Exploring the Yukon Business Nominee Program: A Pathway to Entrepreneurship and Permanent Residency

The Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP) offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to establish themselves and their business ventures in the picturesque territory of Yukon, Canada. This program, administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates who meet the program's requirements and successfully establish and manage a business in Yukon.

Program Overview

Applicants nominated through the YBNP receive a letter of support for a two-year work permit from IRCC. During this period, individuals can settle in Yukon and focus on establishing and nurturing their business endeavors. Upon fulfilling the two-year work permit requirements and meeting eligibility criteria, candidates receive support from the territory to apply for permanent residence with IRCC.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the Yukon Business Nominee stream, applicants must meet specific criteria:

  • Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher.
  • Work Experience: Individuals should possess a minimum of three years of entrepreneurial or business management experience, along with at least five years of related work experience.
  • Investment Requirement: Candidates must exhibit a personal net worth of at least CAD 500,000 and invest a minimum of CAD 300,000 in a Yukon-based business, owning at least one-third (33.33%) of the enterprise.

 

Application Process

The YBNP operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Eligible candidates register with the program and submit a comprehensive business proposal. If the proposal aligns with program criteria, applicants enter a pool for consideration.

Selection Process

The YBNP selects candidates from the pool and invites them to submit a complete application. While the selection criteria remain undisclosed, successful applicants proceed to an in-person interview in Yukon.

Temporary Work Permit

Upon approval, candidates receive a letter of support for a two-year temporary work permit from the YBNP. This permit enables applicants to establish themselves, their families, and their businesses in Yukon.

Permanent Residency Nomination

Upon fulfilling program requirements and successfully establishing their business, candidates receive a nomination for permanent residence from Yukon. Within six months of nomination, applicants submit a paper-based application for Canadian permanent residence to the appropriate processing center.

Assessment Grid

Candidates must score a minimum of 65 points on the Yukon Business Nominee assessment grid, which considers factors such as investment value, entrepreneurial experience, education, language proficiency, and proposed business location.

Factor Max Points
Investment Value 12
Liquid Assets 8
Prior Visits 8
Entrepreneurial and/or Management Experience 10
Education 20
Personal Net Worth 8
Age 10
Language 12
Work Experience 10
Location of Proposed Business 5
Minimum Pass Score 65

Investment Value

Investment Value Points
$300,000 to $400,000 6
$401,000 to $750,000 8
$750,000 + 12
Maximum 12

Liquid Assets

Liquid Assets Points
$300,000 to $450,000 6
$451,000 + 8
Maximum 8

Prior Visits

Prior Visits Points
3 to 6 days 4
7 to 10 days 6
11 days or more 8
Maximum 8

Years of Entrepreneurial or Management Experience

Years of Entrepreneurial or Management Experience Points
3 to 5 years 8
6 years or more 10
Maximum 10

Level of Education

Level of Education Points
High School 10
1 year of post-secondary education 12
2 years of post-secondary education 16
Bachelors Degree 18
Masters or Ph.D 20
Maximum 20

Personal Net Worth

Personal Net Worth Points
$500,000 to $750,000 6
$751,000 + 8
Maximum 8

Age

Age Points
21-49 10
50-51 8
52-53 6
54-55 4
56+ 0
Maximum 10

Language Abilities

Language Abilities Points
Less than IELTS 4 / CELPIP 4 / TEF 3 0
IELTS 4-6 / CELPIP 4-7 / TEF 3-4 8
IELTS 7+ / CELPIP 8+ / TEF 5+ 12
Maximum 12

Work Experience

Work Experience Points
5-7 years 8
8+ years 10
Maximum 10

Location of Proposed Business

Location of Proposed Business Points
In Whitehorse and surrounding areas 0
In a rural community 5
Maximum 5

Strategic Sectors

  • Information Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Value-added Processing
  • Forestry
  • Tourism Products, Attractions, Services, and Facilities
  • Energy
  • Mining or Mineral Development
  • Agriculture
  • Cultural Industries
  • Film and Video Production

Conversely, the business must not belong to any of the following sectors

  • Passive investments
  • Retail, wholesale, or distribution operations
  • Restaurants
  • Financial services
  • Business, consultation, and personal services
  • Most professional services
  • Real estate
  • Holding companies
  • Gas stations

 

The Yukon Business Nominee Program offers a promising pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their business ambitions while securing permanent residency in Canada. By meeting the program’s requirements and successfully establishing a business in Yukon, individuals not only contribute to the local economy but also fulfill their aspirations of building a prosperous future in this vibrant territory.

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Other Yukon Immigration Programme

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The Yukon Skilled Worker Program allows employers in Yukon to hire skilled workers from outside of Canada to fill labor shortages. Eligible applicants can obtain permanent residency, contributing to the economic development of the territory.

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Yukon Express Entry (YEE)

The Yukon Skilled Worker Program allows employers in Yukon to hire skilled workers from outside of Canada to fill labor shortages. Eligible applicants can obtain permanent residency, contributing to the economic development of the territory.

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Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program

The Yukon Critical Impact Worker Program targets workers in occupations that are in high demand in the territory. This program helps fill gaps in key sectors, including hospitality, construction, and healthcare, by offering a path to permanent residency.

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Yukon Community Pilot

The Yukon Community Pilot encourages individuals to move to smaller communities within the territory. This pilot program supports those who wish to live and work in rural or northern parts of Yukon, while promoting economic growth in these areas.

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Other Provincial Nominee Programs

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan. The program has streams for both individuals with specific job offers and those with experience in high-demand occupations.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates. It provides opportunities to settle and contribute to the province’s economy while pursuing permanent residency.

Ontario

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to live and work in Ontario. The program offers several streams, including pathways for in-demand professionals and business owners.

Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) targets skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates. The program offers multiple pathways to permanent residency, allowing applicants to settle and contribute to Nova Scotia’s growing economy.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) caters to skilled workers, business investors, and individuals who aim to build their future in the Northwest Territories. The program provides opportunities for applicants with job offers in key industries or those with entrepreneurial ambitions to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP) supports skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs interested in contributing to the province’s economy. The program helps meet local labor market demands while offering a path to permanent residency.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) is for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the province’s labor market. The program includes streams for skilled professionals, business owners, and those with ties to the province.

Manitoba

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers several immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates who wish to live and work in Manitoba. Successful applicants can apply for permanent residency after meeting the program's criteria.

British Columbia

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to settle and contribute to the province’s economic growth. It offers various streams, including pathways for those seeking to start or invest in businesses.

Alberta

Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) targets skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Alberta. The program offers pathways for individuals to apply for permanent residency while contributing to the province’s thriving economy.