LMIA Finder
YTMove to Yukon
Jobs, cost of living, YNP immigration program, healthcare, and everything you need to settle in Yukon in 2026.
Updated: November 2026
About Yukon
Yukon has Canada's highest minimum wage and the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) for skilled workers. Whitehorse is a small, vibrant city with world-class outdoor recreation and strong community. The territory offers northern isolation premiums, no territorial sales tax, and access to some of the most spectacular wilderness on Earth.
Why Move to Yukon?
Yukon offers the highest minimum wage in Canada ($17.59/hr), immediate healthcare coverage, no territorial sales tax, and a small, welcoming community. Whitehorse (pop. 30,000) has surprisingly good amenities: restaurants, arts, a college, and recreation facilities. The outdoor lifestyle is unmatched — Kluane National Park, the Alaska Highway, midnight sun in summer, and northern lights in winter. Many workers find high-paying jobs in mining, construction, and healthcare with less competition than southern cities.
Immigration Pathways
- •Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) – Skilled Worker: requires job offer from Yukon employer
- •YNP – Critical Impact Worker: for semi-skilled occupations
- •YNP – Express Entry: linked to federal Express Entry
- •YNP – Business Nominee: for entrepreneurs
- •Federal LMIA work permits also available
- •Small pool = less competition for nominations
Cost of Living
Whitehorse rent (1-bedroom): $1,400-$1,600/month. Groceries are 15-25% above southern prices. No territorial sales tax (just 5% GST). High wages and northern premiums partially compensate for higher goods costs. The Northern Residents Deduction provides significant tax benefits.
Top Cities in Yukon
Top Industries in Yukon
Immigration: YNP
Yukon operates the YNP program, which provides nomination for permanent residence. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The YNP has multiple streams targeting different applicant profiles including skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.
Healthcare in Yukon
Yukon provides immediate healthcare coverage — no waiting period for new permanent residents. This is a significant advantage over provinces like Ontario and BC which have a 3-month wait.
- ✓ Doctor visits and specialist referrals
- ✓ Hospital stays and surgery
- ✓ Medical tests and diagnostics
- ✗ Dental care (adults)
- ✗ Prescription drugs (some provinces vary)
- ✗ Vision care (adults)