Northwest Territories Nominee Program Reopening February 27: Preparing for the 2025 Application Intake

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is set to re-open on February 27, providing a new opportunity for foreign nationals aiming to immigrate to Canada. For the 2025 intake, applications will be accepted between 9 a.m. MT on February 27 and 5 p.m. MT on March 6. This time frame marks a key chance for those looking to secure a spot under the NTNP’s annual allocation.

This year, the NTNP plans to process 90 new applications, in addition to 60 pending applications from 2024, to meet its total target of 150 nominations for 2025. If the number of submissions exceeds the program’s processing capacity, a random selection system will determine which applications proceed. Applicants will be notified by email once the selection process is complete. Priority will be given to cases where work permits are set to expire soon, ensuring that those with pressing timelines are addressed first.

In response to evolving needs, the NTNP has adjusted its allocation strategy. The updated approach aims to better support workers with expiring permits, recognize long-term employees who have contributed significantly to their NWT employers, and address the diverse needs of businesses throughout the territory.

Stream Allocations and Eligibility Requirements

The NTNP offers several streams under the Employer-Driven category. These include:

1. Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations:
• Allocation: 35 spots
• Key requirements:
• Work permit expiring in 2025
• At least 12 months of full-time employment in the NWT before applying
  
  
2. Skilled Worker:
• Allocation: 35 spots
• Key requirements:
• A permanent, full-time job offer from an NWT employer
• At least 12 months of experience in the nominated occupation
• Work permit expiring in 2025 or 18 months of full-time work in the NWT before applying
  
  
3. NWT Express Entry:
• Allocation: 20 spots
• Key requirements:
• Recent work experience with the same NWT employer in the same occupation

An additional five spots from each category are reserved for employers in smaller communities outside Yellowknife.

Francophone and Employer-Driven Streams

Ten spots are designated specifically for Francophone candidates. These applicants must have a bilingual skill set and a valid job offer in any National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER level. To learn more about eligibility and application requirements, visit the NTNP’s official guidelines and resources.

What’s Driving These Changes?

These program updates come amidst a 50% reduction in immigrant nomination targets for 2025, a trend seen across Canada’s provinces and territories. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has scaled back PNP landing targets in response to domestic housing and affordability challenges. While this has impacted programs nationwide, it also underscores the growing demand for provincial immigration streams. The NTNP’s adjustments reflect an effort to maintain fair and efficient processing within these new constraints.

This streamlined approach offers a clear path for eligible foreign nationals to secure their future in the Northwest Territories. By meeting the program’s criteria and applying within the designated window, candidates can take advantage of this opportunity to settle and contribute to Canada’s northernmost region.