The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is set to reopen for applications from February 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM MT, until March 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM MT. This comes after the federal government reduced the Northwest Territories’ nominee allocation, prompting policy adjustments to accommodate applicants with expiring work permits and support local employers.
Key Changes in the 2025 NTNP Intake
With a nomination allocation of 150 for 2025, the upcoming intake will accept 90 new applications, as 60 applications from 2024 are already being processed under this year’s quota.
Here’s how the 90 new applications will be distributed:
Employer-Driven Stream – Yellowknife Employers
- 35 spots for Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations: Applicants must have a work permit expiring in 2025 and at least 12 months of full-time work experience with their nominating employer in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
- 35 spots for Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry categories- Eligibility criteria: A full-time, permanent job offer with an NWT employer, along with either:
- Â 12 months of work experience in the nominated occupation with an expiring work permit in 2025, or
- Â 18 months of continuous full-time employment in the same role before applying.
Employer-Driven Stream – Communities Outside Yellowknife
- 5 spots for Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations.
- 5 spots for Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry categories.
- The eligibility criteria for both categories remain the same as for Yellowknife-based applicants.
Francophone Stream & Employer-Driven Stream
- 10 applications are allocated under this stream to support Francophone immigration.
Employer Application Limits for 2025
For the upcoming intake, employers in NWT will have restrictions on the number of applications they can submit under the Employer-Driven Stream. The limits are as follows:
- 1-10 employees: 1 application
- 11-49 employees: 2 applications
- 50+ employees: 4 applications
Application Selection & Processing
Unlike previous intakes, which operated on a first-come, first-served basis, the 2025 intake will follow a randomized selection process. Once the intake period ends, all applications will be pre-screened, and 90 will be chosen at random for assessment. Applicants will receive an email notification about their application status, and selected applications will be processed in order of work permit expiry dates to prioritize those in urgent need.
Government Encourages Alternative Immigration Pathways
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) acknowledges that the limited nominee allocation for 2025 may leave many eligible applicants without an opportunity to apply. In response, the government is advising employers to consider federally managed immigration programs as alternative pathways for addressing labor shortages. Meanwhile, the GNWT continues to push for an increase in nomination allotments from the federal government.
Preparing for the Application Window
To ensure a smooth application process, interested candidates should review the latest NTNP program guidelines and checklists ahead of the intake period. Applications will be submitted online via the official NTNP website, so early preparation is essential.
For more updates on Canadian immigration programs and provincial nominee streams, stay connected with The Canada Time.
