Temporary Pauses in Yukon and New Brunswick PNP Programs Amid Overwhelming Demand

Temporary Pauses in Yukon and New Brunswick PNP Programs Amid Overwhelming Demand

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have rapidly gained traction as a primary pathway for economic migrants seeking permanent residency in the country. This growing popularity has led to an unprecedented demand that now exceeds the available allocations in several provinces, prompting temporary pauses in application intake.

Recently, the Yukon and New Brunswick PNPs have announced temporary pauses to program streams due to overwhelming demand. According to the provinces, these measures are crucial for managing the high volume of applications and ensuring the efficiency of the programs.

Yukon Nominee Program

The Yukon Nominee Program is an employer-driven program designed to help fill labour shortages in the territory by expediting the permanent residency process for foreign workers to live and work there. 

Temporary Halt on Whitehorse-Based Applications

Immediate Suspension to Manage High Volume

The Government of Yukon has paused the intake of Whitehorse-based applications for the Yukon Nominee Program. This decision aims to streamline the processing of existing applications. The program will continue to accept applications from nominees in Yukon rural communities. This temporary measure seeks to manage the current volume of applications to the program.

Statistics Highlighting the Demand

From January 1 to May 6, 2024, the Yukon Nominee Program received 590 applications. Out of these, 107 have been processed, leaving 483 applications pending. This number exceeds the 430 nominee allocation set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Yukon in 2024. By pausing new applications, the program can focus on processing existing ones, reducing delays, and maintaining a sustainable immigration flow.

Commitment to Rural Communities

The pause specifically affects employers and applicants in Whitehorse, but the program remains open for rural communities in Yukon. This continued acceptance is crucial for addressing local labour needs in these areas. The government plans to resume application intake from Whitehorse employers in 2025.

Key Facts About the Yukon Nominee Program

• Employer-Driven: Designed to fill vital positions in the territory.
• Typical Processing Time: 12 to 14 weeks.
• Current Average Processing Time: 89 days.
• Prioritization Criteria: Includes current work permit holders with approaching expiration dates, visitor visa holders already in Canada, work permit holders with a permit expiring within a year, and individuals currently outside Canada. 

New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream

The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is a provincial nominee program created for skilled workers who have the skilled, education and work experience needed to fill labour shortages in New Brunswick and who intends to live and work in the province.

Temporary Pause on ITAs

Pause to Manage Large Inventory of Candidates

New Brunswick has temporarily paused issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Skilled Worker stream for expressions of interest submitted after May 17, 2024. This pause allows the program to manage its large inventory of candidates more effectively.

Guidance for Affected Applicants

Foreign nationals and employers with job offers in NOC TEERs 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 are encouraged to explore the Atlantic Immigration Program as an alternative. ITAs will continue to be issued to eligible French-speaking candidates with a qualifying job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 positions. Applicants can still create an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the NB Skilled Worker stream, which will remain active for 365 days and may result in an invitation when the program reopens.

Key Facts About the New Brunswick PNP

• French-Speaking Candidates: ITAs will continue for eligible French-speaking candidates with a qualifying job offer.
• EOI Validity: Expressions of Interest remain active for 365 days.
• Alternative Program: Candidates are encouraged to consider the Atlantic Immigration Program for support.

What Can Applicants Do If a PNP Is Paused?

Explore Other PNPs

Check eligibility for other PNPs. For example, those eligible for the New Brunswick Skilled Worker program might also qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Wait for Program Reopenings

If your current work permit allows, consider waiting for the program to reopen. This time can be used to gather necessary documents and improve skills, such as gaining additional work experience, achieving higher language proficiency, or furthering education.

Meet Requirements for Other Programs

Work towards meeting the requirements of another immigration program. However, be aware that immigration programs can change, so this approach carries some risk.

PNP Pauses Announced Earlier in 2024

Other Programs Also Affected

• Nova Scotia: Paused PNP applications in the accommodation and food services sector due to a significant backlog.
• Alberta: Paused applications for the Tourism and Hospitality stream after completing its first intake. Alberta has also paused application intake for the Albert Opportunity Stream. 

Conclusion

The temporary pauses in the Yukon and New Brunswick provincial nominee programs underscore the dynamic nature of immigration processes and the importance of staying informed. By understanding these changes and exploring alternative pathways, applicants can navigate their immigration journey more effectively. 

Connect With Our Team for Support

These temporary pauses reflect the high demand for immigration to Canada and the changing immigration landscape. It is important to ensure you are working with the right immigration partner where you can be guided appropriately in order to successfully naviage the immigration process. If you’re concerned about how these changes could impact your immigration plans, we’re here to help. 

Schedule a personalized one-on-one consultation with one of our knowledgeable immigration consultants to navigate these shifts seamlessly.

Our team of experts will assess your situation, guide you through the application process, and ensure your compliance with the new regulations. Contact us today and secure your path to success in Canada.

The Team at Northern Connections Canada