Yukon Business Nominee Program: Build a Business in Canada's North, Earn Your PR
Yukon nominates foreign entrepreneurs who start or buy a business in one of its strategic sectors and run it on a 2-year work permit. You apply directly to the Government of Yukon, and it scores you on a point grid. We check your fit before you spend money on a business plan.
since 1991
What is the Yukon Business Nominee Program?
The Yukon Business Nominee Program (YBNP) lets foreign entrepreneurs start or buy a business in Yukon and run it themselves. If Yukon approves your application after an interview, it supports a 2-year federal work permit so you can set up your business.
At the end of the 2 years, Yukon supports your permanent residence application if you meet the program requirements.
Is meeting the minimum score enough?
No. Applications that meet every requirement and score at least 65 points enter a pool for 6 months, if Yukon approves your business concept. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee acceptance, so we test your concept before you apply.
Why entrepreneurs consider Yukon
- A direct application: you apply to the Government of Yukon by mail or in person
- Strategic sectors: IT, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, mining and more
- A 2-year work permit: you set up your business and your family before PR support
- Local help: Yukon holds drop-in sessions in Whitehorse every Thursday
Is the Yukon program right for you?
An honest check before you spend money on a plan.
A good fit if you have
- 3 years of business management experience and 5 years of work relevant to your business
- $500,000 net worth and $300,000 in liquid assets that a Yukon accounting firm can verify
- A plan to invest $300,000 in capital within 2 years, in an eligible sector
- IELTS 6 or TEF Canada level 4, and a plan to live in Yukon with your family
Consider another route if
- Your idea is retail, a restaurant, consulting, real estate, a holding company or a gas station
- You already bought or started the Yukon business
- You have an active application in another province or territory
A job-based route may fit better. See the skilled-worker PNP or Express Entry.
Yukon Business Nominee Program requirements
You must meet every minimum and prove it with documents. Yukon publishes the rules and its point grid, and after nomination you apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Business experience
At least 3 years of entrepreneurial or business management experience, and 5 years of work relevant to your business. You must hold a position of NOC TEER 0 or 1 in the business.
Net worth
At least $500,000, and at least $300,000 in liquid assets: cash, bonds and cash derivatives. A Yukon accounting firm verifies that you obtained both legally.
Investment
Show how you will invest at least $300,000 in capital in the business in the first 2 years. Property and equipment count. A house, partly personal vehicles and running costs do not.
Sector and control
A new Yukon business or the purchase of an existing one, in a strategic sector, managed by you. It cannot be a passive investment, and you cannot have started it before you apply.
Language and education
IELTS level 6 in English or TEF Canada level 4 in French. You also need at least a high school diploma, plus proof of any higher credentials your business needs.
Not sure you qualify?
Tell us your experience, net worth and business idea. We test your fit and your score before you commit to a plan.
How Yukon scores and picks you
Minimum score
You need every eligibility requirement and at least 65 points on the Yukon assessment point grid. Yukon updates the grid, so we confirm the current version with you.
The candidate pool
Qualifying applications enter a pool for 6 months, if your business concept is approved. Yukon invites only selected candidates to the next stage.
Documents and plan
Selected candidates send documents that verify their application, and a business plan that Yukon assesses.
Trip and interview
If you meet the requirements, Yukon invites you for an exploratory trip and an in-person interview in Yukon.
Work permit
If Yukon approves you after the interview, it supports a 2-year federal work permit so you can start your business.
Residence support
At the end of the 2 years, Yukon supports your permanent residence application if you meet the requirements.
Compare other routes
Yukon not the right fit? These pages cover other business provinces and the main skilled-worker routes.
Your application package
Every document must be current and complete. A missing item can close your file.
Application form
Complete the application and send the signed original by mail or in person in Whitehorse. Representatives add form IMM 5676.
Business plan
A full plan for your Yukon business. Yukon assesses it after you are selected from the pool.
Net worth report
A Yukon accounting firm confirms that you earned your net worth and liquid assets legally.
Language result
An IELTS or TEF Canada result that meets the minimum. Use IRCC equivalency charts to compare other tests.
Education proof
Proof of your high school diploma, and of any higher credentials your business requires.
Want your plan reviewed?
We review your application and business plan before you submit them.
How the Yukon program works, step by step
Six stages from your application to your PR support.
Check your fit
We test your net worth, liquid assets, experience and business idea against the rules and the ineligible sector list.
Prepare your application
Gather your verified financial proof, your language result and your evidence of experience.
Submit to Yukon
Send the signed original to Economic Development in Whitehorse, by mail or in person.
Enter the candidate pool
Applications with 65 or more points and an approved concept wait in the pool. Yukon invites selected candidates to submit documents and a plan.
Exploratory trip and interview
Travel to Yukon for the in-person interview. If Yukon approves you, it supports your 2-year work permit.
Build, then apply for PR
Establish yourself, your family and your business. Yukon then supports your PR application if you meet the requirements.
After you are approved
You have 2 years to establish yourself, your family and your business in Yukon.
Federal work permit
Yukon supports your application to the federal government for a 2-year work permit.
Live in Yukon
You live in Yukon with your dependants while you manage and invest in your business.
Invest in capital
Invest at least $300,000 in capital in the business in your first 2 years.
Run it yourself
You manage the business directly. Passive investment is not allowed.
Apply for PR
At the end of the permit, Yukon supports your PR application if you meet its requirements. IRCC makes the final decision.
Want a second set of eyes?
We track your deadlines from your application to your PR support.
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because government fees change.
Check your Yukon eligibility in 2 minutes
Answer 8 short questions. The tool checks the main eligibility rules. It is general guidance, not a decision, and it does not calculate your 65-point score.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
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Yukon Business Nominee Program FAQs
What is the Yukon Business Nominee Program?
It is a Government of Yukon program that lets foreign entrepreneurs start or buy a business in Yukon and run it themselves. If Yukon approves you after an interview, it supports a 2-year federal work permit, and later your permanent residence application.
How many points do I need?
You need at least 65 points on the Yukon assessment point grid, plus every eligibility requirement. Qualifying applications enter a pool for 6 months if your business concept is approved, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee acceptance.
How much money do I need?
You need a net worth of at least $500,000 and at least $300,000 in liquid assets, both verified by a Yukon accounting firm. You must also show how you will invest at least $300,000 in capital in the business in the first 2 years.
Which businesses are eligible?
The business must be new or an existing Yukon business that you buy, and you must manage it. It must fall in a strategic sector such as IT, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, mining, energy, forestry, culture or film.
Which businesses are not allowed?
Passive investments, retail, wholesale and distribution, restaurants, financial services, consulting and personal services, most professional services, real estate, holding companies and gas stations are not eligible.
What language level do I need?
You need IELTS level 6 in English or TEF Canada level 4 in French. IRCC equivalency charts show how other designated tests compare.
Can I start the business before I apply?
No. You must not have bought or started the Yukon business at the time of your application, and capital invested before you are accepted does not count toward the $300,000.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation with Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319. We test your fit, calculate your score and review your business concept before you apply.