Yukon PNP 2026: Key Updates, Intake Dates & Priorities

Yukon Nominee Program 2026: Priorities, Intake Dates, and What Applicants Need to Know

As we head into 2026, the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has officially announced its updated nomination allocation and priorities. With 282 nomination spaces available this year, the territory is maintaining its post-2025 increase while refining its focus on attracting skilled workers with a strong connection to the region.

Whether you’re an employer in the Yukon or a foreign national hoping to make Canada’s North your new home, understanding these updates can boost your chances of successfully navigating the program.

Key Highlights

• 282 nomination slots have been allocated to Yukon for 2026
• First intake period runs from January 19 to January 30, 2026
• Second intake period is set for July 6 to July 17, 2026
• Priority given to healthcare professionals, French speakers, Yukon University grads, and those with local work experience
• Employers in rural Yukon will receive additional priority
• YNP is employer-driven—employers must submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs)

What Is the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)?

The Yukon Nominee Program is one of Canada’s many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) designed to help provinces and territories fill labour shortages by nominating skilled foreign workers for permanent residency. The YNP is unique in that it’s employer-driven—meaning it’s the employer, not the foreign worker, who submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) on behalf of a potential nominee.

The territory has been proactive about addressing its labour market needs and attracting talent to less populated regions, and that approach continues into 2026.

Who Is the YNP Prioritizing in 2026?

This year, Yukon is placing a strong emphasis on candidates who can either meet its immediate labour demands or who have already made connections within the community. Here’s a breakdown of who’s getting priority:

• Regulated healthcare professionals – such as nurses, physicians, and other licensed medical workers
• Individuals who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least 12 months
• Graduates of Yukon University – a clear sign the territory wants to retain its educated talent
• French-speaking (Francophone) candidates – as part of broader federal and territorial bilingual goals
• Recipients of a Temporary Measure Letter of Support in 2024 or 2025

In addition, the Yukon government is placing special focus on rural employers. By doing this, the program aims to spread the benefits of immigration across the territory—not just in Whitehorse, but also in smaller communities where workforce shortages are more acute.

Worth noting: If you received a Temporary Measure Letter of Support in 2024 or 2025, you won’t need to submit a new EOI. Yukon will reach out to you directly with instructions on how to move forward.

When Are the YNP 2026 Intake Periods?

For 2026, the YNP has outlined two official intake windows when employers can submit EOIs on behalf of their desired foreign worker:

• Intake Period 1: January 19 – January 30, 2026
• Intake Period 2: July 6 – July 17, 2026

Employers who submit EOIs during these periods will be assessed and awarded points based on how well their nominated candidate aligns with Yukon’s priorities. This includes both new submissions and EOIs carried over from 2025 that didn’t receive an invitation to apply at the time.

The highest scoring EOIs will be invited to submit a full application to the program.

How Does the 2026 Allocation Stack Up Against Previous Years?

Yukon’s 2026 nomination allocation of 282 slots matches the number the territory received after a mid-year increase in 2025. Originally, Yukon was granted 215 nominations in 2025, but later received an additional 67.

However, this year’s total still represents a 34% drop compared to 2024, when Yukon had 430 nominations available. That said, even with a cap of 282 nominations last year, Yukon managed to nominate 312 individuals for permanent residency, suggesting there may be some flexibility again in 2026 depending on national immigration targets.

According to Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government is aiming to welcome 91,500 new permanent residents through PNPs in 2026—up from 55,000 in 2025. This suggests that additional nomination allocations could still be on the table for territories like Yukon later in the year.

What’s Next if You’re Interested in the YNP?

If you’re a foreign worker looking to settle in Yukon, or an employer hoping to fill a key vacancy, now’s the time to get your documents in order. The program is competitive, so aligning your application with the territory’s 2026 priorities can make a big difference.

Tip: Focus on demonstrating your ties to the Yukon—whether that’s through work experience, education, language skills, or past support measures.

If you’re exploring other PNP options across Canada, you may also want to check out the Manitoba PNP, which has its own unique pathways and selection process.

Final Thoughts

The Yukon Nominee Program continues to play an important role in bringing skilled workers to Canada’s North. With a clear focus on local connections and rural workforce needs, the 2026 stream is well-suited to candidates who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the territory’s communities.

Whether you’re an employer or a hopeful newcomer, staying on top of intake dates and aligning with the territory’s goals will give you the best possible shot at success.

Ready to see if you qualify? Don’t wait—assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams today and start your path to permanent residency in Yukon!