Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP)

The YBNP targets individuals with proven business skills looking to own and operate a business in Yukon and make a significant contribution to the community.

Yukon is seeking people with entrepreneurial skills who can participate in Yukon’s business community and help expand and diversify its economy. Applicants must be willing to hold an active managerial role in the Yukon business.

If an applicant is approved by the program, he or she becomes a nominee and will receive support for a Two Year Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit gives the nominee the opportunity to establish him/herself, family, and business in Yukon. At the end of the two-year period, those who meet all the eligibility requirements will be supported by the territory in their application to IRCC for Permanent Residence.

This page will provide further details on the following relevant topics:

• Minimum Eligibility Criteria
• Nominee Assessment Grid
• Strategic Sectors List

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible under the Yukon Business Nominee Program, applicants must:

• Achieve a minimum score of 56 on the Nominee Assessment Grid;
• Achieve at minimum either:
  • Level 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or
  • Level 4 in the Test d’Evaluation De Francais (TEF);
• Have relevant entrepreneurial or business management experience;
• Have a minimum net worth of $250,000 CAD, verified by a Certified Third Party;
• Have at least $150,000 CAD in liquid assets (cash, bonds, cash derivatives etc.), verified by a Certified Third Party;
• Provide proof that the claimed net worth and liquid assets has been obtained through legal means;
• Provide:
  • A business plan outlining how the Supported Applicant will establish a successful business venture in one of the industries listed on the Strategic Sector List. The Supported Applicant must demonstrate a minimum $150,000 CAD investment in the business with no less than 33.33 percent ownership, OR
  • An equity investment in a business in one of the industries listed on the Strategic Sector List of at least $1,000,000 CAD.
  • In both options, the Supported Applicant must demonstrate active and ongoing management of the business.
  • Submit a Resettlement Plan demonstrating their intent to establish Yukon residency.
  
  

  Additional Requirements For Year One in Yukon as a Nominee

  Upon arrival in the territory, nominees must have a mandatory meeting with a YBNP representative. If delays occur the nominee is required to inform the YBNP office immediately. Additionally, the nominee’s residency and start-up process must begin immediately. All legal documents supporting such activity must be provided to the YBNP. and documentation showing proof of business operations is required throughout the year. All nominees must meet with YBNP staff or be visited on-site (business or residence) on a quarterly basis.

  Additional Requirements for Year Two in Yukon as a Nominee

  Nominees are expected to have their business operational and all members of the family residing year-round in Yukon by their second year in the territory. During this second year, nominees are to produce all documentation to support their application for Permanent Residency.

  This documentation includes:

  • Year End Financial Statements (Notice to Reader),
  • Person residence rent receipts or mortgage statements,
  • Personal utility receipts,
  • Business rent receipts or mortgage payments,
  • Business utility receipts,
  • List of business suppliers and customers,
  • Other documents required by the YBNP.
  
  

  Lastly, all nominees will be subject to a final on-site visit (at home or at work).

  Nominee Assessment Grid

  Using the Nominee Assessment Grid, applicants are awarded a score based on seven selection factors including Business Resources, Personal Net Worth, Age, Prior Visit, Education and Training, Work Experience, and Language Ability.

  To be eligible, candidates must score a minimum of 56 points, including a minimum of 10 points in the Language Ability section.

  Selection Factors

  Selection factor	Points
  Business Resources	Maximum 12 points
  Personal Net Worth	Maximum 12 points
  Age	Maximum 10 points
  Prior Visit	Maximum 6 points
  Education and Training	Maximum 20 points
  Work Experience	Maximum 20 points
  Language Ability	Maximum 12 points
  Total	Maximum 92 points
  Pass mark:	56 Points

  
  

  Business Resources

  Points in this section are awarded based on the amount of investment planned in the business.

  Investment Value ($CAD)	Points
  Less than $150,000	Ineligible
  $150,000 - $250,000	6
  $251,000 - $400,000	8
  401,000 - $750,000	10
  $751,000+	12

  
  

  Personal Net Worth

  Personal Net Worth points are awarded based on the documented proof of assets less liabilities.

  Net Worth ($CAD)	Points
  Less than $250,000	Ineligible
  $250,000 - $500,000	6
  $501,000 - $750,000	8
  $751,000 - $1,000,000	10
  $1,000,000+	12

  
  

  Age

  Points are awarded for age according to the date indicated on the applicant’s passport.

  Age	Points
  21-49	10
  50	9
  51	8
  52	7
  53	6
  54	5
  55	4
  56+	0

  
  

  Prior Visit

  Points are awarded based on documented proof that the applicant has travelled to Yukon prior to the submission of an application.

  Visit Duration	Points
  0 days	0
  1-5 days	3
  6+ days	6

  
  

  Education and Training

  Education points are awarded based on the documented proof of completed education and training programs.

  Years of Education	Education	Points
  12	Completed secondary school	10
  12-13	Completed Post-secondary Program of 1 year	14
  14-16	Completed Post-secondary Program of 2 years	16
  17-18	Completed Post-secondary Program of 4 years	18
  18+	Masters or Doctorate	20

  
  

  Work Experience

  Points in the work experience category are awarded based on documented proof of relevant entrepreneurial or business management experience.

  Years	Points
  1-2	8
  2-3	12
  3-4	14
  4-5	18
  5+	20

  
  

  Language Ability

  Points are awarded for language ability according to documented proof of training and ability in either English or French. The only accepted form of documented proof is an original certificate from either the English IELTS or French TEF programs.

  Level	Points
  IELTS 6+/TEF 4+	12
  IELTS 6/TEF 4	10
  IELTS 6-/TEF 4-	0

  
  

  Strategic Sectors List

  Only businesses in one of the sectors identified on this list are eligible under the YBNP. If a sector is not on this list, a nominee cannot open or invest in a business within that sector in order to meet their eligibility requirements.

  The following are the eligible strategic sectors:

  • Information Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Value-added processing
  • Forestry
  • Tourism Products, Attractions, Services and Facilities
  • Energy
  • Mining/mineral development
  • Agriculture
  • Cultural industries
  • Film and video production