Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program offers a fast-track route to acquiring permanent residence in Canada. Keep reading to learn more about Northwest Territories immigration and the various routes applicants can take to get a nomination.
About Northwest Territories Province
With an abundance of natural beauty and an enchanting display of aurora borealis painting the sky in all its spellbinding shades, Northwest Territories (NWT) calls out to all those who love being around nature and snow.
For those who don’t mind the subzero temperatures, the laidback and easygoing ambience of NWT is quite welcoming with plenty of exciting professional opportunities at disposal due to the lack of competition as compared to other Canadian provinces/territories. NTNP offers pathways for direct immigration to this robust and beautiful territory.
The territory’s capital city Yellowknife takes pride in its unofficial motto of being ‘The New North’. A large portion of NWT’s population resides in Yellowknife with all the basic facilities readily available amidst an inclusive, prosperous and welcoming atmosphere.
Serving as the cultural hub and a vital economic and administrative nucleus of NWT, Yellowknife has a wide range of educational institutions, advanced and urbanized infrastructure, and amenities at par with any regular city.
The community is shaped by the distinct culture and heritage of NWT reflected not only in their lifestyle but in the wonderful Inuit arts and crafts that contribute partly to the territory’s economic growth.
Bordered partially by the polar ice and several rivers – including one of the world’s largest Mackenzie River, fishing is one of the major economic sources in the territory, with commercial saltwater and freshwater fishery underway and followed closely by hunting, fur harvesting, and raw material processing.
Its strong manufacturing sector attracts many skilled workers towards seeking the Northwest Territories PNP. Other key sectors include energy and resources, mining, transport, construction, and tourism.
Several immigration streams are operated under the NPTP to help those who are eligible and want to settle in the tranquil and serene environment of Northwest Territories.
Keep reading to learn more about the different Northwest Territories immigration pathways, as well as the eligibility and requirements for NTNP.
You may also start by checking your eligibility for immigration:
What is NTNP?
Northwest Territories provincial nominee program or NTNP is the territory’s own provincial nominee program that encompasses different pathways for Northwest Territories immigration. NTNP provides promising opportunities to skilled foreign workers to settle in the territory and become permanent residents of the country.
While the Northwest Territories PNP eligibility vary depending on its different programs, in general, NTNP welcomes skilled and semi-skilled workers as well as low-skilled labourers through its immigration streams targeting specific employment sectors. NTNP also offers business-driven pathways for businessmen and entrepreneurs who wish to have their own startup in the territory.
Northwest Territories PNP Eligibility & Rules
The Northwest Territories PNP or NTNP initially operated through 5 streams, out of which the Self-Employed Business stream is now permanently closed.
Northwest Territories PNP programs:
- Express Entry for Skilled Workers
- Skilled Workers
- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
- Business Stream
The employment opportunities are abundant for skilled workers, as the thriving economy and job sectors of Yellowknife are always looking for skilled, semi-skilled and low-skilled employees. In fact, Yellowknife holds the highest rate of Canada’s employment with flourishing communities who find a new home while still maintaining their own beliefs and practices.
General Northwest Territories PNP Requirements:
- Willingness to settle in Northwest Territories and following the federal and territorial laws while actively contributing towards its economic growth.
- Authentic and certified certificates, degrees, diplomas and other educational documents that verify the level of education and skills.
- Proficient in one of the two national languages of Canada (i.e. English or French) with a valid language test.
- Proof of funds required for settlement of the individual or family (including spouse/common law partner and/or kids).
- Required medical certificates and no previous immigration or criminal offense.
- Either a job offer from an NWT employer, or enough funds to operate, invest or purchase an existing business in the territory.[/mks_toggle]
Northwest Territories PNP Streams
Express Entry for Skilled Workers
Express entry program for permanent residency is the most sought-after immigration pathway due to its quick and effective application process. It seeks skilled workers who have a job offer from an employer residing in Northwest Territories. It boosts the CRS (comprehensive ranking system) score in the express entry pool and guarantees an ITA (invitation to apply) for those who qualify for NTNP. The Northwest Territories PNP accelerates the permanent residency profile of applicants in the federal express entry pool, with the main requirement being an authentic job offer from an NWT employer.
- The candidate must have an online express entry profile in the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal.
- There should be a connection to the territory in terms of work experience with a few exceptions.
- A valid job offer from an authentic NWT employer.
- The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 6 for NOC 0 and A, and CLB of 5 for NOC B is required.
- The level of education should match the one required in the job offer by the particular employer who is offering a position in NWT.
- Past work experience should match the job offer in NWT, with at least one year experience.
- No investment is required for express entry, however there should be sufficient funds for settlements.
- The job offer must be of a full time and permanent job after the employer has submitted a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Provide the job seeker validation code and express entry profile number issued by IRCC.
As the express entry system is in accordance with the federal express entry immigration program, the applicant must meet the federal immigration requirements under the federal economic programs.
- Federal Skilled Worker program required skilled work experience of at least one year full-time job, and educational requirement of minimum one high school diploma. In order for the past work experience to be considered as ‘skilled’, Skill Level of 0, A or B is required in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). For this program, the CLB level 7 in consistence with either French or English is also required.
- Federal Skilled Trades does not require a particular degree or diploma. However, the candidate should have at least 2 years of full time work experience in the skilled trade sector. The applicant should also have a job offer from an employer belonging to the skilled trade in NWT, or a Canadian authority/government issued certificate that states their qualification in the skilled trade. CLB Level 5 is required for speaking and listening language tests, and CLB 4 for writing and reading.
- Canadian Experience Class doesn’t have an education requirement. The candidate must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience within Canada within the last three years from the date of application. ‘Skilled’ work experience is considered when a position of level 0, A or B is obtained in the NOC. The CLB level of 7 for NOC Skill level 0 or A, or CLB level of 5 for NOC skill level B is required.
Skilled Worker
This is an employer-driven Northwest Territories immigration pathway where foreign nationals who have a particular skill with experience in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupations can immigrate, given that they have an authentic, permanent and full-time job offer from a qualified employer.
As its name suggests, the skilled workers’ program is specifically designed for those who can fill a particular employment requirement or have specific training or education required by the employer.
- The candidate must have a permanent and full time job offer (with minimum 30 hours of work every week).
- The position must be from an authentic employer without any conflicts with the existing collective bargaining agreements.
- Belong to the high skill level category.
- Meet the licensing, certification and/or registration requirements if applicable for a particular job.
- Proficiency in English or French.
- Proof of funds for settlement.
- Sufficient work experience in the relevant field.
- Have any required accreditation or certification for the particular occupation or trade.
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
This is an immigration pathway for foreign nationals who don’t have the high-level skills or experience required for immigration through other Northwest Territories PNP program.
An NWT employer who can’t find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill a semi-skilled or entry-level position can hire a foreign national, who can then work for six months for the given employer before qualifying for permanent residency.
This is a great immigration opportunity for those who don’t have a high skill level or a strong backup in terms of education or work experience.
- The candidate must have a permanent and full time job offer from an authentic employer in NWT.
- The occupational requirements fall under NOC skill levels C or D.
- The job must be in a good standing with WSCC (Worker’s safety and compensation commission), as well as the territory’s employment standards office.
- The candidate must acquire a temporary work permit.
Business Stream
While the self-employed business-driven immigration pathway has been terminated permanently, entrepreneurs can still make use of the business stream for NTNP. It is a great opportunity for those who want to operate their own business or invest in an existing set-up of the territory.
This is not only a good way to boost the economy of NWT, but also gives the young and flourishing businessmen and entrepreneurs a platform to shine without facing much competition.
Business sectors that utilize the resources of the territory or introduce something new to add to their economy are given priority when applying for NTNP through the business-driven stream.
Calling out to all the ambitious entrepreneurs and businessmen, the business stream is a sure shot way to get entry into the territory, with the following requirements.
- A start-up investment of at least CAD$ 300,000 is required within Yellowknife, and CAD$150,000 for other communities within the territory.
- Proof of funds of at least CAD$500,000 for Yellowknife, and $250,000 for other communities within the territory.
- A good faith deposit of $75,000 must be submitted to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment if accepted.
- CLB of at least 4.
- Thorough knowledge of NWT and its economic sectors.
- One exploratory visit on temp visa to survey the job market.
- A basic business plan with sufficient validation.
Why consider the NTNP?
Northwest Territories PNP is ideal for those who seek permanent residency in the territory and take advantage of its thriving job market, with plenty of opportunities for most sectors in Yellowknife. The territory offers a laidback pace for an idyllic life.
Moving to a different country is a big decision and requires an enormous amount of time and money. You may have a lot of questions and you may not know where to start, if that’s the case, feel free to reach out to an RCIC at any time for some advice and support.
NTNP Application: Frequently Asked Questions
NTNP is an accelerated pathway of immigration, with the PNP applications taking 10 weeks or less, and federal express entry profiles under 6 months.
While there are no application fees for express entry, skilled worker and entry-level immigration program, $2,800 is required for the entrepreneur business stream.
As it is an immigration pathway specifically for Northwest Territories, a job letter is mandatory for express entry, skilled worker and critical impact worker stream.
As there is no requirement of a job offer for the business stream, those with sufficient investment funds can establish, invest in or purchase an existing business to generate revenue and contribute towards the economy of the territory.
Federal express entry takes within 6 months but gives direct PR to the selected candidates, whereas other NTNP programs take under 10 weeks but require 6 months experience to apply for PR.
