Why Apply for Yukon PNP?

To apply for the Yukon Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must first determine which stream aligns with your qualifications, such as the Skilled Worker, International Graduate, or Entrepreneur Stream. Depending on the stream, you will either need a job offer from a Yukon employer or meet other specific criteria, such as having relevant work experience or educational qualifications. The first step involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. If your profile is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving the ITA, you need to submit a full application with supporting documents such as language test results and proof of funds. If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination. With the nomination, you can then apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.

The eligibility criteria for the Yukon PNP depend on the stream you are applying for, but general requirements include:

• Job offer from a Yukon employer (for many streams).
• Relevant work experience in high-demand occupations such as healthcare, skilled trades, and technology.
• Language proficiency in English or French, typically assessed through IELTS or CLB tests.
• A minimum of high school education or higher (some streams may prefer a post-secondary degree).
• Demonstrating financial stability to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Yukon.
• Adaptability factors like family ties or previous work experience in Yukon can improve your chances.
• Each stream may have additional specific criteria, such as entrepreneurial experience or graduating from a Yukon institution.

​The Yukon PNP has several key requirements depending on the stream you are applying to. Common requirements include:

• Job Offer: Most streams, including the Skilled Worker and Critical Impact Worker streams, require a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Yukon.
• Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience in an occupation that is in demand in the region.
• Language Proficiency: You must provide proof of proficiency in English or French through language tests like IELTS or CLB.
• Education: A minimum of high school education is required, though higher education may be preferred for certain streams.
• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival.
• Adaptability: Ties to Yukon, such as family or prior work experience, may be an advantage.

​​The processing time for the Yukon PNP can vary based on the stream and the volume of applications. Typically, the processing time for the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams is 6 to 9 months, while the Critical Impact Worker Stream takes about 4 to 6 months. The Entrepreneur Stream may take 12 to 18 months due to the complexity of business evaluations and assessments. For applicants under the Express Entry Stream, the processing time aligns with the Express Entry processing timelines, typically around 6 to 8 months. Processing times can also be influenced by the completeness of your application and the volume of applications being processed at the time.

While the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is mainly used for the Express Entry program, applicants to the Yukon PNP Express Entry Stream must have a valid Express Entry profile and meet the criteria set by the federal Express Entry system. The minimum CRS score for Express Entry varies based on the Federal Express Entry draws and is typically in the range of 430 to 470 points. However, Yukon has its own criteria for PNP streams like Skilled Worker and Critical Impact Worker that may not require a CRS score but instead focus on meeting specific labor needs.

Yes, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or an equivalent language proficiency test is typically required for applicants to the Yukon PNP, especially under streams like the Skilled Worker Stream and Express Entry Stream. Language proficiency in English or French is essential for applicants to prove their ability to integrate into the Yukon labor market. The required scores may vary by stream, but applicants usually need a minimum of CLB 5 for lower-skilled jobs and CLB 7 or higher for higher-skilled positions. Language proficiency is a key factor in ensuring successful settlement and employment in Yukon.

Once you are nominated through the Yukon PNP and receive permanent residency, you are expected to live and work in Yukon as part of your settlement commitment. However, after obtaining Canadian permanent residency, there is no legal obligation to stay in the province that nominated you. IRCC may inquire about your intentions, especially if you plan to move to another province soon after arrival. While you can technically move to another province, doing so shortly after receiving permanent residency may raise questions, especially if the move affects your long-term settlement plans in Yukon. It is advisable to follow the settlement expectations to avoid complications with your permanent residency.

The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is an employer-driven immigration program run by the Government of Yukon in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It helps Yukon address its labour market needs by allowing employers to nominate foreign workers for permanent residence. To qualify, applicants usually need a full-time, year-round job offer from an eligible Yukon employer. Once nominated by Yukon, candidates can then apply to IRCC for permanent residence. The program ensures that job vacancies are advertised locally first and that both employers and applicants meet all eligibility requirements.

The eligibility criteria for the Yukon PNP varies by stream, but the general requirements include:

• Job offer: A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Yukon employer.
• Language skills: Minimum English or French proficiency, usually proven through approved language tests.
• Education: Qualifications equivalent to Canadian standards at least a high school diploma for entry-level roles, and higher education for skilled positions.
• Work experience: Relevant work experience ranging from six months to several years, depending on the stream.
• Admissibility: Applicants must not be inadmissible to Canada on medical, security, or criminal grounds.
• Legal status: If applying from within Canada, candidates must maintain valid legal status during the application process.

The Yukon PNP offers several streams tailored to different job types and applicant profiles:

• Critical Impact Worker Stream: For entry-level or semi-skilled jobs (TEER 4 or 5), requiring at least six months of relevant experience.
• Skilled Worker Stream: For more specialized or managerial jobs (TEER 0–3), requiring higher education and longer work experience.
• Express Entry Stream: For candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool who also have a Yukon job offer in TEER 0–3.
• Yukon Community Program: For workers employed in designated Yukon communities, offering more flexibility in job arrangements.

Yes, a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Yukon employer is mandatory for almost all worker streams under the Yukon PNP. This includes the Critical Impact Worker, Skilled Worker, and Express Entry streams. Even in the Yukon Community Program, applicants must have full-time job offers from employers based in participating communities. Without a valid job offer, candidates are generally not eligible for nomination under the Yukon PNP.

The processing time for Yukon PNP applications varies depending on the stream, the volume of applications, and the completeness of the documents submitted. On average, Skilled Worker and Critical Impact Worker applications take around 12 to 14 weeks once a complete application is received. After nomination, applicants must still apply to IRCC for permanent residence, which has its own processing times. Delays can occur if applications are incomplete or if additional information is requested.

The Yukon government does not charge a provincial application fee for the worker streams under the Yukon PNP. However, applicants must still pay for associated costs such as language tests, medical exams, police certificates, and the federal processing fees required by IRCC for permanent residence applications. Employers also have obligations, such as advertising the position locally and ensuring fair wages, and in some cases may cover costs like initial health insurance or travel for nominees.

The Yukon Community Pilot, now known as the Yukon Community Program, is a special stream designed to support workforce needs in smaller Yukon communities. It allows foreign workers to be nominated for permanent residence while working in designated towns across Yukon. Under this program, workers can sometimes hold multiple job offers, provided the total hours meet the full-time requirement. Job offers must still be year-round and permanent, and the applicant must be committed to living and working in the community. The program helps ensure regional economic growth and supports communities that face challenges attracting and retaining workers.