Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP): Eligibility and Application Steps

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a region of vast economic potential, yet its small, approximately 45,000-person population creates significant, persistent labour shortages across crucial industries like mining, healthcare, and skilled trades. To close this gap and drive sustained growth, the territorial government relies on the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP).

Launched in 1998, this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the NWT’s most direct tool for attracting qualified foreign workers and business investors, offering a powerful pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

What is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program?

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program is a provincial immigration initiative operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) under a federal-territorial agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program grants the territory authority to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence based on territorial labour market priorities and economic development objectives.

The program serves three territorial priorities: filling skilled and entry-level labour shortages that local recruitment cannot resolve, supporting business establishment and expansion in remote communities, and enabling foreign workers already contributing to the territorial economy to settle permanently with their families. 

The federal government allocates the Northwest Territories 300 nomination certificates annually, distributed across all streams based on application volumes and labour market needs.

NTNP Immigration Streams Overview

The NTNP currently operates through three main Streams: the Employer-Driven Stream, the Business Stream, and the Francophone Stream. 

Each stream has its own set of requirements, such as a job offer, investment, language, and work experience, depending on the applicant’s profile.

Stream Name		Target Applicant	Key Requirement
Employer-Driven Stream	Express Entry for Skilled Workers	Skilled workers with an active Express Entry profile	Job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
	Skilled Worker	Skilled workers not in the Express Entry pool	Job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, one year of NWT work experience
	Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations	Workers in specific in-demand entry-level jobs	Job offer in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation, one year of  NWT work experience
Business Stream		Entrepreneurs and business owners	Approved business plan and significant investment
Francophone Stream		French-speaking foreign nationals with a job offer.	A valid job offer and proven proficiency in French (NCLC 5 or higher).

While the Business and Francophone streams are distinct pathways, the Employer-Driven Stream acts as an umbrella for three categories. Your specific occupation skill level and whether you have an active Express Entry profile will determine which category you apply under within this stream. 

The following sections will provide a detailed breakdown of the categories within the Employer-Driven Stream as well as the specific requirements for the Business and Francophone Streams.

Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream

The NWT Express Entry Stream, aligned with the federal Express Entry system, enables the territory to nominate skilled foreign workers who qualify for one of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs and have a valid job offer from a Northwest Territories employer.

Once a candidate receives a nomination through NTNP under this stream, the federal system adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to their Express Entry profile. This significant point boost normally ensures that the candidate is invited to apply for permanent residence in the next available Express Entry draw.

Compared with other NTNP categories, this stream can result in faster overall processing because the final permanent residence application is handled through the federal Express Entry pathway.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the NWT Express Entry Stream, applicants must:

• Have an active Express Entry profile and be eligible for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
• Hold a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
• Possess the required education, licenses, and certification for the job.
• Demonstrate at least one year of full-time work experience or the equivalent in the same or a closely related occupation within the past ten years. 
• Meet the minimum language requirements for your federal Express Entry program (typically CLB 7 for TEER 0, 1, 2 occupations, or CLB 5 for TEER 3).
• Demonstrate intent to live in the Northwest Territories.

Employer Requirements

Employers supporting a nomination must:

• Being registered and operational in the NWT for 12 months
• Being in good standing with workers’ compensation and employment standards
• Providing a genuine full-time permanent job offer with competitive industry wages
• Documenting recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents

Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream

The Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream is intended for temporary foreign workers in semi-skilled positions who are already employed in the Northwest Territories and whose skills are needed by local employers but are hard to fill with the local labour force.

This stream provides a route to permanent residence for workers who have shown they can succeed in a semi-skilled role in the territory and want to settle there long-term.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream, applicants must:

• Have worked for at least one year full-time in the Northwest Territories in the same semi-skilled occupation (TEER 4 or TEER 5 under NOC 2021) for the employer who is supporting their nomination.
• Hold a valid temporary work permit that allows them to continue working in that position.
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from the same employer in a position that qualifies under this semi-skilled stream.
• Demonstrate a minimum level of English or French ability (typically equivalent to CLB 4 or higher).
• Provide proof of sufficient settlement funds. The minimum required amount is $10,000 CAD for the applicant and an additional $2,000 CAD for each accompanying dependent. Proof must be 3 months of stamped bank statements from a Canadian financial institution.
• Clearly indicate their intention to make the Northwest Territories their permanent home.

