Foreign nationals employed in Yukon are set to receive work permits from the Canadian federal government.
On Wednesday, October 1, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a new temporary measure that will grant work permits to up to 215 candidates under the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP).
These permits will allow eligible foreign nationals to remain legally employed in Yukon while their permanent residence applications under the YNP are being processed.”
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for these work permits, foreign nationals must meet the following criteria:
- Be employed by a Yukon-based employer with valid work authorization
- Have applied to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Receive support from the Government of Yukon
- Show that they are likely to obtain permanent residency by 2025 or 2026
- Fulfil all other program requirements
Part of a Broader IRCC Initiative:
This temporary measure for Yukon is part of a larger program. In September, IRCC introduced a policy offering open work permits to certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
The policy is aligned with IRCC’s goal of addressing provincial labour shortages and facilitating the transition of temporary residents to permanent status. It also supports the agency’s broader strategy of reducing the share of temporary residents in Canada’s population from 6.5% to 5% by 2027.
Before Yukon, IRCC implemented similar measures in Alberta and Manitoba through their Provincial Nominee Programs.
Reduction in Temporary Resident Programs
On September 18, Minister Marc Miller announced a series of changes aimed at reducing temporary resident programs. Over the next three years, these adjustments are expected to result in:
- 300,000 fewer study permit holders
- 175,000 fewer post-graduation work permits (PGWPs)
- 150,000 fewer spousal work permits
Upcoming Levels Plan
On November 1, IRCC is set to release its annual Levels Plan, outlining immigration targets for the upcoming year, along with provisional targets for the following two years. The government has signaled that significant changes are on the horizon.
