Yukon Announces 2025 Immigration Nomination Strategy Amidst Allocation Cuts
Territorial Program Prioritizes In-Province Workers and Regulated Healthcare Amid Soaring Demand
In response to growing pressure on its immigration system and a sharp reduction in federal allocations, the Government of Yukon has released its detailed plan for distributing the limited number of permanent residence (PR) nominations it can issue through the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) in 2025.
According to a statement provided to CIC News, Yukon has received only 215 nomination slots from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the year—a 50% decrease compared to previous years. In response, the territory has launched a structured, priority-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manage high demand from employers and candidates alike.
Breakdown of Yukon’s 2025 Nomination Allocation
| Category | Number of Nominations |
|---|---|
| Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for 2025 | 152 |
| Carryover Applications from 2024 (priority-aligned) | 55 |
| Reserved Spots for Regulated Healthcare Occupations | 8 |
| Total Allocation | 215 |
This distribution reflects a shift toward strategic selection and labor market alignment, especially in essential sectors like healthcare.
New EOI-Based Approach Replaces Direct Applications
Historically, Yukon employers could submit applications directly to the YNP without waiting for an invitation. However, the drastic cut in nomination spaces prompted Yukon to roll out a more selective EOI system starting in March 2025.
The first and only EOI intake window ran from March 31 to April 22, 2025, and, according to Yukon officials, drew more qualifying submissions than available nomination spots.
“We have more eligible EOIs than we can nominate in 2025,” a YNP spokesperson confirmed, indicating that no further EOI intake rounds are expected this year.
Employers or workers who missed the spring 2025 intake may now have to wait until 2026 to apply.
Who’s Being Prioritized in 2025?
Yukon has outlined its prioritization criteria to manage the constrained nomination capacity fairly and efficiently. The focus is on foreign nationals who already have strong ties to the territory.
Priority is being given to:
- Holders of temporary measure support letters (issued earlier in 2025)
- Foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least 1 year
- Graduates of Yukon University
- French-speaking individuals
After these priority groups, any remaining nominations will be filled by random draw from other qualified EOI submissions.
Temporary Measures for In-Province Workers
Earlier this year, on March 14, 2025, the Yukon government introduced a special policy under federal authority to support foreign workers at risk of losing their legal work status due to expiring permits.
Between March 19 and April 2, 2025, eligible foreign workers could apply for Yukon-specific support letters. These letters allow for the issuance of 2-year work permits, on the condition that the employer intends to nominate the worker through the YNP either in 2025 or 2026.
This measure aimed to prevent job losses and fill key local labor shortages, while also offering a stable pathway to permanent residency for existing workers.
No Further EOIs Expected This Year
The current pool of EOIs has exceeded Yukon’s nomination capacity, making a second intake unlikely in 2025. However, applicants who are already in the pool and have not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may still be contacted later in the year if spots become available—depending on the number of successful nominations from the current pool.
“We’ll issue additional ITAs only if approval rates allow,” stated the program’s representative.
What This Means for Immigration Aspirants
This update is a stark reminder of the growing competitiveness of provincial nominee programs (PNPs) across Canada. Applicants seeking nomination through Yukon in 2025 must understand that:
- Opportunities are limited
- In-territory experience and employer support are more crucial than ever
- Planning for future intakes in 2026 may be necessary for new entrants
Those with existing applications or in the EOI pool should closely monitor updates from the YNP and maintain communication with their employers.
Final Thoughts
Yukon’s strategic prioritization reflects a broader trend across Canada, where provinces and territories are adapting their immigration systems to meet local labor demands while navigating federal limitations. The focus on long-term residents, essential workers, and Francophone candidates positions Yukon as a territory striving to retain talent already contributing to its economy.
As the Canadian immigration landscape evolves, timing, eligibility, and local integration will continue to be key factors in securing a nomination.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
