Immigrate to Canada with the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Express Entry Skilled Worker

• Qualify for one of the three federal economic immigration programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Meet the criteria of the Skilled Worker Stream under the NTNP Employer-Driven Program

• Have a valid Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code issued by IRCC

• Submit a letter of acceptance from IRCC confirming their entry into the Express Entry pool

• Show a clear intention to live and work in the Northwest Territories

Skilled Worker Stream

• Intend to live permanently in the Northwest Territories.

• Hold legal status in Canada, with a valid work permit if already residing in the country.

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer in a position classified under NOC Skill Levels 0, A, or B.

• Show the ability to economically establish in the Northwest Territories through their job offer.

• Possess the necessary certification or accreditation relevant to the job, as required by:

  • The job description,

  • Job postings (if applicable),

  • And NOC employment requirements.

• Have one year of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.

• Meet the job standards if applying for a non-regulated occupation—employers are responsible for ensuring applicants meet industry norms and experience requirements.

• Fulfill educational or specialized training requirements, including certifications, licenses, or registration as needed by the Government of Northwest Territories.

• If education was obtained outside Canada, provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization to show Canadian equivalency.

• Apply directly to the employer’s job posting, either locally or nationally, and clearly demonstrate how they meet both the education and work experience requirements of the role.

• Submit key documents in original or certified true copies, translated into English or French:

  • Valid work permit

  • Passport biographical page

  • Birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate or declaration of common-law union (if applicable)

  • Birth certificates and passports for dependents

• Meet language proficiency standards in English or French:

  • CLB Level 6 for NOC 0 and A

  • CLB Level 5 for NOC B

  • Across all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing

• Provide valid results from one of the following approved tests, taken within the last two years:

  • IELTS – General Training

  • CELPIP – General

  • TEF (for French)

Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations

• If currently residing in Canada, applicants must have legal status to work and hold a valid work permit.

• Applicants must comply with the terms of their temporary foreign worker permit.

• Applicants must intend to settle permanently in the Northwest Territories.

• Applicants must meet the required certification or accreditation for the occupation, based on the employer’s requirements. Those who studied outside Canada must get their educational credentials assessed through a Government of Canada-approved Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) organization.

• Applicants must have been employed by the nominating employer for at least six (6) months immediately prior to submitting the application in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level C or D occupation.

• Applicants must meet any NWT-specific certification, licensing, or registration requirements for the job (if applicable).

• Applicants must provide the following documents in original or certified true copies (clear, readable, and translated into English or French):

  • Passport

  • Birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate

  • Birth certificate(s) and passport(s) for any dependent(s)

• Applicants must provide results from one of the following approved language tests taken within two years of submitting the application:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – General Training

  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General)

  • Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) (for French proficiency)

  • Applicants must score a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in all four competencies (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in either English or French.

• Applicants must show proof of sufficient settlement funds to establish themselves and their dependents in the Northwest Territories. The minimum required is $10,000 for the principal applicant, plus $2,000 for each dependent.

  • Certified bank statements in the applicant’s name or an official letter from a bank must be submitted as proof, translated into English or French, and notarized.

Business Stream

• Investment Requirements:

  • Invest at least $300,000 CAD in starting or purchasing a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

  • Invest at least $150,000 CAD in starting or purchasing a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

• Personal Net Worth:

  • Minimum of $500,000 CAD if the business is within Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries.

  • Minimum of $250,000 CAD if the business is outside Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries.

• Business Ownership:

  • Own at least one-third (33.3%) of the business.

  • If the personal equity investment is $1,000,000 CAD or more, ownership may be less than one-third (33.3%).

• Good Faith Deposit:

  • Provide a deposit of $75,000 CAD, held in trust and released upon fulfilling the terms of the Business Performance Agreement.

• Knowledge of the Northwest Territories:

  • Demonstrate reasonable knowledge and understanding of the Northwest Territories and its economy.

• Language Proficiency:

  • Proficiency in English or French equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.

  • Language test results must be no older than two years from one of the following approved agencies:

    • IELTS — General Training

    • CELPIP — General

    • TEF (French proficiency)

• Experience and Education:

  • Provide evidence of the experience and education necessary to successfully execute the business plan.

• Financial Capacity:

  • Be financially capable of starting and operating the business, as well as supporting themselves and any dependents during the term of the Business Performance Agreement.

• No Active Applications:

  • Must not have any active application under any other NTNP Stream.

• Communication Skills:

  • Demonstrate sufficient communication skills to conduct business in the Northwest Territories and integrate into the local community.

• Business Plan Execution:

  • Have the necessary experience and education to successfully implement the business plan.