Employer Requirements

Employers participating in this stream must:

• Be registered and operational in the NWT for at least 12 months
• Provide a genuine full-time, permanent job offer in an eligible TEER 4 or 5 occupation
• Show efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents
• Comply with employment and compensation standards

By facilitating the transition from temporary to permanent residence for semi-skilled foreign workers already established in the territory, the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream helps employers retain the talent needed to strengthen the NWT economy.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream allows employers in the Northwest Territories to recruit foreign nationals for skilled occupations when they cannot find qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the role. It is intended for positions that require specialized training, education, or professional experience and play an important role in the territorial labour market.

This stream offers a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who have the background, credentials, and experience needed to perform in an NWT-based skilled occupation.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have at least one year of full-time experience within the past ten years in the same or a closely related skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 under NOC 2021)
• Hold a permanent, full-time job offer from an employer in the Northwest Territories in a qualifying skilled occupation
• Meet any licensing or certification requirements for the position
• Demonstrate required education, experience and language abilities (CLB 7)
• Show proof of settlement funds and intent to reside in the NWT

Employer Requirements

Employers supporting an application under this stream must:

• Be registered and operational in the NWT for 12 months
• Offer a genuine, full-time, permanent position in an eligible skilled occupation (TEER 0-3).
• Show efforts to recruit qualified Canadians and PRs
• Comply with all employment standards

By enabling local employers to bring in qualified foreign talent, the Skilled Worker Stream helps ensure the NWT has the human capital necessary to meet its economy’s demand for skilled labour.

Northwest Territories Business Immigration Streams

In addition to its foreign worker streams, the NTNP provides pathways for qualified business immigrants who wish to establish or invest in businesses in the Northwest Territories.

This stream facilitates immigration for qualified entrepreneurs planning to start or purchase businesses in the NWT.

Applicants are expected to submit detailed business plans demonstrating a viable concept that will benefit the Northwest Territories economically. Priority is given to proposals introducing new products/services or generating significant economic advantages for the territory.

To qualify for the Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must:

• Applicants must invest a minimum of $200,000 CAD to establish or purchase a business within Yellowknife, or $100,000 CAD if the business is located outside Yellowknife.
• Applicants must demonstrate a personal net worth of at least $500,000 CAD for a business located in Yellowknife, or at least $250,000 CAD if the business is outside Yellowknife.
• Ownership may be less than 33.3% only if the applicant invests $1,000,000 CAD or more in equity
• Complete the mandatory exploratory visit and in-person interview with NTNP officers
• Submit a detailed business plan supported by market research and evidence of business knowledge
• Demonstrate reasonable understanding of the NWT economy, business environment, and operational requirements
• Meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 4 in English or French
• Commit to residing full-time in the Northwest Territories and actively managing the business

In addition to facilitating new business establishment and job creation, this stream aims to attract entrepreneurial talent who can enrich the economic and social fabric of the Northwest Territories.

Francophone Stream

The Francophone Stream is designed to help Northwest Territories (NWT) employers address labour shortages by recruiting qualified foreign nationals who speak both French and English. This pathway supports the territorial government’s goal of diversifying and expanding the NWT labour force with bilingual workers.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Francophone Stream, applicants must:

• Hold a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer. The position may fall under any National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)
• Demonstrate French language proficiency at a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four abilities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
• Demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in all four abilities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
• Test scores for both French and English must be achieved in one testing session per language, from an approved organization like the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) Canada or the Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) for French.
• Possess the necessary education, qualifications, and credentials for the job, including any required licensing or professional certification.
• Have one year of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation within the last 10 years or six months of full-time work experience in the NWT in the nominated occupation.
• Please provide evidence of adequate settlement funds to support yourself and your family.
• Demonstrate a clear intent to reside permanently in the Northwest Territories.

Employer Requirements

Employers supporting an application under this stream must:

• Be registered and operating in the NWT for at least one year.
• Provide a genuine, full-time, permanent job offer with wages that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Demonstrate efforts to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position before offering it to a foreign national.
• Comply with all territorial employment and safety standards.

The language requirement (CLB 5 French and CLB 4 English) and the inclusion of all TEER categories (0-5) are the most distinctive features of this stream. While the stream aims to fill labour shortages that cannot be filled by Canadian residents, the focus is placed on the applicant’s bilingual abilities and commitment to settle, rather than a mandatory minimum period of prior work experience in the NWT.

Step-by-Step Northwest Territories Nominee Program Application Process

The NTNP nomination process follows distinct steps depending on the stream:

For Employer-Driven Streams:

This process helps employers in the Northwest Territories hire foreign workers for jobs they can’t fill locally.

