Yukon Government sign outside the Jim Smith Building in downtown Whitehorse. CKRW File Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke.
Whitehorse, YT – A new agreement between the Government of Canada and the Yukon Government aims to streamline the issuance of work permits for applicants in the Yukon Nominee Program months after the business community and foreign workers raised concerns over a pause on the program.
The new temporary agreement benefits those with work permits that have expired since May 16th, 2024 or are set to expire before December 31st, 2024. Under the agreement, eligible foreign nationals can apply for a Yukon-specific work permit valid for up to two years.
The program is designed for individuals with valid work authorization as of May 16th, who are already established in Yukon and have employers committed to nominating them for permanent residency through the Yukon Nominee Program in 2025 or 2026.
The Yukon Nominee Program allows up to 215 temporary workers to remain in the territory while their permanent residency applications are processed. The program helps local businesses retain essential staff.
Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in a press release that the agreement will strengthen the economic and social fabric of the community.
“By giving new work permits for skilled workers in Yukon, we are not only supporting local labour market needs in critical sectors, but also giving more temporary residents a clear pathway to permanent residence,” said Miller.
This comes months after the Yukon Government paused new applications for the Yukon Nominee Program, stating that they had reached the limit of applications for the year. Many businesses and foreign workers criticized the government for the pause.
Candidates for this temporary measure must submit their request and necessary information to the Department of Economic Development by 4:30 p.m. on October 15th.
