Yukon Confirms 2026 Immigration Nomination Plan
Yukon Sets 2026 Immigration Nomination Plan With Focus on Local Ties and Critical Workers
The Government of Yukon has officially confirmed its immigration nomination framework for 2026, outlining allocation numbers, selection priorities, and intake timelines under the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). The announcement provides early clarity for employers and foreign workers seeking permanent residence through the territory’s employer-led immigration pathway.
For 2026, Yukon has been granted 282 nomination spaces, positioning it among the first provinces and territories to disclose nomination details for the year.
Early Release Signals Strategic Workforce Planning
Yukon becomes the third Canadian jurisdiction to publish its Provincial Nominee Program allocation for 2026, following similar announcements from British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The early release reflects Yukon’s ongoing effort to align immigration with labour market demands, particularly in smaller communities and essential service sectors.
Who Will Be Favoured Under the 2026 Yukon Nominee Program?
The YNP will continue to prioritize individuals who demonstrate strong connections to the territory or who can immediately address workforce shortages. For 2026, special consideration will be given to regulated healthcare professionals, reflecting persistent staffing gaps in Yukon’s medical sector. In addition, foreign nationals may receive priority if they meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Have at least one year of employment and residence in Yukon
- Graduated from Yukon University
- Qualify as French-speaking candidates
- Previously received a Temporary Measure Letter of Support in either 2024 or 2025
Rural Employers Take Centre Stage
Addressing workforce shortages outside Whitehorse remains a core objective for the territory. Yukon has confirmed that employers operating in rural and remote communities will receive increased consideration during the selection process, reinforcing its commitment to balanced regional growth.
Notably, Brampton, Hamilton, and Nanaimo were newcomers to the rankings this year, expanding Canada’s footprint compared to the previous edition.
| Province | Canadian city |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Ottawa |
| London | |
| Mississauga | |
| Toronto | |
| Brampton | |
| Hamilton | |
| British Columbia | Nanaimo |
| Victoria | |
| Vancouver | |
| Kelowna | |
| Alberta | Calgary |
| Edmonton | |
| Quebec | Quebec City |
| Montreal | |
| Saskatchewan | Regina |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax |
How Canadian Cities Ranked Within the Country
| National rank | Canadian city |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ottawa, Ontario |
| 2 | Nanaimo, British Columbia |
| 3 | Victoria, British Columbia |
| 4 | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 5 | Quebec City, Quebec |
| 6 | Calgary, Alberta |
| 7 | Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| 8 | Edmonton, Alberta |
| 9 | Kelowna, British Columbia |
| 10 | Montreal, Quebec |
| 11 | London, Ontario |
| 12 | Mississauga, Ontario |
| 13 | Toronto, Ontario |
| 14 | Brampton, Ontario |
| 15 | Regina, Saskatchewan |
| 16 | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| 17 | Hamilton, Ontario |
Employer Intake Periods Confirmed for 2026
As an employer-driven program, the YNP requires Yukon employers to submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) on behalf of prospective foreign workers.
Two intake windows have been scheduled for 2026:
- First intake: January 19 to January 30
- Second intake: July 6 to July 17
Employers whose submissions align closely with Yukon’s stated priorities will receive higher scores. Additional points will also be awarded to employers who submitted EOIs in 2025 but were not selected. Following each intake period, the highest-ranking employers will be invited to submit full nomination applications.
How 2026 Nomination Numbers Compare Historically
Federal Immigration Targets Could Influence Future Allocations
Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, released in November 2025, increased the national target for PNP-related permanent resident admissions to 91,500 in 2026, up from 55,000 the previous year. Historically, higher federal targets have translated into additional nomination spaces for provinces and territories.
Options for Employers in Restricted Regions
1. Switch to the High-Wage Stream
By increasing the offered salary to meet or exceed provincial wage thresholds, employers can submit LMIA applications under the high-wage TFWP stream.
2. Wait for the Next Review
Unemployment rates are reassessed every three months, meaning some regions may become eligible again in the second quarter of 2026.
Work Permits for Provincial Nominees to Be Processed in Just 14 Days
Governor General’s Role Remains Advisory
Key Questions For Yukon Nominee Program
What This Means for Applicants and Employers
With limited nomination spaces and a competitive scoring system, Yukon’s 2026 program places a premium on long-term commitment, local experience, and critical skills. Employers and candidates who align closely with territorial priorities are expected to have the strongest chances of success.
