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

The Northwest Territories (NWT) provides a distinct opportunity to establish a fulfilling life within one of Canada’s resource-rich and dynamic regions. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allows skilled workers and critical workers and entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residency while they support the territory’s economic development. NTNP serves as an excellent immigration pathway for individuals who want to make Canada their permanent home because of its welcoming community and high demand for skilled labor, along with simplified immigration procedures.
 

• Fast-tracked permanent residency process
• High demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers
• Immigration support for employers in the North
• Affordable lifestyle and close-knit communities
• Entrepreneurial opportunities in untapped markets|
   

What is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program?

The Northwest Territories operates the NTNP as its official provincial nomination program. This program permits the territory to pick foreign nationals who meet its labour market requirements for permanent Canadian residency. The NTNP runs through a collaboration between the Northwest Territories and IRCC, which provides separate pathways for skilled workers and critical workers and business owners, or investors. The program focuses on bringing in talent while encouraging investment in the area.
 

*Want to apply for NTNP? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the process.
 

Benefits of the NTNP

Given below are some of the benefits of applying for the Northwest Territories PNP program:
 

• Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency: NTNP provides an uncomplicated system that leads to Canadian permanent residency for business applicants as well as skilled workers.
• Employer-Driven Stream with Strong Local Support: The program operates through employers who provide authentic job opportunities, which simplifies workforce integration.
• Opportunities in High-demand sectors: The program allows applicants to apply for positions in essential fields, including healthcare, alongside construction and transportation, and resource sectors.
• Simplified Process for In-Territory Graduates and Workers: The Northwest Territories delivers customized job pathways to international graduates as well as temporary workers who reside in the area.
• Lower Competition compared to other Provinces: Smaller application volumes increase chances of nomination for qualified candidates with relevant job offers.
   

NTNP Immigration Streams

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) provides multiple immigration pathways that select skilled workers and entrepreneurs, and bilingual professionals to support both economic growth and cultural diversity in the territory.
 

Given below are the streams and sub-streams of the NTNP program:|
 

Employer-Driven Stream

The stream targets foreign nationals who obtained permanent full-time employment through an employer located in the Northwest Territories. The employer-led stream focuses on solving important labour shortage problems across the territory.
 

• Skilled Worker: Candidates who possess a valid skilled occupation job offer (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) and complete qualifications, together with work experienc,e qualify for this stream.
• Critical Impact Worker: Semi-skilled or low-skilled workers (NOC TEER 4 or 5) can apply with their valid job offer if they have at least six months of work experience within the Northwest Territories.
• Express Entry – Skilled Worker: Skilled professionals who hold an active Express Entry profile need to fulfill Skilled Worker requirements and obtain a valid job offer from an NWT employer to qualify.
   

Business Stream

The Business Stream welcomes entrepreneurs who want to create or invest in, or buy businesses located in the Northwest Territories. The business owner must actively run the enterprise from within the territory and satisfy both net worth and investment minimum thresholds.
 

Francophone Stream

The Francophone Stream allows bilingual skilled workers who speak both French and English to apply for valid job offers within the Northwest Territories. The program advances provincial goals to increasethe  Francophone population numbers and develop bilingual workforce abilities.
 

Eligibility Criteria for NTNP

The table below has the list of eligibility criteria for each of the NTNP streams:

Stream / Sub-Stream	Eligibility Criteria
Employer-Driven Stream	Foreign nationals who have secured permanent full-time employment with an NWT employer qualify for this stream.
Skilled Worker	- Job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
	- Minimum 1 year relevant work experience
	- CLB 6+ in English or French
	- Post-secondary education or training
	- Legal status in Canada (if applicable)
Critical Impact Worker	- Job offer in a low or semi-skilled occupation (NOC TEER 4 or 5)
	- At least 6 months of experience with an NWT employer
	- CLB 4+
	- Minimum high school education
	- Legal status in Canada (if applicable)
Express Entry – Skilled Worker	- Meet all Skilled Worker stream criteria
	- Valid Express Entry profile
	- Meet IRCC’s Express Entry requirements for one of the federal programs
Business Stream	- Minimum net worth of CAD $500,000 (in Yellowknife) or CAD $250,000 (outside)
	- Minimum investment of CAD $300,000 (Yellowknife) or CAD $150,000 (outside)
	- Minimum CLB 4
	- Business plan and active management
	- Relevant business experience
Francophone Stream	- Valid full-time job offer in NWT
	- Fluent in French and proficient in English (CLB 4 minimum in both)
	- Relevant education and work experience
	- Intention to reside in NWT and contribute to the Francophone community

