Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Yukon nominates foreign workers and entrepreneurs to fill labour needs that cannot be met by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The program is employer-driven — a Yukon employer secures a candidate and applies on their behalf — and a nomination is the first step toward permanent residence through IRCC.
282
2026 Nomination Allocation
4
Streams (3 worker + business)
No fee
Provincial Application Fee
+600
CRS Points (Express Entry)
What is the Yukon Nominee Program?
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is Yukon's economic immigration program. It allows Yukon employers to hire or retain foreign workers when no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident can be found for a position. If approved, the Government of Yukon nominates the foreign worker, who can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
The program is employer-driven: the employer submits all forms and applications, and one application is required per foreign worker. Alongside the worker streams, the Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP) offers a separate pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who will buy or start and actively manage a business in Yukon.
The Yukon Nominee Program offers the following pathways:
Critical Impact Worker — for entry-level positions (NOC TEER 4 or 5), where the Yukon employer cannot fill the role with a qualified Canadian or permanent resident.
Skilled Worker — for management or higher-skilled positions (NOC TEER 0–3) requiring more education or experience.
Express Entry — for foreign nationals already in IRCC’s federal Express Entry pool (TEER 0–3) who meet a federal economic program — a nomination adds 600 CRS points.
Yukon Business Nominee Program — for foreign entrepreneurs who will buy or start and actively manage a business in Yukon in an eligible strategic sector.
Express Entry = +600 CRS points
A nomination through the Yukon Express Entry stream adds 600 CRS points to the candidate's federal Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply from IRCC and priority permanent residence processing. This boost applies to the Express Entry stream only.
2026 Priorities & Allocation
For 2026, IRCC allocated Yukon a maximum of 282 nominations. Because demand is expected to significantly exceed available spots, Yukon ranks Expressions of Interest against the following priorities.
Regulated Health Care
Regulated health-care professionals are a top priority for nomination in 2026.
Rural Yukon Employers
Employers located in rural Yukon (outside Whitehorse) are prioritized in the ranking of Expressions of Interest.
Yukon Connection
Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year, or who are Yukon University graduates.
Francophone
Francophone or French-speaking candidates, and those who held a 2024 or 2025 Temporary Measure Letter of Support.
The Employer Expression of Interest (EOI) System
For 2026, the YNP uses an employer-submitted Expression of Interest system to manage demand against its limited allocation — a key feature to understand before applying.
2026 Significant Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Jan 19 – 30, 2026 | EOI intake #1 (closed) |
| Feb 9 – 13, 2026 | First round of invitations to apply sent |
| Feb 16 or 18, 2026 | Information session (intake #1) |
| Mar 4, 2026 | Intake #1 applications due |
| Jul 6 – 17, 2026 | EOI intake #2 (closed) |
| Aug 3 – 7, 2026 | Second round of invitations to apply sent |
| Aug 10 or 12, 2026 | Information session (intake #2) |
| Aug 26, 2026 | Intake #2 applications due |
Both 2026 EOI intakes have closed. Dates and priorities are set by the Government of Yukon and are subject to change — our RCIC monitors intake announcements so employers are ready for the next window.
YNP Streams
Yukon offers three worker streams plus the Business Nominee Program. Use the navigator below to jump to any stream and review its eligibility criteria.
