Yukon Business Nominee Program Business Program

The Business Program has two components: an Entrepreneur category and a Self Employed category. Click on one of the following links to learn more about each of these categories.
Entrepreneur -  The Nominee Program will be of interest to entrepreneurs, or owner/operators of businesses who are interested in immigrating to Yukon.  While most economic sectors are eligible, the industries that the Government of Yukon has identified as priority industries include the following:

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

Retail as a stand-alone operation is not a priority sector.  However, business projects in this sector will be considered if they involve a product that is new to Yukon or if the product would generate significant Yukon benefits.  This includes activities such as merchandising and food and beverage services/restaurants.
A business plan is required. The applicant’s business plan may involve a new business startup or the purchase of an existing business.  It could also involve investment as an active management partner in an existing business.  The business plan must clearly detail the incremental benefits that will accrue to Yukon.
Eligibility Criteria under the Entrepreneur category

• The applicant must invest a minimum of $150,000 CDN equity into starting or buying a business in Yukon.
• The applicant must have a personal net worth of at least $250,000 CDN.
• The applicant must demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of Yukon and its economy.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate reasonable communication skills.
• The applicant must have the necessary experience and education to successfully implement the business plan.

Self-employed - The self-employed category of the Nominee Program is designed to attract professionals who can provide a service that is in demand in Yukon by establishing business outlets or professional practices.  This category applies only to self employed professionals.  Professionals that will be employed by a business or other organization should refer to the Skilled Worker Program (Department of Education)
Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant's profession must be identified as a professional skill shortage.
• The applicant must satisfy any certification or accreditation requirements for the particular profession or occupation.
• The applicant must be licensed/accepted by the body governing the profession, if any.
• The applicant must demonstrate reasonable communication skills appropriate to Yukon.
• The applicant must demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of Yukon and its economy.
• The applicant must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to start and operate the professional practice and to support themselves and any dependents for a period of six months.
• The applicant must submit a detailed business plan for the business or practice.

There are two categories under the Skilled Worker Program:
Skilled Worker
To qualify as a Skilled Worker under the Yukon Nominee Program, the applicant must have:

• A permanent full-time job offer from a Yukon employer in an occupation that falls in levels A, B, or 0 in the National Occupational Classification Matrix;
• The required certification or accreditation for the specific trade or occupation;
• A license or accepted by the Territorial body governing the occupation or trade, if applicable;
• The ability to conduct basic communications in the official language of the work place;
• The applicant cannot be a refugee claimant.

      To qualify as a Critical Impact Worker, the applicant must have:

• A permanent full-time job offer from a Yukon employer in an occupation that falls in levels C or D in the National Occupational Classification Matrix;
• A temporary work permit and have worked in the position for 6 months OR a score of 55 or better on the YNP Pre-Assessment;
• Sufficient financial supports or settlement supports in Yukon;
• The required work experience for the occupation;
• The ability to conduct basic communications in the official language of the work place;
• The applicant cannot be a refugee claimant.