In an era where global migration shapes economies, cultures, and communities, one woman is redefining what compassionate immigration support truly looks like. Yanique Green-Ricketts, founder of YGR Immigration Services and a proud Jamaican immigrant, has emerged as one of Canada’s most trusted voices in immigration consulting and a champion for education, empowerment, and meaningful change.
Her dedication has earned national recognition: Yanique was recently named by CIBWE as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch for 2025, a distinction that celebrates her leadership, community impact, and unwavering advocacy for newcomers.
From the heart of Edmonton, Alberta, her work continues to ripple far beyond Canada’s borders.
A Vision Rooted in Humanity
For Yanique, immigration is more than a legal process, it is someone’s future in motion.
Every student hoping to study abroad, every family longing to reunite, every skilled worker dreaming of new possibilities carries a story. Yanique approaches each case with the understanding that behind every application lies resilience, sacrifice, and hope.
This human-centered philosophy has shaped YGR Immigration Services into an organization known for integrity, clarity, and empathy. Under Yanique’s leadership, the firm supports clients across key immigration pathways, including:
- Visitor visas
- Family sponsorship
- International student routes
- Skilled worker and economic programs
- Permanent residency and settlement guidance
Clients consistently praise YGR-IS for its transparency, personalized care, and detailed support, qualities that distinguish Yanique as both a leader and an advocate in her field.
Redefining Education in Immigration
Yanique’s influence extends far beyond her consulting practice. Recognizing a growing need for well-trained immigration professionals, she contributes to the development of post-secondary immigration-related courses, helping shape curricula that prepare students for real-world client needs.
Her work includes:
- Mentorship at the post-secondary level
- Course development for office administration-legal and immigration studies
- Equipping future consultants with ethical, culturally sensitive practices
This commitment to education positions Yanique as a thought leader and ensures the next generation of immigration professionals enters the field with both competence and compassion.
Honouring Her Roots: A Commitment to Jamaica
Yanique’s story begins in Jamaica, and her success has only strengthened her drive to give back.
Her philanthropic work focuses on:
- Contributing resources to uplift underserved families
- Collaborating with community organizations in Jamaica
- Providing mentorship to students and emerging professionals
These initiatives reflect her belief that success is most meaningful when it is shared. Yanique’s contributions help bridge opportunities for young Jamaicans, empowering them to dream boldly, whether in Canada or at home.
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Few professionals embody the dual power of expertise and empathy as seamlessly as Yanique Green-Ricketts. Her impact extends across borders, classrooms, and communities, touching the lives of newcomers, students, and families alike.
From being recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch (2025) by the Canadian International Black Women of Excellence (CIBWE) organization to transforming immigration journeys with care and precision, Yanique is not only shaping the future of immigration services, she is inspiring it.
Her work continues to remind us that when immigration is approached with humanity, pathways open, dreams are realized, and lives are forever changed.
