FROM HOPE TO REALITY
Best known for the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, Yukon is now home to around 30,000 residents, primarily concentrated in its capital, Whitehorse. The territory’s economy is largely driven by mining and tourism, making it an attractive destination for those who appreciate tight-knit communities and the beauty of the great outdoors.
Individuals with the skills and experience sought by the territory may qualify for a provincial nomination through Yukon’s Provincial Nominee Program, officially known as the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) has been operational since 2002, aiming to attract more immigrants to meet the territory’s labor market needs. It specifically targets skilled workers and business professionals who possess the necessary experience and education to thrive in Yukon.
Each year, Yukon welcomes several hundred immigrants, which constitutes nearly one percent of its population. Recently, the territory’s population reached a record high of over 40,000.
Yukon features one enhanced stream known as Yukon Express Entry, while the other categories fall under base streams. The Yukon Express Entry is aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system, whereas base categories are not.
The Express Entry system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), oversees the main economic class immigration programs. Candidates with an Express Entry profile receive a point score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Canada regularly conducts Express Entry draws, inviting the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence. If you are nominated through a provincial program after applying, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next draw.
You will also receive your nomination through your Express Entry profile, which you must accept to gain the extra points.
The key advantage of enhanced immigration streams is their faster processing time, typically six months or less, compared to base streams, which can take over 12 months. If nominated through a base immigration stream, you will need to apply directly to IRCC.
If you’re looking to immigrate to Yukon, you have five options to choose from:
1. Yukon Express Entry (YEE)
This program is designed for foreign skilled workers who have a valid job offer for permanent, full-time work in Yukon. Employers in the territory can access the Express Entry pool if they are unable to find Canadian citizens or permanent residents for job openings.
2. Skilled Worker
This program is for foreign skilled workers sponsored by a Yukon employer for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates must be employed in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B position.
3. Critical Impact Worker
This program targets semi-skilled or unskilled workers in high-demand occupations within the territory. Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Yukon employer, but it’s not necessary to be in Yukon at the time of application.
4. Business Nominee
This program is for individuals with proven business experience who wish to start a new venture, partner with an existing business, or purchase and operate a current business in Yukon. Applicants should be prepared to make a substantial investment in their Yukon-based enterprise.
5. Yukon Community Pilot
This initiative allows those already nominated to obtain a special work permit that enables them to work for multiple employers in participating Yukon communities. This pilot program is set to run from January 2020 to June 2023.
Job Offer Requirement: Yes
Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
Job Offer:
The process begins with receiving a job offer from a Yukon employer, who must demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position.
Proof of Funds:
Next, you will need to show that you have enough financial resources to settle in Canada.
Application Submission:
Complete and submit the Yukon Express Entry application form in collaboration with your employer.
Invitation to Apply:
After reviewing your application, IRCC will issue an Invitation to Apply. You will then need to provide all required documents to finalize your application for permanent residence.
Verification and Approval:
Once IRCC and Yukon’s Immigration Unit verify your documents, you will be granted permanent residence.
Job Offer Requirement: Yes
Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
Job Advertisement:
The employer must first advertise the position locally and nationally to ensure that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role.
Job Offer:
Once the employer confirms there are no suitable candidates, they will extend a full-time, permanent job offer to you.
Application Submission:
You and your employer will need to complete all required forms, after which the employer submits the complete application to Yukon.
Nomination Review:
If the employer is approved by the Yukon Nominee Program, your application will then be reviewed.
Nomination and Work Permit Application:
If approved, you will be nominated by Yukon. You can then use this nomination to apply for a Temporary Work Permit from IRCC, as well as for permanent residence.
Working in Yukon:
The work permit allows you to work in Yukon while your permanent residence application is being processed. Once you pass security, health, and criminality checks, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.
Job Offer Requirement: Yes
Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
Job Offer:
The process begins with receiving a job offer from a Yukon employer. The employer must first advertise the position and demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for it.
Application Forms:
You and your employer will then need to complete the required forms. Your employer will submit the application to the Yukon Nominee Program.
Review Process:
If the employer is approved, the YNP will review your information.
Nomination:
If approved, you will be nominated by Yukon. You can then apply for both a temporary work permit and permanent residence through IRCC.
Working in Yukon:
Once you obtain your work permit, you can travel to Canada and begin working in Yukon while your permanent residence application is processed.
Processing Time: 12-14 weeks
Eligibility Check:
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements to immigrate to Yukon and submit your application through the Yukon website.
Approval in Principle:
After receiving approval in principle, you will need to submit a Business Plan outlining how you intend to establish a successful business.
Investment Requirements:
At this stage, you must demonstrate the CAD $300,000 investment in the business and show at least one-third ownership.
Temporary Work Permit Application:
You can then apply for a temporary work permit, allowing you to travel to Yukon and start your business.
Initial Meeting:
Upon arrival in Yukon, you will meet with a representative from the Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP).
Yearly Requirements:
During your first and second years as a nominee, you will need to meet additional requirements set by the program.
Support for Permanent Residence:
If you fulfill all requirements during your two-year work period, the YBNP will support your application to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence.
Work Permit Maintenance:
Ensure that you hold a valid work permit until you receive your permanent residence status in Yukon.
The Yukon Community Pilot allows provincially nominated individuals to obtain a special work permit, enabling them to work for multiple employers in participating Yukon communities. This pilot program is set to run from January 2020 to June 2023.
Minimum Requirements:
Must be nominated by the Yukon territory.
Must have 2 or 3 eligible job offers, all located in the same participating Yukon community.
Must have a signed letter of support from the Yukon government.
Must meet all work permit requirements.
The combined job offers must total at least 30 hours of work per week, be non-seasonal, and pay at or above the minimum wage.
Work experience must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties required by the offered positions.
How It Works:
1. Nomination:
Ensure you have been nominated by Yukon for permanent residence.
2. Letter of Support:
Obtain a signed letter of support from the Yukon government. This letter should confirm that the employers need you to start working in the community promptly and that the job offers are legitimate. It must include details such as the names of the employers, job titles, weekly hours, and job locations.
3. Application Submission:
Include the signed letter of support and a copy of your nomination letter when applying. Apply online through the federal Canadian government website; the application form will vary depending on your current location.
4. Work Permit:
Once approved, the work permit allows you to work for up to three different employers within one of the participating Yukon communities. The permit is valid for two years, and employers will not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Participating Communities:
Whitehorse
Watson Lake
Dawson City
Haines Junction
Carmacks
Carcross
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