Yukon Nominee Program
Whitehorse, YT, Canada
Assistance to hire foreign national workers in Yukon
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Yukon
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grant_card_status|open
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Access assistance to submit applications to nominate qualified foreign nationals for employment and residence in Canada, if attempts to hire locally or nationally are unsuccessful to fill labour shortages for permanent, full-time positions.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$6,000
Secure a foreign agricultural specialist to boost crop yield farms
$7,000
Bring in a foreign renewable energy expert to support clean energy projects
$6,000
Recruit a foreign nurse to address staff shortages's healthcare facilities
$5,000
Hire a foreign marketing expert to support small businesses
$8,000
Hire a skilled software developer from abroad to address talent shortage
$5,800
Recruit a foreign chef with specialized skills to enhance culinary offerings
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the employer's location and the job vacancy process.
- The employer must be based in a rural Yukon community, not in Whitehorse.
- The employer must advertise the position locally and nationally.
- No qualified Canadian or permanent resident must apply for the position.
- The employer must choose the appropriate program stream according to the criteria of the Yukon Nominee Program.
- The employer must offer a full-time, permanent position to an eligible foreign national.
- The employer must ensure all required forms and documents are attached to the application.
- The offered wage must meet or exceed the current median wage or the current minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- The annual income offered must meet or exceed the low income cut-off (LICO) for the family size.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Yukon Nominee Program is designed to assist employers in Yukon, particularly those in rural communities, in addressing workforce shortages by allowing them to recruit foreign skilled workers when Canadian and permanent resident candidates are not available.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies based in Whitehorse are currently not eligible for this grant due to the application intake pause.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is currently available to companies located in specific regions in Yukon. Employers based in rural Yukon communities are eligible to apply.
- Employers in rural Yukon communities.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The Yukon Nominee Program prioritizes applications based on four categories, taking into consideration factors such as work permit status, location, and application timelines.
- Current work permit holders with approaching expiration dates.
- Visitor visa holders already in Canada.
- Current work permit holders with a permit expiring within a year.
- Individuals currently located outside Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Advertise the Job Position
- Employers must advertise the position locally and nationally.
- If no qualified Canadian or permanent resident applies, proceed to the next step.
- Step 2: Select the Appropriate Stream
- Review eligibility and criteria of the Yukon Nominee Program streams: Critical Impact Worker, Skilled Worker, Express-Entry, and Yukon Community Program.
- Select the stream that suits the job position and the foreign national's qualifications.
- Step 3: Offer Employment to a Foreign National
- Provide a full-time, permanent job offer to an eligible foreign national.
- Step 4: Complete Application Forms
- Complete all necessary forms for the chosen Yukon Nominee Program stream with the foreign national.
- Ensure all supporting documents are valid and included.
- Step 5: Submit the Application
- Submit the completed application and all required documents to the Yukon Nominee Program.
- Ensure that the application is complete to avoid it being returned.
- Step 6: Pay Compliance Fee and Submit Offer
- Once approved, pay the compliance fee.
- Submit the letter of offer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via the Employer Portal.
- Step 7: Sign Tri-Partite Agreement (TPA)
- Upon approval, sign a Tri-Partite Agreement with the Government of Yukon and the nominee.
- Step 8: Nominee Applies for Permanent Residency
- The nominee must apply to IRCC for permanent residency within 6 months of signing the TPA.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this program:
- Applications from Whitehorse employers are currently paused due to allocation limits set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, with an expected resume date in 2025.
- The prioritization of applications does not guarantee a decision will be made before an applicant's legal status expires.
- Nominees and employers must sign a Tri-Partite Agreement with the Government of Yukon after application approval.
- Employers are responsible for ensuring the validity of all supporting documents at the time of application and assessment.
- Employers are required to revisit their offered wage to ensure it aligns with the median wage or minimum wage requirements, as well as the low income cut-off (LICO) index.
- Inquiring about application status can only be done by employers.
- Foreign nationals on maintained status might not be eligible for the program.
grant_single_labels|contact
yukon.nominee@yukon.ca
867-667-5131
Apply to this program
Understanding the Yukon Nominee Program
The Yukon Nominee Program is a vital initiative that facilitates employment opportunities for foreign nationals in Yukon, while helping local employers meet staffing needs that cannot be filled by the domestic workforce. As a temporary pause in applications from Whitehorse-based employers is in effect, the program continues to operate for those in rural Yukon communities.
In-depth Insights into the Yukon Nominee Program Process
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is a structured pathway that allows employers in Yukon to recruit skilled foreign workers when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable for the roles. This employer-driven program is a strategic response to the unique economic requirements of the Yukon territory, particularly addressing labor gaps in various sectors. It's composed of four primary streams: Critical Impact Worker, Skilled Worker, Express-Entry, and the Yukon Community Program. Each of these streams caters to different skill sets and job demands, ensuring a comprehensive approach to workforce development.
Due to an overwhelming influx of applications that has exceeded the 2024 allocations set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there's a temporary suspension for new applications from Whitehorse. Nonetheless, this does not affect applications from rural Yukon communities, where employers can continue to leverage this opportunity to bring in essential workers.
The prioritization criteria add an organized way to manage current workloads, especially given the standard processing times of 12 to 14 weeks, which may extend based on the volume and priority of applications. Priority is given to current work permit holders with permits nearing expiration, followed by those further out from expiration, and lastly, individuals currently outside Canada. This structured prioritization ensures critical employment needs are addressed promptly, assisting businesses in maintaining operations without significant disruptions.
The entire YNP process is rigorous, requiring precise documentation from employers. All applicants must submit a checklist of documents, including relevant language proficiency scores, proof of job advertisements, and verification of business licenses. This thorough documentation ensures only fully compliant applications proceed to processing, reducing unnecessary delays that could impact businesses relying on these roles to operate.
Furthermore, employers must ensure the offered wages align with predetermined requirements, meeting or exceeding both the median wage specified by the Government of Canada and the minimum wage set by the Yukon Government. This not only ensures fair compensation for foreign workers but also aligns with living cost standards such as the low-income cut-off to maintain an equitable economic environment.
Upon approval, a tripartite agreement involving the Government of Yukon, the employer, and the nominee establishes formal collaboration and legal foundations for the nominee's employment. This agreement underlines the nominee’s commitment to work under a temporary permit while awaiting permanent residency approval. The subsequent submission of a permanent residency application to IRCC is a critical step, as permanent residency affirms the foreign national's long-term role in Canada's labor market.
Throughout the process, maintaining legal status is crucial for both employers and nominees. Noncompliance with status requirements can result in declined applications, highlighting the necessity for applicants and employers to closely adhere to all legal stipulations enforced by Canadian immigration authorities.
The Yukon Nominee Program is more than an immigration pathway; it is a fundamental component of the economic fabric in the Yukon territory, supporting regional growth and development through strategic human resource integration. Although the current pause in new applications from Whitehorse signifies a temporary halt, the anticipation of reopening in 2025 underscores the program’s continuing role in shaping the workforce landscape of Yukon.
