The Northwest Territories (NWT) is preparing to reopen its immigration program under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) for 2025. The application window will be open from 9 AM MT on February 27 to 5 PM MT on March 6, 2025. During this period, foreign nationals aiming for permanent residency in Canada through the NTNP must submit their applications within the designated timeframe.
Application Process and Intake Limits for 2025
For the 2025 intake, the NTNP will process a total of 150 applications. This includes 90 new applications and 60 pending applications from 2024. If the number of applications exceeds the program’s capacity, the NTNP will randomly select applicants for processing. The selection results will be communicated to applicants via email.
Applications will be prioritized based on work permit expiry dates to ensure that those nearing expiration receive timely processing.
Adjustments to Immigration Allocations
To better support workers and employers, the NWT government has revised its allocation strategy. These changes are designed to:
- Address the needs of applicants with soon-to-expire work permits.
- Recognize workers who have made long-term commitments to NWT employers.
- Support diverse business needs across the Northwest Territories.
NTNP Streams and Application Allocations
The NTNP features multiple immigration streams, each with specific eligibility requirements. Below is an overview of the program’s Employer-Driven stream, which is designed to help employers recruit skilled foreign workers for permanent residency.
Employer-Driven Stream Categories and Allotments for 2025
| Category | Allocation | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations | 35 | – Must have a work permit expiring in 2025 |
- Must have been employed full-time in the NWT for at least 12 months before applying. | | Skilled Worker | 35 | – Full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer
- At least 12 months of work experience in the nominated occupation
- Work permit expiring in 2025 OR 18 months of full-time work in the NWT before applying. | | NWT Express Entry | Varies | Same criteria as the Skilled Worker stream, but aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system. |
Additional provisions:
- 10 applications are reserved for Francophone candidates under the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams.
- Employers outside Yellowknife can access 5 additional applications in the Entry Level and Skilled Worker categories.
Employer Quotas for NTNP Applications
Employers in the NWT can submit applications based on the number of employees in their company:
| Number of Employees | Maximum Applications Allowed |
| 1 to 10 | 1 application |
| 11 to 49 | 2 applications |
| 50+ | 4 applications |
Impact of Federal Immigration Policy Changes
The revised NTNP intake process follows a significant reduction in the NWT’s overall immigration allocation for 2025. The Canadian government has cut the total number of provincial nominee program (PNP) admissions from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025. This move has prompted several provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon, to modify their immigration programs accordingly.
With increasing demand for Canadian immigration pathways, applicants must be prepared for a competitive selection process. In 2024, the NTNP reached its maximum allocation by July, demonstrating the program’s high demand.
How to Apply for the NTNP
Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements outlined on the official NTNP website. Employers and candidates are encouraged to prepare their documentation in advance to ensure timely submission.
For expert guidance on the NTNP application process, candidates can schedule a free consultation with experienced immigration professionals.
