Yukon PNP 2025: Invitations Issued After Competitive Draw

Yukon Nominee Program 2025: Invitations Issued After Competitive Intake

• Yukon has begun sending invitations to apply for permanent residency through its 2025 Nominee Program.
• The territory received more eligible applications than the number of available nomination spots.
• Only 215 nomination spaces are available for 2025 — a 50% reduction from previous years.
• Priority is being given to candidates with a temporary measure letter of support.
• Yukon has introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for PR nominations.
• Qualifying candidates include long-term Yukon workers, university grads, Francophones, and those already supported by employers.

Big changes are underway for immigration to Yukon in 2025, and if you’ve had your eye on settling in the North, you’ll want to pay close attention. After a tightly contested intake process earlier this year, Yukon has officially begun issuing invitations to apply for nomination through the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).

Let’s walk through what’s changed, who’s being selected, and what it might mean for your path to Canadian permanent residency.

Why Was This Year’s Intake So Competitive?

Earlier this spring, from March 31 to April 22, Yukon opened its annual intake window for the YNP. During that time, the territory received 502 submissions that met the base eligibility criteria — but here’s the catch: only 215 nomination slots were available for the entire year.

Of those 502 applications, 392 aligned closely with Yukon’s 2025 immigration priorities. Unfortunately, that still meant more strong candidates than available spaces. As a result, Yukon had to make some tough choices about which applicants would move forward — and the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system played a key role in that decision-making process.

Understanding the Reduced Nomination Slots

If 215 sounds a bit low, you’re not wrong. In fact, Yukon’s allocation was cut by 50% at the beginning of the year, following the federal government’s decision to reduce overall Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets as part of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

This shrinking quota has made programs like the YNP more selective than ever before, placing a premium on candidates who meet very specific criteria.

Who’s Most Likely to Receive a Yukon Nomination in 2025?

With so few spots and plenty of deserving applicants, Yukon has made it clear who’s getting top priority this year. Leading the pack are individuals who previously received a temporary measure letter of support.

This special letter is issued to foreign workers in Yukon whose employers have committed to nominating them for permanent residence in 2025 or 2026. It allows the worker to apply for a temporary work permit of up to two years while they wait for nomination.

After those priority candidates, the remaining nomination spots will be awarded via a random selection process from the pool of qualifying submissions. Here’s a look at the groups Yukon is specifically targeting:

• Foreign nationals who’ve lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year
• Graduates of Yukon University
• Francophone or French-speaking candidates
• Applicants who received letters of support from Yukon employers

If you fall into one of these categories and submitted an eligible application during the intake period, there’s still a chance you’ll be invited — even if you weren’t selected right away.

What’s New with the Yukon Nominee Program in 2025?

One of the biggest changes to the YNP this year is the adoption of an Expression of Interest (EOI) system — a more strategic approach compared to the old “first-come, first-served” model.

Here’s how it works:

1. Yukon employers fill out a web-based EOI form, providing details about the foreign worker they wish to nominate.
2. The YNP reviews all EOIs received during the intake window.
3. Selected employers are notified and invited to submit a full application for nomination.

This system is designed to help Yukon better manage demand and ensure that nominated candidates align with its economic and labour market priorities. It also helps prevent the rush and backlog often associated with traditional application methods.

What Happens if You’re Not Selected?

If your EOI wasn’t selected for a full application, there are two possible outcomes:

• You may be added to the random selection pool and could still be invited at a later stage.
• Or, if your EOI was found to be ineligible, the YNP will notify your employer with next steps or options.

Either way, staying in touch with your employer and keeping an eye on future intake periods is a good idea.

A New Era of Targeted Immigration for Yukon

These recent changes reflect a broader trend we’re seeing across Canada: provinces and territories are moving towards more targeted, priority-driven immigration systems. With fewer nomination spots available, it’s more important than ever to ensure your application aligns with the specific focus areas of the province or territory you’re applying to.

For Yukon, that means emphasizing long-term residents, graduates, Francophones, and individuals already integrated into the local workforce.

Thinking About Applying to the YNP?

If you’re considering applying to the Yukon Nominee Program but missed this year’s intake, don’t worry — it’s never too early to prepare for the next round. Make sure your employer is aware of the EOI process and that your qualifications line up with Yukon’s current priorities.

Yukon remains a welcoming and opportunity-rich destination for newcomers, especially those who are ready to contribute to the region’s unique communities and economy.

Need help determining your eligibility for a PNP program? Let’s make it easier for you — contact our immigration experts or check your eligibility now.

Want to learn more about PNP options across Canada? Be sure to check out our other detailed guides on how provincial nominee programs work and how to improve your chances of selection.