Yukon Community Pilot Extended Until 2025

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced the extension of the Yukon Community Pilot Program, offering open work permits to permanent residency applicants. Initially launched for a period of three years on January 22, 2020, this pilot program has now been granted an extended duration until June 22, 2025. This decision comes as a welcome development for individuals seeking to settle in the beautiful region of Yukon, Canada.

What is the Yukon Community Pilot Program?

The Yukon Community Pilot Program serves as a strategic initiative aimed at meeting the specific labor force demands in the Yukon region. Recognizing the need for skilled workers, the government of Yukon has designed this program to attract and invite individuals possessing the required skill sets. Successful applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be granted a location-restricted open work permit, valid for a duration of two years.

One unique aspect of the Yukon Community Pilot Program is the opportunity it provides to work for up to three different employers without the requirement of a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This flexibility allows individuals to explore diverse job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of the participating communities.

Yukon Community Pilot Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the work permit under the Yukon Community Pilot Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Valid Nomination for Permanent Residence from Yukon: Applicants should possess a valid nomination for permanent residence from the Yukon government.
• 2 or 3 Eligible Job Offers: It is necessary to have 2 or 3 eligible job offers from employers in the participating Yukon communities. These job offers must fulfill certain criteria, as mentioned below.
• General Conditions for a Work Permit: Applicants must satisfy the general conditions for a work permit, including obtaining a signed letter of support from the Yukon government.

Job Offer Requirements

The job offers presented to applicants need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Participating Yukon Community: All 2-3 job offers must be from employers located in the participating Yukon communities, which are:

1. Whitehorse
2. Watson Lake
3. Dawson City
4. Haines Junction
5. Carmacks
6. Carcross

• Non-Seasonal Occupation: The job offers must provide at least 30 hours of work per week and should not be seasonal in nature. This ensures a stable and consistent employment opportunity for successful applicants.
• Minimum Wage Requirement: The wage offered by employers must be equal to or higher than the Yukon’s minimum wage, currently set at $16.77 per hour. This ensures fair compensation for individuals and promotes a healthy work environment.
• Demonstrated Work Capability: Applicants are required to demonstrate their capability to carry out the responsibilities associated with the job roles being offered. Previous work experience and skills play a crucial role in showcasing an applicant’s suitability for the positions.

Documents Required to Apply

To apply for the work permit under the Yukon Community Pilot Program, applicants need to submit the following documents:

• Copy of the Letter of Nomination: A copy of the letter of nomination from the Government of Yukon confirming that the applicant has been nominated for permanent residence.
• Letter of Support: A letter of support from the Government of Yukon, stating that the employers offering employment require the applicant to start working in the community as soon as possible and that the job offers are genuine.

The job offer document should include specific details such as the names of the employers, the occupation being offered, the number of hours, and the locations of employment. These documents provide essential evidence of the applicant’s eligibility and intent to contribute to the Yukon community.

Applying for the Yukon Community Pilot Program

The IRCC has established different application instructions for individuals applying from within Canada and those applying from outside Canada. It is crucial to carefully review and follow the guidelines provided by the IRCC to ensure a smooth and successful application process.