Pause to nominee program disappointing, says Yukon University official

An official at Yukon University says the territory's decision to pause the Yukon Nominee Program will have an impact on international students and graduates — but she also says it shouldn't affect the school's recruitment efforts.

Shelagh Rowles, provost at Yukon University, says that news of the Yukon Nominee Program pause was disappointing, and sudden. She said the university administration heard the news as everybody else did, after the government announced the change earlier this month.

International students, Rowles says, "add a tremendous amount of breadth and depth to our student experience."

For many Yukon University international graduates, the nominee program has been a reliable pathway to Canadian citizenship.

After completing their studies, graduates can land a job during their work permit period. Following this, a successful application through their employer to the Yukon Nominee Program and approval allows them to apply for permanent residency.

That's why the government's decision to pause the nominee program until 2025 has some international graduates feeling anxious.

Shelagh Rowles is the provost at Yukon University. (Submitted by Shelagh Rowles)

Still, Rowles says the university isn't expecting much of an impact on the school's ability to recruit international students.

"We think that our opportunities," Rowles said, "are very solid and will be attractive to students."

The nominee program pause comes as the latest in a series of changes affecting international students and international graduates. Last year, the federal government announced new rules aimed at ensuring international students are "financially prepared for life in Canada."

Additionally, certain programs at Yukon University have paused admissions due to growing interests from all over.

Yukon University alongside the Yukon government is planning an information session for students and those affected by the change to the nominee program. It will allow students to directly talk to officials.

"While the news [of the nominee program pause] is disappointing," Rowles said, "we really hope that [international students] take advantage of the opportunity to attend the session."

Details on the session are still being confirmed.