Critical Impact Worker Stream
For entry-level positions in NOC TEER 4 or 5, where a Yukon employer cannot fill the role with a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The employer applies on the worker’s behalf.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | A guaranteed, full-time, year-round job offer from an eligible Yukon employer in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation that meets the economic demand and other nomination criteria. |
| Work experience | At least 6 months of full-time relevant work experience within the 10-year period before the YNP application. |
| Language | Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in each ability. Original results from a designated testing organization, less than 2 years old. |
| Education | At minimum a high school diploma (or Canadian equivalency), plus any higher education required for the position or NOC. |
| Status | Valid and maintained temporary resident status if in Canada at the time of application; must not be a refugee claimant. |
| Intent | Intend to live in Yukon and apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months of starting work. |
Skilled Worker Stream
For management or higher-skilled positions in NOC TEER 0–3 that require more education or experience. The employer applies on the worker’s behalf.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | A guaranteed, full-time, year-round job offer from an eligible Yukon employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation that meets the economic demand and other nomination criteria. |
| Work experience | At least 12 months of full-time relevant work experience within the 10-year period before the YNP application. |
| Language | CLB 6 for TEER 0–1 positions; CLB 5 for TEER 2–3. Original results from a designated testing organization, less than 2 years old. |
| Education | At minimum a high school diploma (or Canadian equivalency), plus any higher education required for the position or NOC. |
| Status | Valid and maintained temporary resident status if in Canada at the time of application; must not be a refugee claimant. |
| Intent | Intend to live in Yukon and apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months of starting work. |
Yukon Express Entry Stream
For foreign nationals already accepted into IRCC’s federal Express Entry pool, hired by a Yukon employer for a TEER 0–3 position. The candidate must qualify under a federal economic immigration program.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Federal program | Must meet the requirements of at least one federal Express Entry program: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, or Federal Skilled Trades. |
| Express Entry profile | A valid, active profile in IRCC’s Express Entry pool (with a profile number). |
| Job offer | A full-time job offer from a Yukon employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. |
| Work experience | At least 6 months of relevant work experience. |
| Language | CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 positions; CLB 5 for TEER 2–3. Original results from a designated testing organization, less than 2 years old. |
| Education | At minimum a high school diploma, plus the education required for the applicable TEER. |
| Intent | Intend to permanently live in Yukon; maintain legal status throughout the application if in Canada. |
+600 CRS Points
A nomination under the Yukon Express Entry stream adds 600 CRS points to the candidate’s federal Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply from IRCC. Permanent residence is then typically processed within about 6 months. The 600-point boost applies to the Express Entry stream only — not the Skilled Worker or Critical Impact Worker streams.
Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)
For foreign business owners and entrepreneurs who will buy or start, and actively manage, a business in Yukon in an eligible strategic sector. Unlike the worker streams, the entrepreneur applies directly (there is no employer). Applications are scored on an assessment point grid.
You must score at least 65 points on the assessment grid and have an approved business concept. Qualifying applications enter a pool of potential candidates for 6 months — meeting the minimum does not guarantee acceptance.
Key requirements
Eligible & Ineligible Business Sectors
Eligible strategic sectors
Ineligible sectors & activities
YBNP Assessment Point Grid (minimum 65 points)
Applications are scored across the following factors. Investment, net worth, liquid assets, entrepreneurial experience, work experience, and education each have a minimum threshold — falling below it makes the application ineligible.
Investment value
| Less than $300,000 | Ineligible |
| $300,000 – $400,000 | 6 |
| $400,001 – $750,000 | 8 |
| $750,001+ | 12 |
Personal net worth
| Less than $500,000 | Ineligible |
| $500,000 – $750,000 | 6 |
| $750,001+ | 8 |
Liquid assets
| Less than $300,000 | Ineligible |
| $300,000 – $450,000 | 6 |
| $450,001+ | 8 |
Age
| Under 21 | 0 |
| 21 – 49 | 10 |
| 50 – 51 | 8 |
| 52 – 53 | 6 |
| 54 – 55 | 4 |
| 56+ | 0 |
Prior visits to Yukon
| Less than 3 days | 0 |
| 3 – 6 days | 4 |
| 7 – 10 days | 6 |
| 11+ days | 8 |
Language
| Less than CLB 4 in any category | 0 |
| CLB 4 – 6 in each category | 8 |
| CLB 7+ in each category | 12 |
Entrepreneurial / business-management experience
| Less than 3 years | Ineligible |
| 3 – 5 years | 8 |
| 6+ years | 10 |
Work experience
| Less than 5 years | Ineligible |
| 5 – 7 years | 8 |
| 8+ years | 10 |
Education (completed)
| No high school diploma | Ineligible |
| High school diploma | 10 |
| 1-year post-secondary | 12 |
| 2-year post-secondary | 16 |
| Bachelor | 18 |
| Master or Ph.D. | 20 |
Location of proposed business
| Whitehorse | 0 |
| Communities other than Whitehorse | 5 |
Yukon aims to respond with a decision on a Business Nominee application within 12 to 14 weeks; processing times increase with application volume.
