Yukon has a firm place in history as the location for the legendary Klondike Goldrush that saw prospectors entering the province in the late 19th century in pursuit of the precious nuggets.
The North-Western province now has an economy based mainly around mining and tourism, and a population of around 30,000 people makes this a beautiful place to live and work.
Popular with immigrants who are looking for a pleasant place to live and with good career prospects, Yukon operates the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) whereby individuals with skills that are relevant to the economy of the province are targeted and may be invited to apply for permanent residence. The YNP operates several categories, these being:
- Yukon Express Entry
- Skilled Worker
- Critical Impact Worker
- Business Nominee
- Yukon Community Pilot
Yukon Express Entry
Candidates targeted by the YNP for Express Entry will have recognized skills that are important to the Yukon labor market at that time. To be eligible, candidates must have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool and have been invited by YNP to apply for provincial nomination.
Express Entry is a fast-track process run by the federal government of Canada that applies to applicants using the Yukon Express Entry programs. The applicant is required to submit an online profile. This will include details of their age, marital status, work experience, education, and other details. A rank will be determined using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Those who score highly on the CRS, which is a pass or fail assessment, will be put into the Express Entry Pool. From the pool, a draw is made regularly and those who are successful are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). At this stage, they can begin applying for permanent residence in Yukon. As with all pathways, there are strict criteria that must be met.
Skilled Worker
This pathway is for foreign nationals who are currently working for an employer in Yukon that ranks at skill level 0, A, or B on the National Occupation Classification (NOC). The employer may sponsor the individual for permanent residence should they meet the eligibility requirements.
Critical Impact Worker
Employers may sponsor foreign nationals they regard as having skills that are in demand in the province. The nominee must be offered a permanent job with the Yukon employer, but they do not need to be working for them or in Canada at the time of nomination.
Business Nominee
Persons who wish to start or acquire and run a business in Yukon and who can prove they have the experience to do so may be invited to apply for permanent residence through this pathway. There are requirements regards the level of investment the individual is able and willing to make that must be met.
Yukon Community Pilot
The unique Yukon Community Pilot is in place until June 2023. It aims to provide foreign nationals with a work permit that allows them to work with several employers in the participating Yukon communities.