Dear Mr Brown,

I would like to know if there are any options for migrating to a rural province. I have heard about Yukon, and would like to know if going there will increase my chance of success?

— MG

Dear MG:

I can only provide general information, as you have not provided information regarding your educational or professional background. If you prefer to live far away from a big city, then Yukon may be an ideal destination. I understand that no other place in North America gets as cold as Yukon during extreme periods (-60 °C).

Main Industries

The Yukon Territory has a population of approximately 34,000. The main industries include: Mining (lead, zinc, silver, gold, asbestos and copper), manufacturing (furniture, clothing, and handicrafts), trapping and fishing. The Government is by far the biggest employer in the territory.

If you wish to settle in Yukon as a permanent resident, you may consider the following programmes:

1.The Skilled Worker Programme,

2.The Critical Impact Worker Programme, and

3.The Business Programme.

Yukon Skilled Worker Programme

This stream is employer-driven to identify and nominate potential qualified immigrants to fill positions that cannot be filled by territorial or national labour markets.

The requirements include:

*An offer of permanent full-time skilled employment;

*Evidence of the inability of the employer to fill the position; and

*Basic English or French proficiency.

Critical Impact Worker Programme

This stream deals with the labour pool for entry level jobs in the hospitality and service sectors in order to address the critical need of semi-skilled workers.

The requirements include:

*An offer of semi-skilled employment;

*The possession of a work permit or have already worked in the position for six months; and

*Minimum language requirements.

Business Programme

This stream deals with candidates applying as entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals.

Candidates with proven business experience may start a new business, partner with an existing business or purchase and operate a business in Yukon.

In order to qualify as an entrepreneur, applicants must:

*Have a personal net worth of at least CDN$250, 000;

*Make an investment of at least CDN$150, 000;

*Demonstrate reasonable knowledge of Yukon and its economy; and

*Have reasonable communication skills, necessary experience and education to successfully implement business plan.

In order to qualify as a self-employed professional who can provide a service which is in demand, applicants must:

*Have reasonable communication skills;

*Reasonable knowledge of Yukon and its economy;

*Create a business plan; and

*Have sufficient financial resources to start and operate a professional practice.

The self-employed option may apply to a wide range of professional occupations and could be an option for many Jamaican professionals.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work progamme, Visitor’s visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel, education agent and managing director of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM-a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com