Process: Submit the paper application (score ≥ 65) → enter the 6-month candidate pool if your business concept is approved → invited to verify documents and have your business plan assessed → exploratory trip + in-person interview in Yukon → approval → support for a 2-year work permit to establish the business → permanent residence support at the end of the 2 years.
How the YNP Works
The worker-stream flow has six key stages, from confirming eligibility through the IRCC permanent residence application. The Business Nominee Program follows a different path (application + 65-point assessment → candidate pool → interview → 2-year work permit → permanent residence) — book a consultation for details.
Confirm eligibility and stream
The employer and worker confirm they meet the eligibility criteria and choose the stream based on the job’s NOC/TEER — Critical Impact Worker (TEER 4–5), Skilled Worker (TEER 0–3), or Express Entry (TEER 0–3). Entrepreneurs assess against the Business Nominee Program instead.
Advertise the position
The employer advertises the position within Canada for at least 4 weeks in at least 3 places (including the Canada Job Bank). The YNP is used only when no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident applies.
Submit an Expression of Interest
The employer submits an online EOI during a 2026 intake window (Jan 19–30 or Jul 6–17). EOIs are ranked against the 2026 priorities; the highest-ranking employers receive a Letter of Invitation to apply.
Submit the full application
Invited employers attend an information session, then submit the complete application and all required documents by the deadline. Incomplete applications are returned and not processed until complete.
Sign the Tripartite Agreement
On approval, the employer, the nominee, and the Government of Yukon sign a Tripartite Agreement (TPA). Compliance checks may take place at any time. The nominee works under a temporary work permit while permanent residence is processed.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
The nominee applies to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months of approval / signing the TPA. Express Entry nominees receive +600 CRS points and an Invitation to Apply; IRCC makes the final decision on the PR application.
Government Fees
Yukon does not charge a provincial application fee for either the Yukon Nominee Program or the Yukon Business Nominee Program. The costs below are federal (IRCC) and, for worker streams, employer-borne.
No provincial application fee.There is no Yukon fee to submit an EOI or a YNP/YBNP application. For worker streams, the employer pays the federal IRCC employer compliance fee (via the IRCC Employer Portal) and — under the Express Entry stream — covers the nominee's air travel, health insurance until territorial coverage begins, and return travel if permanent residence is not granted. Employers cannot charge the worker any fee.
IRCC Permanent Residence Fees (after Yukon nomination)
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $1,525 |
| Spouse or common-law partner | $1,525 |
| Dependent child (per child) | $260 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal applicant) | $575 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (spouse/partner) | $575 |
Important:Government fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by the relevant authority at any time. A complete itemized quote — including Asteco's professional fees, government fees, and applicable third-party costs — is provided before you commit to any service.
Employer & Job Offer Requirements
Because the YNP worker streams are employer-driven, both the employer and the job offer must meet Yukon's requirements. Our RCIC reviews employer eligibility before you rely on a job offer.
Employer eligibility
Job offer & wage requirements
If you are a Yukon employer looking to support a candidate, see our services for employers.
How Asteco Can Help
The YNP is an employer-driven, priority-ranked program with tight intake windows, strict advertising and wage rules, and two applications (Yukon and IRCC) to coordinate. Our RCIC-regulated team manages every step.
Disclaimer: YNP and YBNP stream criteria, 2026 priorities, allocations, intake dates, fees, and processing times are established by the Government of Yukon and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information on this page reflects YNP and YBNP guidelines as published in July 2026. This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
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Information reflects YNP and YBNP guidelines as of July 2026. Program criteria, priorities, allocations, and intake dates are subject to change by the Government of Yukon and IRCC at any time. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.