Yukon nominee candidates to receive work permits from IRCC

On Wednesday, October 1, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced an exciting new temporary measure that will benefit up to 215 candidates from the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). This initiative aims to provide work permits to eligible foreign nationals, allowing them to continue working legally in Yukon while they await the processing of their permanent residency applications through the YNP.

This new measure is a significant development for many individuals who have chosen Yukon as their home. With the work permits in hand, candidates can contribute to the local economy and provide much-needed labor to various sectors while their applications for permanent residency are evaluated.

To qualify for these new work permits, foreign nationals must meet specific criteria:

1. Employment with a Yukon Employer: Candidates must be currently employed by a Yukon employer and have legal work status.
2. Application to the YNP: They must have submitted an application to the Yukon Nominee Program.
3. Government Support: The application should be backed by the Government of Yukon.
4. Expectation of Permanent Residency: Candidates need to show that they are likely to obtain permanent residency in either 2025 or 2026.
5. Adherence to Program Requirements: All other program criteria must also be met.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address the labour market needs of provinces across Canada and to help temporary residents transition into permanent residency more efficiently. In September, the IRCC unveiled a temporary policy that offers open work permits to specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, further emphasizing its commitment to support regional labor markets.

The overarching goal of these measures is to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada as a percentage of the overall population. Currently, temporary residents make up about 6.5% of Canada’s population, and the government aims to decrease this figure to 5% by 2027. This strategic shift is part of a larger effort to create a more balanced immigration system that prioritizes permanent residency.

Before implementing the Yukon work permits, the IRCC had introduced similar measures for the Alberta and Manitoba Provincial Nominee Programs, highlighting the government's focus on creating pathways for skilled workers to remain in Canada permanently.

On September 18, Minister Miller also revealed plans to scale back several temporary resident programs. These adjustments are expected to lead to significant reductions over the next three years:

• 300,000 fewer study permit holders
• 175,000 fewer post-graduation work permits (PGWPs)
• 150,000 fewer spousal work permits

These changes reflect the government’s commitment to fine-tuning the immigration system to better meet the needs of the economy and local communities.

Looking ahead, the IRCC is expected to release its annual Levels Plan on November 1. This plan will outline immigration targets for the upcoming year and provide provisional targets for the following two years. There is a sense of anticipation surrounding this year's plan, as it will be the first to include specific targets for temporary resident levels, indicating a shift in focus for the government's immigration strategy.

The recent announcement by Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding work permits for Yukon Nominee Program candidates represents a significant step forward in supporting the local economy and enhancing the immigration process. This initiative is expected to not only provide immediate relief for foreign workers in Yukon but also play a crucial role in the long-term strategy for immigration in Canada.