'This agreement is a key step in our ongoing collaboration with provinces and territories to spread the benefits of immigration across the country'
The federal government is helping out temporary foreign workers in Yukon to become permanent residents in Canada.
Ottawa has agreed to give new work permits to up to 215 temporary workers identified and supported by the Yukon government to continue working while they process their permanent residence applications under the Yukon Nominee Program.
“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 Marc Miller, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship.
“This agreement is a key step in our ongoing collaboration with provinces and territories to spread the benefits of immigration across the country, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. This option remains on the table for other provinces and territories who need to retain their skilled workers.”
One report previously recommended that Ottawa grant migrant workers permanent residency upon their arrival in Canada.
“By giving new work permits for skilled workers in the Yukon, we are helping local employers retain their valuable staff. This initiative is also a positive boost for the economy and supports the growth of our population,” said Brendan Hanley, member of parliament, Yukon. “I have personally advocated strongly to make this happen, ensuring that our community benefits from these changes. This agreement underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the social and economic fabric of our communities and the North.”
How can immigrants benefit from Ottawa-Yukon agreement?
To benefit from the Ottawa-Yukon agreement, eligible individuals have to demonstrate that they meet the criteria and are expected to transition to permanent residence in 2025 and 2026.
To date, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has worked with Alberta, Manitoba and Yukon to implement this measure in those jurisdictions.
In 2023, nearly 157,000 people transitioned from worker status to permanent residence nationally.
Also, that same year, about 23% of all permanent resident admissions came through the Provincial and Territorial Nominee Program, directly supporting provinces and territories in meeting their labour market needs. In 2023, the Provincial Nominee Program represented nearly 40% of planned economic admissions, making it the largest economic immigration program identified under the Immigration Levels Plan.