1. The employer identifies labour needs and recruits a candidate
2. Employer extends a permanent job offer to a suitable foreign candidate
3. Employer supports the candidate’s NTNP application
4. The candidate prepares and submits a complete NTNP application
5. NTNP reviews the application and assesses eligibility
6. If approved, the candidate receives a nomination
7. Nominee applies for permanent residence within 1 year

For Business Streams:

This process is for entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in the Northwest Territories and become permanent residents.

1. Initial Research and Business Visit: Prospective entrepreneurs research opportunities and conduct mandatory exploratory visits to meet NTNP staff and demonstrate preparedness.
2. Pre-Screening Submission: Applicants submit initial documents like forms, resumes, and outlines of business concepts to be considered for an invitation to apply.
3. Formal Application: If approved after pre-screening, candidates have 9 months to submit their complete application package, including detailed business plans.
4. Application Review: NTNP staff review the full application, assess eligibility criteria, and may request an interview or additional documents.
5. Nomination Decision: Applicants are approved and entered into a Business Performance Agreement or rejected if deemed ineligible.
6. Arrival and Business Establishment: Nominees arrive in the NWT and have 2 years to implement their business plans under the Business Performance Agreement.
7. Nomination Certificate: Nominees who meet the terms of their Business Performance Agreement receive a nomination certificate.
8. Permanent Residence Application: With the nomination certificate, applicants can then apply for permanent residence within 1 year.

NTNP Application Processing Times

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) aims for a rapid, consistent internal assessment time across its streams. Once a complete application package has been submitted, the NTNP staff generally strive to complete their assessment within twelve weeks.

Here are the typical processing times once a complete application is received:

Stream	NTNP Assessment Time (After Submission)	Clarification
NWT Express Entry Stream	12 weeks	Time for NTNP to assess the nomination application.
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations	12 weeks	Time for NTNP to assess the nomination application.
Skilled Worker Stream	12 weeks	Time for NTNP to assess the nomination application.
Business Stream  (Entrepreneur Stream)	12 weeks + additional steps	Time for NTNP to assess the Formal Application.
Francophone Stream	12 weeks	Time for NTNP to assess the nomination application.

You should note that the Business Stream involves a more extensive process spanning nomination, business establishment, and finally permanent residence.

Applicants should factor these timelines into their immigration plans and apply well in advance of when they hope to arrive and work in the Northwest Territories.

Why Choose to Live and Work in the Northwest Territories?

As we have walked through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, it is clear there are many reasons why the Northwest Territories is a great place to live, work, and build a future.

Covering over 1.1 million square kilometres, the Northwest Territories is the third largest Canadian territory, yet home to just 45,000 residents (According to immigratenwt.ca).

The capital and largest city is Yellowknife, with approximately 20,000 residents. However, the NWT has a scattered population, with most of them living in small, tight-knit communities.

Key advantages of settling in the Northwest Territories include:

• Vibrant Indigenous Cultures: First Nations, Inuit, and Metis cultural traditions remain strong across the territory. Residents can participate in events like the Arctic Winter Games, which celebrate northern heritage.
• Tight-knit Communities: Outside Yellowknife, most residents live in small, interconnected communities where locals look out for one another.
• Natural Wilderness and Adventure: With sweeping lakes, rivers, tundra, and mountains, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless regions to explore. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, canoeing, and more.
• Economic Opportunity: The NWT offers relatively high wages compared to southern Canada, along with steady job prospects in fields like mining, oil/gas, tourism, aviation, and construction.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Close-knit communities, affordable housing, outdoor spaces, and family-oriented infrastructure make the NWT an excellent place to raise a family.

In addition to jobs and business ownership, the Northwest Territories offers an unparalleled quality of life in Canada for those who appreciate wide-open spaces, cultural diversity, and connecting with nature.

The bottom line

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program offers excellent Canadian immigration pathways for foreign nationals with in-demand skills and experience or qualified business immigrants.

With its accelerated Express Entry stream, employer-driven streams, and business immigration options, the NTNP is critical for bringing foreign talent to bolster the NWT economy and population.

Canada offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces that provide pathways to permanent residence based on local economic needs. Some of these other PNPs include:

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• The Newfoundland and Labrador (PNP)
• Quebec Provincial Nominee Program (QPNP)

FAQs related to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Article Sources

• Immigrate Here | Northwest Territories Nominee Program – immigratenwt.ca