Yukon Introduces New Expression of Interest System for PR Nominations

If you're looking to get permanent residence (PR) in Canada through the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), there’s a major change you need to know about.

As of March 31, 2025, the Yukon government has introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for accepting applications under the YNP. This means that employers and foreign workers can no longer apply directly to the program.

What Is the New EOI System?

Under the new system:

• Employers must first submit a web form (EOI) with basic details about the foreign worker they want to nominate.
• The Yukon Nominee Program will review all EOIs, select the most qualified candidates, and then invite those individuals to apply for a full nomination.
• This marks a shift from the old system, where employers could apply directly and be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
  

Important Dates to Know

EOI Intake Period

• Opens: March 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. YST
• Closes: April 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. YST
  
  

Who Will Be Prioritized?

The YNP has outlined clear priorities for selecting candidates in 2025. The program will focus on:

1. Foreign workers living and working in Yukon for at least one year
2. French-speaking candidates
3. Graduates of Yukon University
4. Workers with a Temporary Measure Letter of Support

What Is the Temporary Measure Letter of Support?

This is a special support letter for eligible foreign nationals to apply for a Yukon-supported work permit (valid up to 2 years). You may qualify if:

• You were living and working in Yukon on May 16, 2024
• Your work permit expired after January 1, 2025, or will expire before December 31, 2025
• Your Yukon employer plans to nominate you for PR through the YNP in 2025 or 2026
  
  

Work Permit Support Intake Period:

• Opened: March 19, 2025
• Closes: April 2, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. YST
  
  

Why Did Yukon Make This Change?

The federal government has cut Yukon's PR nomination allocation for 2025. Yukon can now issue only 215 nominations, which is about 50% less than what was allowed previously.

With demand expected to exceed the available spots, Yukon introduced the EOI system to:

• Focus on high-priority candidates
• Avoid the first-come, first-served rush and system overload
• Align with Canada’s reduced PR targets under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan

This national plan reduced overall PR targets by 20% and PNP-specific targets by 50% for 2025.