Why Apply for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)?

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) helps skilled workers and business people become permanent residents of Canada by boosting the economy in the Northwest Territories. If you have the right skills and experience, especially in areas where there is a labor shortage, you can be nominated for permanent residency by the territory.

• There are 300 nominations available in 2024, and we hit that limit by July.
• By July 22, 2024, 144 nominations were processed.
• In 2023, there were 139 nominations.
• The Express Entry stream is a priority and is handled in about 10 weeks.
• The business stream is still accepting applications even though the employer-driven closure is in place.

*Want to apply for Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process. 

What is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)?

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) helps skilled workers and business owners move to the Northwest Territories (NWT) in Canada and settle down as permanent residents. It is the only immigration program for the NWT and is designed to meet the unique economic needs of the area by bringing in people who can help grow its economy.

NTNP is NWT’s way for skilled workers, business investors, and French speakers to apply for Canadian permanent residency. It targets people who fit what the territory needs in terms of labor. With a capped number of spots each year, NTNP also has some quick application options, especially through Express Entry and employer-driven streams. In 2024, the territory witnessed a big rise in interest, showing that more folks are keen on living in NWT’s communities.

 

Types of Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program is further divided into five primary streams to cater to the various requirements of the province. International individuals can apply the NINP streams of:

• Employer‑Driven Stream
• Express Entry Stream
• Critical Impact Worker Stream
• Business Stream
• Francophone Stream

Employer‑Driven Stream

The Northwest Territories (NWT) has a program called the Employer-Driven Stream under its Nominee Program, which helps businesses find workers when they cannot find qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This program focuses on three main categories:

• Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
• Skilled Worker
• NWT Express Entry

The primary features of this stream are given below.

• Employer-driven: The employer kicks off the nomination process by applying for a foreign worker.
• Addresses labor shortages: It focuses on filling jobs where there are not enough qualified locals.
• Divided into three categories:
  • Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations: For jobs that do not need a lot of training or experience.
  • Skilled Worker: For jobs that require specialized skills and education.
• NWT Express Entry: Lets employers nominate candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool, speeding up their path to permanent residency.

Employers need to meet certain requirements, like being a registered business, having been in operation for a while, and keeping good relations with local authorities. They also need to offer full-time, permanent positions that follow the NWT Employment Standards Act.

The aim is to keep talented foreign workers in the NWT who can help the local economy and want to make the area their home.

 

Express Entry Stream

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Nominee Program (NTNP) Express Entry stream lets the territory tap into the federal Express Entry system to tackle labor shortages. They can nominate folks with eligible profiles from the Canada Express Entry pool. This program is part of the NWT's Employer-Driven Program, and it gives priority to candidates who have job offers from NWT employers, speeding up the processing for provincial nominations and federal permanent residency applications.

The primary features of this stream are given below.

• Linked to the Federal Express Entry: You need to have a profile in the Express Entry pool to be eligible.
• Employer Focused: This stream helps NWT employers fill job openings by nominating skilled workers who have job offers.
• Skilled Worker Emphasis: It mainly targets skilled workers, which lines up with the federal Express Entry categories like
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades
  • Canadian Experience Class

*Want guidance to apply for Canada Work Visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

 

Critical Impact Worker Stream

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Critical Impact Worker stream of the NWT Nominee Program (NTNP) aims to help businesses deal with serious labor shortages by letting them bring in foreign workers for semi-skilled and unskilled jobs. This program is for jobs that local or Canadian residents cannot fill. To qualify, foreign workers need a job offer from an NWT employer, must have been in that job for at least six months, and need to show they have the right language skills and work experience.

The key features of this program are given below.

• Focus on Semi-Skilled and Unskilled Jobs: It is specifically for positions classified as NOC C or D, based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
• Employer Driven: Employers kick off the nomination process by providing a job offer to a foreign worker.

 

Business Stream

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Business Stream of the Nominee Program is for foreign entrepreneurs looking to start, buy, or invest in a business in the NWT. It aims to bring in folks with business skills and enough investment money to help grow the local economy and create jobs. If you are successful, you can later apply for permanent residency in Canada.

 

Francophone Stream

The Francophone Stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) aims to bring in and keep bilingual workers who speak both French and English in the NWT. If you are a qualified foreign worker with a job offer from an employer in the NWT, you can apply for permanent residency through this program. It is meant for people who can help fill job gaps and support the territory’s bilingual culture..

 

Benefits of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program

The benefits of Northwest Territories Nominee Program are given below.

• Pathway to Canada PR: The NTNP lets eligible people apply for Canada PR or permanent residency in Canada with a Provincial Nomination Certificate, speeding up the immigration process.
• Targeted Labor Market Needs: This program aims to bring in skilled workers and entrepreneurs to fill job gaps and boost the economy in the Northwest Territories.
• Attracting Investment: The NTNP helps draw foreign investment by providing ways for entrepreneurs to start or invest in businesses in the area.
• Regional Development: By bringing in skilled workers and entrepreneurs, the program helps diversify the economy and grow the population in places that need it most in Canada.
• High Living Standards: The Northwest Territories offers a great quality of life, with stunning natural scenery and a lower cost of living than bigger Canadian cities.
• Support for Businesses: The program has options for employers to hire and keep foreign workers, which helps local businesses succeed.
• Potential for Citizenship: Those who are successful with the NTNP can eventually work towards Canadian citizenship if they meet the requirements.
• Access to a Multicultural Environment: Even though it is smaller, the Northwest Territories is becoming more diverse, giving newcomers a chance to experience a mix of cultures.

Eligibility Criteria for NTNP

The eligibility criteria of NTNP are given below.

• Job offer for skilled or semi-skilled positions in NWT from a licensed employer
• You need an active Express Entry profile to apply through the EE stream
• Language requirement is CLB 4–7, based on the stream you choose
• You must demonstrate to show you have enough funds, education, and work experience
• If you are applying for the business stream, there are investment and net worth requirements too

 

NTNP Requirements

The documents required to apply for NTNP are given below.

• Job offer in NWT from a licensed employer for skilled or semi-skilled positions
• You need an active Express Entry profile for the EE stream
• Language requirements (CLB 4-7 depending on the stream)
• Enough money to settle, along with education and work experience
• Business stream candidates must meet investment and net-worth requirements
• A valid job offer is necessary
• Proof of a positive LMIA report is needed
• You should have a valid work permit
• Show proof of your language skills with tests like IELTS
• Get your education credentials assessed
• Need to prove you plan to live in NWT
• Good amount of funds for settling in the Northwest Territories
• For the business stream, you must have a clear business plan, proof of investment, and financial statements.

 

Northwest Territories PNP Application Process for UAE Residents

The detailed procedure to apply for NTNP is given below.

Step 1: Secure a full-time job in NWT with an employer who can sponsor your PNP application.

Step 2: Check which stream you are eligible for.

Step 3: Organize all the required documents.

Step 4: The application is filed by you NWT-based employer.

Step 5: After nomination in NTNP, apply for Canada PR.

Northwest Territories PNP Processing Time

The processing times for NTNP are given below.

Stream	Processing Time
Express Entry Stream	2–4 months for nomination
Employer‑Driven/Skilled & Critical	3–6 months
Business Stream	6–12 months

 

Northwest Territories PNP Fees

Detailed information about the application fees for NTNP is given below.

Fee Type	Fee (CAD)
NTNP Application	Varies by stream (nominal)
IRCC PR Processing (Principal)	CAD 1,325
Biometrics, Medical, Police Clearance	Varies (~CAD 200–500)

 

Can a Dependant Join Me Under the NTNP?

Yes, eligible dependants can join you under NTNP. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent kids. They can be part of both the nomination and the IRCC PR application. Once you get your PR, they will have the same rights as you, like being able to study and access healthcare. Just make sure to include proof of your relationship, the necessary documents, and financial info for your family in your application. The NWT really values keeping families together when settling in.

 

Can I Transition to Permanent Residency After NTNP Nomination?

Yes, you can apply for Canada PR after being NTNP nomination. Getting an NTNP nomination gives you 600 CRS points, which pretty much guarantees you will get an ITA in the next Express Entry draw. Even if you are not in the EE stream, you can get endorsed to IRCC. Once you get your PR, you can live and work anywhere in Canada, but the NTNP does expect you to stay in the Northwest Territories.

 

Recent Northwest Territories PNP Draws

Detailed information about the recent draws for NTNP is given below.

Date	Stream	Invitations Issued / Intake Allocation	Notes / CRS Score
Jan 16–Mar 6	Employer-Driven (Entry‑Level/Semi‑Skilled)	35 applications accepted	Random selection
Jan 16–Mar 6	Employer-Driven (Skilled Worker & Express Entry)	35 applications accepted	Requires job offer & valid work permit
Jan 16–Mar 6	Francophone / Employer-Driven (non‑Yellowknife)	10 applications accepted	Bilingual requirement
Jan 16–Mar 6	Employer-Driven (Outside Yellowknife)	10 applications (5 each for entry-level & skilled worker)	NA
Mar-11	Overall Selection	90 applications chosen for assessment	Intake cap of 150 for 2025

 

 

How Can Y‑Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading overseas immigration consultancy that offers honest immigration services tailored to what each client needs. Our services include:

• A free eligibility check using their Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Guidance for Canada Immigration
• Coaching for CELPIP and IELTS exams
• Free career counselling – just book a time
• Full support for getting a Canada PR visa
• Help with job searches in Northwest Territories