Northwest Territories Nominee Program Set to Re-Open for 2025 Intake Amid Changes to Immigration Allocation
Starting February 27, 2025, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) will once again accept applications from foreign nationals looking to make the NWT their home. The intake period will last until 5 pm MT on March 6, 2025, marking the beginning of the 2025 nomination process. This year, the NTNP has an ambitious goal to meet its total allocation of 150 nominations, with 90 new applications being accepted in this intake and 60 carried over from 2024.
As the demand for Canadian immigration continues to rise, the NTNP is adjusting its approach to ensure that applications are processed efficiently and fairly. If the program receives more applications than it can handle during the intake period, applicants will be selected at random, and those chosen will be notified via email. The NTNP will then prioritize the processing of these selected applications based on the expiry dates of applicants’ work permits.
Key Changes to the NTNP in 2025
This year’s NTNP changes come as a result of a significant shift in Canada’s overall approach to provincial nominee programs (PNPs). Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a 50% reduction in PNP admissions for 2025 due to the country’s increasing housing and affordability concerns. As a result, Canada’s immigration targets under PNPs have dropped from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025, impacting all provinces and territories, including the Northwest Territories. In response, the NTNP has made several adjustments to how it allocates nominations and processes applications, ensuring that the needs of employers and foreign nationals alike are met within the program’s new guidelines.
Breakdown of NTNP’s 2025 Stream Allocations
The NTNP’s nomination process consists of several streams, each with its own allocation and specific eligibility criteria. These streams aim to meet the diverse needs of NWT employers while supporting skilled workers and those who have committed significant time working in the territory.
1. Employer-Driven Stream
The Employer-Driven stream is the backbone of the NTNP, allowing employers to hire foreign workers and nominate them for Canadian permanent residence. Under this stream, applicants cannot apply directly; instead, NWT employers must submit applications on behalf of the foreign nationals. This stream is divided into three categories, each with a distinct set of criteria:
- Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations
Allocation: 35 applications
Eligible candidates must:- Have an expiring work permit in 2025.
- Have worked full-time in the NWT for at least 12 months before applying.
- Skilled Worker
Allocation: 35 applications
Eligible candidates must:- Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer.
- Have at least 12 months of work experience in the same occupation as the job offer.
- Have an expiring work permit in 2025, or have worked full-time in the NWT for at least 18 months.
- NWT Express Entry
Allocation: 35 applications
This category is for candidates in the Express Entry pool who have a job offer in the NWT. Candidates must meet the same work experience criteria outlined for the Skilled Worker category.
Additionally, five applications under both the Entry Level / Semi-Skilled and Skilled Worker / NWT Express Entry categories will be reserved for employers based outside of Yellowknife, emphasizing the need for workers in rural areas.
2. Employer-Driven and Francophone Stream
Another significant change for 2025 is the introduction of a special allocation for Francophone candidates within the Employer-Driven stream. This stream allows employers to nominate bilingual foreign workers for permanent residence, supporting NWT’s linguistic diversity.
- Allocation: 10 applications will be reserved for Francophone candidates.
- Employers can apply for candidates with proficiency in both French and English, regardless of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) level of the job.
Restrictions on Employer Applications
In 2025, the NTNP has introduced new limits on the number of applications an employer can submit. These limits are based on the size of the employer’s workforce in the NWT:
- Employers with 1 to 10 employees can submit 1 application.
- Employers with 11 to 49 employees can submit 2 applications.
- Employers with 50+ employees can submit 4 applications.
This change aims to ensure that smaller businesses have a fair chance to participate in the program while managing the overall flow of applications more effectively.
The NTNP’s Response to Canadian Immigration Changes
These adjustments to the NTNP are not just limited to application quotas; they are part of a broader response to the significant changes in Canada’s immigration policy for 2025. The reduction in PNP admissions nationwide has forced provinces and territories like New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Yukon to alter their intake processes, a trend that has been felt across the country.
The NTNP’s efforts to ensure a fair and responsive application process reflect the territory’s commitment to addressing the changing needs of the labor market while also navigating the challenges posed by reduced federal immigration targets. The changes made to the program will help NWT employers recruit the workers they need, especially in the context of rising housing and affordability pressures.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
With the NTNP now accepting applications for 2025, foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to the NWT will need to carefully review the updated eligibility criteria and ensure they meet the necessary requirements. As always, it’s essential for both applicants and employers to stay informed about any further updates or adjustments to the program as the application intake period progresses. For those considering permanent residency in the Northwest Territories, the NTNP remains a crucial pathway to a stable and prosperous future in Canada.
For full details on the application process, eligibility criteria, and necessary documentation, applicants are encouraged to visit the official NTNP webpage or refer to the program guidelines provided by the Northwest Territories government.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
