How to Immigrate to Yukon: top tips in 2023

Yukon, the smallest and westernmost of Canada’s three territories, has a population of 36,000 people and is the lowest of any province or territory in Canada, so this province needs more immigrants to come and settle.

Yukon is a great location to live, offering awe-inspiring natural landscapes, many careers, and education possibilities, plentiful natural resources, and an immigrant-friendly community.

Discover more tips on how to move to Yukon.

What should I know about Yukon before moving?

Before packing your bags and choosing Yukon as your primary destination for immigrating to Canada, it’s essential to know what life is like in Yukon and its job opportunities for immigrants. You may find all you need to know about this in the following 2 sections below:

Published on August 19, 2021

Table of Contents

Territory and Climate

Because Yukon is more-or-less uniformly cold and alpine, much of the territory is usually around ten degrees above freezing. Because of this, summer days tend to be pleasant, with temperatures regularly over 77°F (25°C). However, as the province is north of the Arctic Circle, summer days in June and July may be very lengthy.

If you enjoy cold winters and “just-right” summers, this is the perfect province for you!

Economic Features

Because of its plentiful natural resources such as lead, zinc, silver, gold, and copper, the Yukon’s economy is mainly dependent on that state.

Next to natural resources, business and administrative professions make up the community’s second-largest job category. Additionally, the government accounts for a large part of overall employment in the capital city of Whitehorse, accounting for a substantial percentage of the local economy. Yukon’s economy has diversified, and tourism contributes a significant portion of employment and services in the territory. Currently, the unemployment rate in Whitehorse is 7%, although this rate fluctuates depending on the time of year.

As for cost of living, Whitehorse has a higher cost of living than other southern Canadian locations. In contrast to the cost of living elsewhere in the Yukon and in towns across northern Canada, the overall cost of living is somewhat lower. In the Yukon, the typical family earns $94,000 per year, making it possible to live comfortably even when compared to other parts of Canada.

The Yukon’s seasonal employment comprises a large part of the workforce, and weekly wages surpass the national average. Additionally, the Yukon has no sales tax on imported or taxable goods. At the moment, the minimum average salary for residents is $10.86 per hour.

How Can I Apply for PR in Yukon?

Yukon Express Entry

Yukon Express Entry (YEE) is a stream of the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). YEE is linked to the federal Express Entry system, therefore candidates must be in the Express Entry pool to qualify. Qualified candidates who want to reside and work in Yukon may be eligible for a Yukon provincial nomination. 

Highway in Yukon Canada
There are several Yukon immigration pathways for you to choose from!

Yukon PNP

The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) consists of several immigration streams that allow foreigners to become permanent residents of Canada. The Yukon has numerous immigration routes, such as:

CanadaCIS: Skilled Worker Program Requirements
A program for qualified professionals who have a NOC level A, 0, or B specialty and have received a job offer from a Yukon employer.
CanadaCIS: Express Entry Program Requirements
A program for skilled professionals who have a NOC Level A, 0, or B major, have received a job offer in the Yukon and are registered with Express Entry.
CanadaCIS: Community Pilot Program Requirements
The Yukon Territory Immigration Program is designed to help immigration applicants whose education and work experience are of particular value to the region move to the Yukon permanently.
Critical Impact Worker Program Requirements
This program is designed for non-qualified job seekers who have entered into an agreement with an employer. The main requirements for the employer and the applicant are the same as in the previous one.
CanadaCIS: Business Nominee program Requirements
Direction for businessmen who have experience in business management and want to do business in the Canadian territory. Potential managers must have the drive to create and personally run a business.

Yukon Business Program

The Yukon Business Nominee Program allows candidates with demonstrated entrepreneurship and business experience to boost the Northern Territory’s economy. Applicants for the Yukon Business Nominee Program must want to open and run a business in Yukon.

Want to know how to apply and the requirements for each pathway? Check out this infographic!

Job opportunities in Yukon

Yukon has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, at 4.6 percent, making it one of the easiest provinces to find work in Canada! Want to know the best job opportunities and the average salary within Yukon? No worries, we got you covered!

Top 5 Jobs in Demand in Yukon

Studying Opportunities in Yukon

There is just one higher education institution in Yukon: Yukon University. Yukon University offers degrees, diplomas, and certificates. In December 2019, the parliament of Yukon passed a law to convert Yukon College into Yukon College. Yukon is considered to be the 3rd best university in Canada with around 130 international students enrolled each year. If you wish to move to Yukon as an international college student, this would be your best and only option!

University campus in Yukon
Yukon's university is ranked as the 3rd best university in Canada!

It’s not an easy choice to leave your old life behind and start a new one in Canada, but this is a wise one. Going on a new journey to Yukon is an even more thrilling and distinct challenge because of the choice of destination. In Yukon, if you are persistent, you will find a job. In order to achieve your plans of living in Yukon, your next step would be to start your immigration journey, and CanadaCIS is here to help!

Learn more about immigration to Canada: