The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allows the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to nominate foreign nationals who want to live and work in the territory permanently. The program is designed to help fill local labour shortages, attract investment, and support economic growth across Northern communities.
On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of the NTNP and its three main streams
- Employer-Driven Stream eligibility and process
- Francophone Stream language and job requirements
- Business Stream investment and nomination process
- FAQs about the Northwest Territories Nominee Program
There are three main streams under the NTNP: the Employer-Driven Stream, the Francophone Stream, and the Business Stream.
Employer-Driven Stream
The Employer-Driven Stream helps employers in the Northwest Territories fill critical labour shortages when no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available. It supports skilled and semi-skilled positions and includes three categories:
- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
- Skilled Worker
- NWT Express Entry
Employers must operate a registered business or government office in the territory for at least one year before applying. They must be in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) and compliant with the Employment Standards Act.
Job offers must be full-time, permanent, and consistent with NWT wage standards. Employers must provide a detailed job description, proof of job advertising (if no Labour Market Impact Assessment is submitted), and evidence that no Canadian or permanent resident could fill the role.
To qualify, nominees must:
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer.
- Meet the educational and experience requirements for their occupation.
- Possess one year of full-time work experience in a related job within the past ten years, or 18 months of continuous full-time work in the NWT.
- Hold valid legal work status in Canada.
- Meet the minimum language requirement for their occupation (CLB 4 or higher)
Approved nominees receive a Work Permit Support Letter to apply for an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit while awaiting permanent residence.
Francophone Stream
The Francophone Stream supports bilingual (French and English) foreign nationals with a valid job offer in the NWT. It aims to strengthen the bilingual workforce and promote the growth of French-speaking communities across the territory.
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate proficiency of CLB 5 in French and CLB 4 in English, achieved in one testing session each.
- Hold a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible employer in any NOC TEER category (0–5).
- Have at least one year of work experience in their nominated occupation within the last ten years, or six months of full-time work in the same occupation in the NWT.
- Meet education requirements equivalent to at least Canadian high school standards.
Employers must be in good standing, maintain an active business in the NWT, and provide an offer consistent with local wage and labour standards. Refugee claimants and applicants through Express Entry are not eligible for this stream.
Approved nominees may receive a Work Permit Support Letter to apply for an LMIA-exempt work permit linked to their nominating employer.
Business Stream
The Business Stream targets entrepreneurs and investors who want to start or purchase a business in the Northwest Territories. It is managed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).
To qualify, applicants must:
- Invest at least $200,000 CAD in a business within Yellowknife or $100,000 CAD in a business outside Yellowknife.
- Demonstrate a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD (inside Yellowknife) or $250,000 CAD (outside Yellowknife).
- Own at least 33.3% of the business (or less if investing $1 million or more).
- Achieve CLB 4 in English or French.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the territory and its economy, and have relevant management experience.
Applicants must first complete a self-assessment, make a business trip to the territory, and attend a face-to-face interview. If approved, they sign a Business Performance Agreement, outlining investment and residency requirements.
After operating the business for at least 12 months and fulfilling all conditions, the applicant may be nominated for permanent residence.
Northwest Territories Immigration: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)?
The NTNP allows the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals who wish to live and work permanently in the territory. It helps address labour shortages and supports Northern economic growth.
Who can apply under the Employer-Driven Stream?
Foreign nationals with full-time, permanent job offers in skilled or semi-skilled occupations may apply if their employer meets NTNP eligibility and labour standards.
What makes the Francophone Stream unique?
It focuses on bilingual (French-English) workers to support language diversity and fill labour gaps across all TEER levels. Applicants must meet minimum language test scores in both languages.
How much must I invest under the Business Stream?
Applicants must invest at least $200,000 CAD in Yellowknife or $100,000 CAD outside Yellowknife, along with meeting net-worth and ownership requirements.
How long does the NTNP process take?
Complete applications are typically assessed within 12 weeks once all documents are received, though timelines can vary depending on volume and program updates.
