Yukon Nominee Program Expression of Interest Intake Opens for 2026

Canada continues to expand regional immigration pathways, and northern communities are now taking centre stage. The Yukon Nominee Program expression of interest intake for 2026 is officially open, creating fresh opportunities for skilled foreign workers and employers seeking long-term workforce solutions.

The Government of Yukon confirmed that employers can submit expressions of interest until January 30, 2026 at 4:30 pm Yukon Standard Time. This intake plays a key role in selecting candidates who meet the territory’s labour market priorities while supporting sustainable growth across urban and rural communities.

For candidates aiming to settle in Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program, this is a time sensitive opportunity worth close attention.

How the Yukon Nominee Program Expression of Interest Works

The Yukon Nominee Program expression of interest system follows an employer-driven selection model. Employers submit details about the foreign national they wish to sponsor through an online form. Each submission is assessed using a points-based approach that reflects Yukon’s immigration priorities.

Employers with higher-scoring profiles are invited to submit a full application to the program. Priority is given to submissions that strongly align with workforce needs and regional development goals.

Employers who submitted an expression of interest in 2025 but were not invited will receive additional points in this intake. However, previous submissions do not carry forward automatically. A fresh submission is required for 2026 consideration.

Key Priorities for the 2026 Intake

The Yukon Nominee Program expression of interest intake for 2026 focuses on targeted categories designed to strengthen essential services and local economies. Regulated health care professionals remain a top priority, reflecting ongoing demand across Yukon communities.

Employers operating in rural Yukon are also given preference, supporting balanced regional development beyond larger population centres.

In addition, foreign nationals may receive priority consideration if they have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year, graduated from Yukon University, are Francophone or French speaking, or received a Temporary Measure Letter of Support in 2024 or 2025. These priorities demonstrate Yukon’s focus on retention, community integration, and long term settlement.

Special Pathway for Temporary Measure Letter Holders

Candidates who received a Temporary Measure Letter of Support in 2024 or 2025 benefit from a simplified process. These individuals do not need to submit a Yukon Nominee Program expression of interest during this intake. Instead, they will be contacted directly by the Government of Yukon with instructions to complete the next steps of their application. This approach ensures continuity for workers who have already contributed to Yukon’s labour market.

Allocation and Application Timeline for 2026

Yukon receives its annual nomination allocation from the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. For 2026, the territory has been allocated 282 nomination spaces, all of which must be used by December 31, 2026. Once this allocation is filled, no further nominations can be approved until the next program year. This makes early and well prepared submissions critical for employers and candidates alike. A second intake period is scheduled from July 6 to July 17, 2026, offering another opportunity later in the year for eligible applicants.

Why Yukon Is Becoming a Strong PNP Destination

The Yukon Nominee Program expression of interest reflects Canada’s broader strategy to support smaller regions through immigration. Yukon offers strong employment prospects, close knit communities, and a high quality of life.

For newcomers, settling in Yukon can provide faster access to permanent residence, meaningful employment, and long-term stability. For Canada, programs like YNP help ensure that economic growth reaches all regions, not just major cities. This balance is central to Canada’s evolving immigration vision.

What Applicants and Employers Should Do Now

With the intake window already open, employers should review eligibility requirements, prepare accurate documentation, and submit complete expressions of interest well before the deadline. Foreign nationals should confirm that their employment status, work experience, and supporting documents are aligned with program priorities. Careful preparation can significantly improve selection chances in a competitive intake.

The Yukon Nominee Program expression of interest intake for 2026 offers a valuable pathway for skilled workers and employers seeking permanent residence solutions in northern Canada. With a clear focus on health care, rural employers, Francophone candidates, and long term Yukon residents, this intake reinforces Canada’s regional immigration strategy. Acting early and staying informed will be key for success in this limited allocation program.