On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of the NWT Nominee Program reopening
- New eligibility changes for 2025
- Application intake dates and deadlines
- How applications will be prioritized and assessed
- Future updates for 2026 and beyond
NWT Nominee Program Reopens with Full Federal Allocation
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has reopened for applications following Ottawa’s decision to restore the territory’s full annual allocation of 300 nominations. The reopening, on November 10, 2025, at 9am, marks the third intake for 2025.
This reopening aims to fill remaining nomination spots swiftly, with revised eligibility rules designed to make the process faster and more flexible for both employers and applicants.
Updated Eligibility Criteria for 2025
To ensure the full allocation is used efficiently, the GNWT has introduced three key changes that apply for the rest of 2025:
- No Limit on Employer Applications:
Employers can now submit any number of applications regardless of business size, giving smaller firms and larger employers equal opportunity to hire foreign workers. - Work Permit Expiry Date No Longer a Barrier:
Candidates holding valid work permits can apply regardless of when their permits expire, as long as they meet all other requirements. - Restored Work Experience Requirement:
Applicants under the Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry streams must again have at least one year of full-time experience within the past ten years in the same or a similar occupation. This experience can come from multiple employers.
Application Deadlines and Priorities
The application window closes November 24, 2025, at 5pm The GNWT plans to process up to 103 eligible applications to meet its revised target. Applications received beyond that limit or not finalized by December 23, 2025, will be withdrawn.
Withdrawn candidates will be invited to reapply in 2026 under updated program rules. Applications will be prioritized first by work permit expiry date (within three months) and then by date received.
Economic Impact and Minister’s Statement
Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, welcomed the federal decision to restore the full quota:
“Immigration is one of the most effective tools we have to strengthen the NWT economy, diversify industries, and advance nation-building in the North. With the full 300 nomination spots restored for 2025, newcomers who have chosen to live and work in NWT communities will have a clearer path to staying, contributing, and building their lives here.”
The reopening supports small and remote communities that depend on immigration to grow their populations and strengthen local economies.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The GNWT is already working on updating the NWT Nominee Program for 2026 and future years. Ongoing consultations with employers, Indigenous governments, and community partners will shape upcoming reforms. A What We Heard Report summarizing this feedback will be released in the coming months.
FAQ
When does the NWT Nominee Program reopen in 2025?
The program reopened on November 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. and will remain open until November 24, 2025, or until the target number of applications is reached.
How many nomination spots are available for 2025?
The Northwest Territories has 300 nomination spots for 2025, with approximately 103 applications expected to be processed in this third intake.
What are the new eligibility changes for 2025?
Employers can now submit unlimited applications, applicants can apply regardless of work permit expiry, and prior work experience requirements from 2024 have been reinstated.
How will applications be prioritized?
Applications will first be prioritized for candidates with work permits expiring within three months, followed by the date the application was received.
What happens to applications not finalized by December 23, 2025?
Any applications that cannot be completed by that date will be withdrawn, but candidates will be invited to reapply when the program reopens in 2026.
