Maple News reports that the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has officially started issuing invitations for its 2025 intake cycle, following a highly competitive submission process that drew significant interest from potential immigrants.
According to a territorial update issued on May 23, Yukon received more applications aligned with its 2025 immigration priorities than the number of nomination slots available. The intake window, which ran from March 31 to April 22, brought in 502 eligible applications, 392 of which met priority criteria set by Yukon’s immigration office.
Yukon’s allocation for 2025 has been sharply reduced, in line with Canada’s broader reduction in provincial nomination targets. The territory’s allotment was cut by 50%—bringing the total number of nomination spots down to just 215 for the year. This limited quota has made the selection process notably more competitive.
To address the high demand, Yukon is prioritizing candidates who previously received a Temporary Measure Letter of Support. This letter allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers while they await nomination for permanent residency. These work permits, valid for up to two years, were targeted at those whom employers plan to nominate in 2025 or 2026.
The remaining nomination spots will be assigned through a random draw among qualifying candidates. Yukon highlighted four groups given preferential consideration: foreign nationals who have lived and worked in the territory for at least one year, graduates of Yukon University, Francophone or French-speaking applicants, and those holding an employer’s letter of support.
Earlier this year, Yukon transitioned to a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manage its nominee program more efficiently. This system allows candidates to submit a profile and be considered for selection based on eligibility and alignment with territorial labor market needs.
The shift to an EOI approach reflects Yukon’s attempt to adapt to a constrained immigration quota while continuing to target candidates who can best contribute to the territory’s economic and social development. As the territory competes with others under tightened federal limits, its strategic selection criteria aim to retain skilled talent and support local employers.
Maple News will continue to track updates from Yukon and other provincial nominee programs as they respond to evolving immigration policies at the federal level.