Some temporary foreign workers in the Yukon whose work permits are set to expire before they get permanent residency may find renewed hope thanks to a new temporary measure announced by the federal and territorial governments.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced in an Oct. 1 press release that the two levels of government have reach a deal to help temporary foreign workers “crucial to economic development in the territory” eventually become permanent residents.
Up to 215 temporary foreign workers identified and supported by the Yukon government can expect to get new work permits so they can keep working while their permanent residence applications get processed under the Yukon Nominee Program, according to the feds.
To be eligible, individuals must show they meet certain criteria and are expected to make the transition to permanent residence in 2025 and 2026, per the release.
The Yukon Nominee Program is intended to help employers fill job openings by bringing in foreign workers.
A press release from the Yukon government indicates the temporary measure is a response to concerns raised by foreign nationals and the business community surrounding a temporary intake pause on the Yukon Nominee Program.
“Issuing these work permits will help to support foreign workers settled in the Yukon as they pursue their path to permanent residency, while helping Yukon businesses to retain staff,” reads the Yukon government release.
One temporary foreign worker the News previously reported on, who was left feeling helpless while in limbo, told the News following the Oct. 1 announcement that they got "good news" with this new development.
The worker, whose name the News is withholding due to their precarious situation, previously reached out to express their concerns after the Yukon government announced May 16 that it would pause applications to the nominee program from Whitehorse-based businesses.
The worker indicated they weren’t getting a clear picture from territorial and federal government offices about what to do in their situation, until now.
The worker said by text that they already received a call from their general manager indicating the employer will provide a letter, which the worker will submit to the Yukon government to apply for extension.
The worker is thankful to their boss, as well as Yukon MP Brendan Hanley and Premier Ranj Pillai, who is Economic Development minister, for their advocacy.
"Approximately 215 workers were identified as needing support for expiring work permits, and it is crucial that they be able to continue to live and work in the Yukon," Linnea Blum, who works in communications for Economic Development, said by email.
Pillai previously expressed concern about potentially losing immigrant workers due to a lack of a strategy to keep them here.
In July, during a press conference alongside Canada's premiers, Pillai said the Yukon is feeling the effects of an “immense” number of international students entering post-secondary schools in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia who are now going across the country to try to become Canadians, including filling holes in the workforce in the Yukon.
“This agreement is a critical development that will allow foreign nationals to remain in the Yukon and continue to provide valuable contributions to our labour market until they are able to apply to the Yukon Nominee Program. I want to thank the Government of Canada for its support in implementing this collaborative approach to immigration in the territory,” Pillai is quoted saying in the release.
“This temporary measure will help provide greater certainty for foreign nationals who call the Yukon home as we work to support their transition to permanent residency.”
In the release, Hanley said the move is a positive boost for the economy and supports the growing population.
“I have personally advocated strongly to make this happen, ensuring that our community benefits from these changes,” Hanley said.
“This agreement underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the social and economic fabric of our communities and the North.”
The Yukon government press release provides more details on the deal between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the territory regarding facilitating the issuance of work permits to prospective applicants of the Yukon Nominee Program.
According to the release, foreign nationals with work permits that have expired since May 16, 2024, or are set to expire by Dec. 31, 2024, will be eligible to apply for a new Yukon-specific work permit that will be valid for up to two years.
“This new agreement specifically applies to foreign nationals who had valid work authorization as of May 16, 2024, and are currently established in the Yukon,” reads the release.
The worker’s employer needs to plan to nominate the worker for permanent residency through the Yukon Nominee Program in 2025 or 2026, per the release.
“If eligible, the Government of Yukon will provide a letter of support to accompany the foreign national’s work permit application to IRCC,” the release notes.
The deadline listed in the territorial release is 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 15. By that time, the request and all required information must be submitted to the Yukon Department of Economic Development.
“This will allow the department to issue all letters of support in time for foreign nationals to apply to IRCC for their new work permit,” the release states.
IRCC must apply for the work permit under this deal by Dec. 31, 2024.
“To date, IRCC has worked with Alberta, Manitoba and Yukon to implement this measure in those jurisdictions,” reads the federal government release.
In the release, Miller said the option remains on the table for other territories and provinces.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