 

Northwest Territories PNP Points Calculator

The Northwest Territories PNP Points Calculator helps assess your eligibility based on key factors like education, work experience, language skills, and job offer. Candidates must score at least 67 points to qualify for the program.

Factors	Points
Education	25
Language Skills	28
Work Experience	15
Age	12
Arranged Employment	10
Adaptability	10
Total	100

 

Documents Required for NTNP

The list of documents required for the Northwest Territories PNP is as follows:

• Valid Passport
• Job offer letter (full-time, permanent position from an NWT employer)
• Employment contract signed by both the mployer and the employee
• Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay stubs, employment records)
• Educational credentials (degrees, diplomas, certificates, transcripts)
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF – must be valid and meet CLB requirement)
• Proof of legal status in Canada (if applying from within Canada)
• Proof of settlement funds (bank statements, if not already employed in NWT)
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae outlining work history and education
• Valid Express Entry Profile Number (only for Express Entry stream)
• Francophone Declaration Form (for Francophone stream applicants)
• Business Plan and financial documents (for Business Stream applicants)
• Affidavit of relationship (if claiming points for family ties in NWT)
• Completed NTNP Application Forms specific to your stream
   

How to Apply for the NTNP?

You can follow the steps below to apply for the Northwest Territories PNP program:
 

Step 1: Verify that you meet the requirements of the correct immigration stream

Step 2: Obtain a genuine job offer or create a valid business plan, depending on your situation

Step 3: Send your complete application along with all necessary supporting documents to NTNP

Step 4: The assessment process by the NTNP leads to the issuance of a nomination certificate for approved applications

Step 5: Use your nomination certificate to start the permanent residency application process through IRCC

Step 6: Complete medical exams and biometrics
 

NTNP Application Fees

The majority of streams under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) do not charge an application fee; however, Business Stream applicants would be required to pay a non-refundable fee after they obtain their official invitation.
 

The table below gives you an overview of the application fees for the NTNP program:

NTNP Stream	Application Fee (CAD)
Employer-Driven Stream	$0
Francophone Stream	$0
Business Stream	$2,800

 

Northwest Territories PNP Processing Time

The average processing time for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is around 10 to 12 weeks. However, the processing time may vary based on application volume and completeness.
 

The table below has details of the average processing time for the Northwest Territories PNP:

NTNP Stream	Average processing time
Employer‑Driven Stream (Skilled Worker / Express Entry / Critical Impact)	Up to 10 weeks
Francophone Stream	Up to 10 weeks
Business Stream	No wait‑list / typically faster (estimated < 10 weeks)

 

In-Demand Occupations in Northwest Territories

The table below has the top 10 in-demand occupations in the Northwest Territories along with the average annual salaries:

Occupation	Median Hourly Wage (CAD)	Estimated Annual Salary (CAD)
Professional occupations in government services	$41.68	$86,600
Human resources professionals	$52.00	$108,160
Information systems analysts/consultants	$46.50	$96,720
Software engineers & designers	$50.00	$104,000
Occupational therapists	$52.13	$108,510
Kindergarten & elementary school teachers	$56.25	$117,000
Administrative assistants	$30.00	$62,400
Receptionists	$25.00	$52,000
Heavy equipment operators	$39.00	$81,120
Early childhood educators	$30.00	$62,400

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No.1 overseas Immigration consultant, providing unbiased and innovative immigration assistance for 25+ years.
 

Our team of experts will assist you with:

• Check free eligibility through the Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Filling out the application form
• Assistance with migrate to Canada
• Arranging the requirements
• Looking for jobs in Canada? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!
• Guidance to obtain Canada PR