The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is delivered in partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 
 

It is a tool used to address ongoing labour shortages in critical sectors. The program helps retain workers who are already part of our communities, filling essential roles in a range of occupations when local candidates are not available. 

The program complements local hiring. Employers must advertise available positions locally, and nationally, first. Most applicants to the program have already lived and worked in the NWT for a year or more.

By allowing the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals (who intend to live and work in the NWT) for permanent residency, the program supports the population growth of northern communities and strengthens local economies while meeting the needs of the territorial labour market.

Foreign nationals wishing to immigrate to the NWT through the Nominee Program must have a valid job offer from an NWT employer or be prepared to open, purchase or invest in a business in the NWT.

The NTNP includes three application streams: Employer-Driven, Francophone, and Business. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit immigratenwt.ca.

Employer-Driven Stream

The Employer-Driven Stream allows employers to fill positions when there are no Canadians or Canadian Permanent Residents available. It helps employers hire needed and skilled workers, and also helps workers achieve Canadian Permanent Residency.

Candidates applying for this stream need a valid work permit and a full-time and permanent job offer from an NWT employer, who will then apply to the program on their behalf. 

Francophone Stream

The Francophone Stream applies to qualified candidates who speak both French and English and have a valid job offer from an NWT employer. It is designed to increase the labour pool for bilingual workers.

Candidates are not required to have a valid work permit when they apply, so NWT employers can use this stream for international recruitment and as way to obtain an employer-specific work permit.

Candidates must submit a proof of language testing at the time of the application to demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements for communication in French and English.

Business Stream

The Business Stream is for candidates who want to start, purchase or invest in a business based in the NWT.

Candidates must commit to investing a minimum amount of equity, as outlined in the Program guidelines.

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