Canadian Immigration News

Immigrate to the Yukon Territory

4 minute read
"The Yukon is the smallest and westernmost of the 3 territories in Canada. It has the lowest population density in Canada with roughly 36,000 people residing in the territory. The capital of the Yukon is Whitehorse, which is also the only city in the Yukon."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Sep 28, 2021
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The Yukon is the smallest and westernmost of the 3 territories in Canada. It has the lowest population density in Canada with roughly 36,000 people residing in the territory. The capital of the Yukon is Whitehorse, which is also the only city in the Yukon. Around 75% of the population resides in Whitehorse. The Yukon has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. 

The Yukon is a beautiful territory with untouched wilderness and abundant natural resources. It also has a small and extremely friendly community eager to welcome newcomers. 

What Is Life Like for Immigrants in the Yukon?

The Yukon requires new immigrants due to its small population. Due to its rich natural resources, industries like mining are thriving in the territory and also provide the main source of employment for newcomers. Mostly, immigrants reside in the capital city of Whitehorse. 

Currently, the immigrant population in the Yukon is 38,293, approximately 11% of the total population. Immigrants from the United Kingdom, Philippines, and the United States have resettled in the Yukon. The Yukon has a diverse community with 25% of the population being of First Nations descent (Indigenous Peoples). 

What Is the Standard of Living in the Yukon?

While the cost of living in the Yukon is higher compared to other provinces in Canada, the average cost is considerably lower compared to other Northern provinces. However, the salaries offered in the territory are $45,000 on average, making it easier to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. 

The average family income in the Yukon exceeds $94,000. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,371. Immigrants in the Yukon can expect to live an active and peaceful lifestyle. Currently, the minimum wage in the territory is at $10.86/hour. In addition to that, the Yukon has no territorial sales tax. 

How Is the Economy in the Yukon?

The Yukon’s economy largely depends on its natural resources with mining as the biggest industry in the territory. Along with that, there are lead, zinc, copper, silver, and gold industries as these minerals are present in abundance. 

Apart from employment in natural resource industries, immigrants can work in business and administrative occupations. The government is a major source of employment for the Yukon’s population. However, the territory is slowly diversifying its economy by shifting focus on expanding travel and tourism. The unemployment rate in the territory is currently at 7%, however, it varies based on seasonal businesses. 

What Is the Quality of Education Available in the Yukon?

The Canadian government offers free secondary education to all citizens and permanent residents under the age of 20. The Yukon has a similar public education program from kindergarten to Grade 12. The public education system also offers various apprenticeship and co-operative education programs to promote skilled trade education among young people. The curriculum followed by the Yukon’s schools is developed by the province of British Columbia.

There is 1 post-secondary education institution in the Yukon, that is, Yukon College in Whitehorse. Yukon College offers various credit programs in liberal arts, sciences, northern studies, renewable resource management, and environmental studies. There are also several trade programs available for apprenticeship and pre-employment training. Students have access to programs in business administration, tourism, and culinary arts.

How Is Healthcare in the Yukon?

All Canadian provinces and territories provide universal public healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents of Canada. That means that as a permanent resident, you do not have to bear any direct cost for basic healthcare services. Certain health procedures not deemed necessary are not included in the list of healthcare services available to immigrants. This includes cosmetic surgery and certain dental care procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Immigration to the Yukon

The Yukon has the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) to nominate eligible foreign nationals from inside Canada and overseas. To be eligible for immigration streams under this program, you will require:

  • A full-time valid job offer from an employer in the Yukon
  • Other specific eligibility requirements of your stream

You can also obtain permanent residence by establishing your business in the province if you meet the requirements of the Yukon Business Nominee Program. You can not immigrate to the Yukon if you are inadmissible to Canada or a refugee claimant.


You can search for employment opportunities in the Yukon on the following websites:

  • Canada Job Bank
  • Employment Central
  • Yuwin

The Multicultural Centre of the Yukon offers the following services to new immigrants in the region:

  • Assist in settlement and integration of new immigrants and refugees, socially and economically
  • Language Instruction Assistance Programs
  • Employment services
  • Community networking
  • Information regarding rights and responsibilities.
  • Assistance in filing forms for social insurance numbers, driver's licenses, and health care card
  • Other services to assist the newly arrived immigrant with their new Canadian lifestyle

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