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Yukon Business Nominee Program

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Business Program
 

Skilled Worker and
Critical Impact Worker 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

Self Employed

Program Overview


Agents:
The Yukon Business Nominee Program is administered by the Government of Yukon’s Department of Economic Development. The Department does not use agents or representatives in the delivery or administration of the program.  Applicants may use the services of a qualified agent or consultant in the preparation of applications but all dealings and transactions must be between the applicant and the Department of Economic Development.

Interview:
All applicants will be required to participate in an interview as part of the assessment process.  The purpose of the interview is to discuss the applicant’s business plan, assess the applicant’s knowledge of Yukon, and to assess the applicant’s communication skills.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with Department officials during any visit to Yukon – these meetings may be recognized as satisfying the requirements for an interview.

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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. 

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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.

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Application Review Process

The applicant must submit an application and business plan for review by the Yukon Department of Economic Development. This review may involve other government departments, agencies or the private sector.  Once an applicant is accepted and the business plan is implemented, a nomination certificate for permanent residency will be issued to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  Should the applicant be unable to implement the business plan immediately, a letter of support for a work permit will be issued to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to allow the applicant additional time to implement the business plan.

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Forms


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Skill Shortage List

  • Medical Doctor
  • Registered Nurse
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineer

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Contact Yukon Business Nominee Program

Business and Trade Branch
Department of Economic Development

Mailing Address:
PO Box 2703 (F-2)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 2C6

Phone: (867) 393-7014
Fax: (867) 393-6944

Email: business.trade@gov.yk.ca

Physical Address:
Suite 200, 1100 1st Avenue
Whitehorse, YT