The Yukon Business Immigration Nominee Program (YBINP) provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and business professionals to establish or invest in businesses within Yukon, contributing to the territory’s economic growth while working towards permanent residency. The process involves meeting specific assessment criteria, obtaining a work permit, and successfully implementing a business plan within a two-year period.

Application Process

The first step is submitting an application for evaluation, where the applicant is assessed based on the program’s eligibility requirements. To pass the assessment, the following criteria must be met:

1. Minimum Score Requirement:
   • Achieve a minimum of 56 points on the Nominee Assessment Grid. Points are awarded based on factors such as:
     • Proposed investment value
     • Personal net worth
     • Age (maximum points are awarded to those aged 29–40)
     • Length of prior visits to Yukon
     • Education and training
     • Ownership or senior management experience
     • Language proficiency
2. Language Proficiency:
   • Achieve at least:
     • Level 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or
     • Level 4 in the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF).
3. Relevant Experience:
   • Possess entrepreneurial or business management experience relevant to the proposed venture.
4. Net Worth and Liquid Assets:
   • Have a minimum net worth of $250,000 CAD.
   • Hold at least $150,000 CAD in liquid assets (cash, bonds, or cash derivatives).
   • Provide documented proof that these assets were acquired legally.

Next Steps for Approved Applicants

Once an application is approved, the candidate receives a letter of recommendation to submit to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to obtain a two-year work permit. With the work permit, the applicant is required to:

1. Submit a Business Plan:
   • The plan must outline how the applicant will establish a business in one of the sectors listed on Yukon’s Strategic Sector List.
   • The applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
     • Make a minimum $150,000 CAD investment in the business with at least 33.3% ownership, or
     • Make an equity investment of at least $1,000,000 CAD in a business within a strategic sector.
2. Implement the Business Plan:
   • Over the two-year work permit period, applicants are expected to execute the business plan as outlined in their application.

Final Steps

At the end of the two-year period, the YBINP evaluates the success of the applicant’s business. If the applicant meets the program requirements and fulfills their business obligations, the YBINP will support their application for permanent residency through IRCC.

The program ensures that successful applicants not only integrate into Yukon’s economy but also contribute meaningfully to the territory’s growth and development.