The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is set to reopen its application intake on February 27, 2025, providing a fresh opportunity for skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and Francophone candidates looking to secure permanent residency in Canada. This reopening follows recent changes in nominee allotments and is designed to support both employers and workers with expiring work permits.
Limited Applications and Revised Criteria
With the federal government reducing the Northwest Territories’ nomination allocation to 150 slots for 2025, the government has adjusted the intake process. Only 90 new applications will be accepted in this round, as 60 applications from 2024 will be processed under the 2025 quota.
Application Breakdown by Category
| Stream | Number of Applications | Key Requirements |
| Employer-Driven Stream (Yellowknife Employers) | 70 | Includes Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled and Skilled Worker categories |
| Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations | 35 | Must have an expiring work permit in 2025 and 12 months of full-time work with the same employer |
| Skilled Worker & Express Entry | 35 | Requires a full-time, permanent job offer and 12-18 months of experience in the NWT |
| Employer-Driven Stream (Outside Yellowknife) | 10 | Includes Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled and Skilled Worker categories |
| Francophone Stream or Employer-Driven Stream | 10 | Dedicated for Francophone applicants |
Application Selection Process
Unlike previous years, applications will be selected randomly rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. This ensures fairness and gives all eligible candidates an equal opportunity to be considered.
Employer Quotas for Applications
To maintain balance and fairness, there are limits on how many applications each employer can submit:
- 1-10 employees: 1 application
- 11-49 employees: 2 applications
- 50+ employees: 4 applications
What This Means for Employers and Applicants
Due to the high demand and limited slots, many eligible applicants may not secure a spot under the NTNP in 2025. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) advises employers to explore other federal immigration pathways to address labor shortages, such as the Express Entry system, Atlantic Immigration Program, or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) from other provinces.
The reopening of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program presents a crucial opportunity for skilled and semi-skilled workers to secure permanent residency in Canada. With limited applications available, prospective applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submit their applications within the February 27 – March 6, 2025 window. Employers and workers should also explore additional federal immigration programs to maximize their chances of success.
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