Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP): 2025 Guide

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) initiated by the Government of the Northwest Territories to nominate qualified foreign workers and business immigrants for permanent residence. Established in 1998, the NTNP aims to attract global talent to fill persistent labour shortages and drive economic growth in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The NTNP features various streams targeting candidates with different backgrounds, from Express Entry skilled workers to semi-skilled employees to entrepreneurs. Each stream provides a pathway to Canadian permanent resident status for approved nominees and their family members.

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.

This stream facilitates faster processing times compared to other NTNP categories, providing a priority pathway to permanent residence for Express Entry candidates with skills needed in the territory.

Eligibility Criteria:

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.
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Northwest Territories employer for an NOC 0, A or B (skilled) occupation.
• Meet the criteria for the NTNP Skilled Worker Stream (see Section III-B below). This includes requirements like:
  • 1+ years of work experience in the intended occupation
  • Licensing, education, and experience requirements
  • Language test scores (CLB 7)
  • Settlement funds
• Provide a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code.
• Demonstrate intent to live in the Northwest Territories.

Employers must also meet requirements such as:

• Being registered and operational in the NWT for 6+ 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

The key benefit of the NWT Express Entry Stream is faster processing times, as it facilitates priority processing of both the NTNP nomination and subsequent permanent residence application. This provides qualified Express Entry candidates with in-demand skills an accelerated route to permanent residence in the Northwest Territories.

Employer-Driven Streams

In addition to the Express Entry stream, the NTNP features employer-driven streams aimed at allowing local employers to recruit foreign workers to fill verified labour shortages.

Critical Impact Worker Stream

The Critical Impact Worker Stream targets foreign nationals in semi-skilled NOC C and D occupations to fill critical labour gaps that cannot be satisfied locally.

This stream provides a pathway to permanent residence for existing temporary foreign workers with at least 6 months of experience working for a Northwest Territories employer in an in-demand semi-skilled position.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this stream, applicants must:

• Have at least 6 months of work experience in the same semi-skilled (NOC C or D) occupation in the NWT
• Hold a valid temporary work permit
• Meet basic NTNP requirements:
  • Language scores (CLB 4)
  • Settlement funds
  • Intent to reside in NWT
• Have a permanent full-time job offer from an eligible NWT employer

In turn, employers must:

• Be registered and operational in the NWT for at least 6 months
• Provide a permanent, full-time job offer for an NOC C or D position
• 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 Critical Impact Worker Stream helps employers retain the talent needed to strengthen the NWT economy.

Skilled Worker Stream

This stream enables Northwest Territories employers to hire foreign nationals in skilled NOC 0, A or B positions where no qualified Canadian candidate could be found.

It provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers with proven experience and qualifications in a demanding occupation in the territory.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have 1+ years of work experience in the intended skilled (NOC 0, A or B) occupation
• Have a permanent, full-time job offer in an NOC 0, A or B 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

And employers must:

• Be registered and operational in the NWT for 6+ months
• Provide a genuine full-time permanent job offer for an NOC 0, A or B position
• 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.

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.

Entrepreneur Stream

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.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must:

• Invest between $150,000 to $300,000 to establish or purchase a business in the NWT
• Demonstrate personal net worth between $250,000 to $500,000 based on location
• Own at least one-third of the proposed business
• Provide a $75,000 good-faith deposit
• Complete mandatory site visits and interviews
• Submit a detailed business plan with evidence of business knowledge, market research, etc.
• Demonstrate reasonable knowledge of the NWT economy and business operations
• Meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4)

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.

Self-Employed Stream (TERMINATED)

Previously, the NTNP provided a Self-Employed Stream for qualified self-employed professionals; however, this stream has been permanently closed since April 2015 (NTP1, NTP2, NTP3). New applications are no longer accepted.

Step-by-Step Northwest Territories Nominee Program Application Process

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

For Employer-Driven Streams:

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

For Business Streams:

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

NTNP application processing times vary by stream but generally follow the timelines of:

• 12 weeks after submission of a complete application package
• 9 months to submit full application after an invitation to apply
• 1-2 years after nomination to apply for permanent residence

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

Stream	Processing Time
NWT Express Entry Stream	12 weeks
Critical Impact Worker Stream	12 weeks
Skilled Worker Stream	12 weeks
Entrepreneur Stream	12 weeks + additional steps

Note that the Entrepreneur 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.

Life in the Northwest Territories

Covering over 1.1 million square kilometres, the Northwest Territories is the third largest Canadian territory, yet home to just 42,000 residents. (Source)

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)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• 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 Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Article Sources

• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) – canadavisa.com
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program – immigtoronto.com
• Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (NTPNP) – kansaz.in