Yukon to introduce intake periods for Nominee Program in 2025

The Yukon government is introducing an intake-based approach for its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) starting in 2025. This significant shift means that the program will accept a limited number of applications during specific intake periods. Once the program reaches its cap for a particular intake, it will stop accepting further applications until the next intake period.

The first intake for 2025 will begin on January 29. During this initial period, the program will accept a maximum of 125 applications for nominations to the YNP. Following this, the program anticipates holding quarterly intake periods, though the specific schedule for future intakes has not been confirmed. The number of applications accepted may also vary depending on the nominations allocated to Yukon by the Canadian federal government. In fact, Yukon has already requested an increase in its nomination allocations for 2025.

Before this change, the YNP did not have a set schedule or limits for accepting applications. It allowed applicants to submit their nomination requests at any time throughout the year. However, in 2024, the program saw an overwhelming number of applications, which far exceeded the territory’s allocation of nominations. As a result, the YNP temporarily halted accepting applications from employers in Whitehorse, the capital and largest city of Yukon.

The new intake system is designed to better manage the demand for nominations and ensure that the program can process applications effectively. By having a fixed number of applications in each intake, the YNP aims to provide a more streamlined process for both employers and foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada.

The YNP is the primary program through which Yukon issues territorial nominations. These nominations enable foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The program is employer-driven, meaning that an employer and their foreign worker must jointly apply for the nomination. Once nominated, the foreign national can submit an application to the Canadian federal government to become a permanent resident of Canada.

The program has proven to be an essential tool for addressing labour shortages in the region. By prioritizing specific sectors and industries in need of workers, the YNP helps ensure that Yukon remains a competitive and thriving area in Canada’s economy. The changes introduced in 2025 will likely help improve the efficiency of the process and better align it with the needs of both local employers and immigrants seeking permanent residence.