas for Yukon Nominee Program 2025
YNP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) intake, held in April 2025, drew over 500 eligible submissions, of which nearly 400 matched priority categories. Invitations are being issued to candidates who meet one or more of the following:
- Foreign nationals with at least one year of work experience in Yukon.
- Graduates of Yukon University.
- Francophone or French-speaking applicants.
- Recipients of a Temporary Measure Letter of Support (indicated by their employer in the EOI).
Healthcare Allocations
Healthcare remains a critical focus. Ten allocations have been specifically reserved for regulated healthcare positions until 30 September 2025. After this date, unused spaces will be redirected to the general pool to ensure maximum utilisation of the year’s quota. This targeted approach highlights Yukon’s strategy to balance general labour needs with urgent gaps in healthcare.
Quick Facts About YNP Allocations in 2025
Timeline | Allocations / Invitations |
January 2025 | 50% cut by IRCC – allocations reduced to 215 |
April 2025 | Over 500 EOIs submitted; 400+ matched priorities |
May 2025 | 153 invitations issued (including 2 in healthcare) |
August 2025 | 80 new invitations planned |
Total after August 2025 | 282 allocations available (including 67 new spaces) |
What This Means for Employers and Applicants
- Employers: With added allocations, more businesses can bring in skilled workers to address labour shortages. Employers are encouraged to act quickly, particularly in healthcare and priority sectors.
- Applicants: Candidates who submitted EOIs this spring and fall under priority categories have improved chances of receiving invitations. However, the system remains competitive due to high demand.
- Policy Direction: Shifting to an EOI model ensures that nominations are based on Yukon’s economic needs rather than a “first-come, first-served” approach.
The increase in allocations strengthens Yukon’s position as a welcoming region for skilled newcomers and offers fresh hope for both employers and applicants. By targeting priority workers, Francophones, and healthcare professionals, the Yukon Nominee Program is aligning its immigration strategy with the territory’s real economic and social needs. For foreign nationals and employers alike, this expansion of the YNP allocation is an opportunity to build stronger futures in one of Canada’s most dynamic regions.
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