Northwest Territories Reopens Nominee Program for Third Intake — Expanded Quota and Revised Eligibility Rules for 2025
The Government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) has announced a third application intake window for its Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) — a move aimed at filling the territory’s expanded 2025 nomination quota. This additional intake will open on November 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and close on November 24, 2025, allowing both employers and skilled workers to seize another opportunity for nomination before the year ends.
The territory’s immigration office will process up to 103 new eligible applications, ensuring it meets its 300-nomination allocation for the year. The third intake also comes with revised eligibility criteria and relaxed employer restrictions, designed to make the process more accessible for both applicants and hiring businesses in the North.
Key Highlights of the Third NTNP Intake
1. Intake Window and Quota Details
- Opening Date: November 10, 2025 (9:00 a.m.)
- Closing Date: November 24, 2025
- Target: Up to 103 applications will be processed before the end of 2025.
- Priority: Applications from candidates whose work permits are expiring within the next three months will receive first consideration.
- Application Order: Once priority applications are reviewed, the submission date will determine the processing order.
- If Over Capacity: If more than 103 eligible applications are received, or if applications cannot be finalized by December 23, 2025, they will be withdrawn and invited to reapply in 2026.
Revised Eligibility Rules for 2025
The NWT has implemented several updates to make the NTNP more flexible for both candidates and employers. These new rules apply to all applications received during this intake and will remain in effect until the end of 2025.
Changes for Candidates
- Work Permit Expiry Flexibility:
Candidates can now apply regardless of their work permit’s expiry date, as long as they meet all other program criteria. - Restored Work Experience Requirement:
Applicants under the Skilled Worker Stream and the NWT Express Entry Stream must have at least one year of full-time work experience (within the past 10 years) in the same or similar occupation as their current job offer.- The experience can be from multiple employers, as long as it is relevant to the occupation.
Changes for Employers
- Application Limits Removed:
Employers are no longer restricted in the number of applications they can submit based on the size of their business. This allows larger and smaller companies alike to nominate more workers as needed to address labour shortages.
Why the Third Intake Was Announced
Originally, the NWT planned only two application periods for 2025:
- First intake: February 27 to March 6, 2025
- Second intake: July 2 to July 9, 2025
However, after the federal government restored the territory’s nomination allocation to its 2024 level — increasing available nomination spaces from 197 to 300 — the NWT had additional capacity to welcome more foreign workers and skilled professionals.
On October 17, 2025, Minister Caitlin Cleveland (Education, Culture and Employment) confirmed that the territory would open a third intake period to ensure these remaining nomination spots were filled “in a timely and efficient manner.”
The new intake period, running from November 10 to November 24, will help the territory fully utilize its immigration allocation for the year and maintain the economic and demographic growth that the NTNP supports.
What Happens Next for Applicants
- Application Assessment: The NWT immigration office will notify applicants by email whether their submission will be assessed or withdrawn.
- If Withdrawn: Those whose applications cannot be processed in time will be invited to reapply in 2026, when new intake windows open.
- Processing Timeline: Priority will be given to applicants with expiring work permits, ensuring continuity for those already contributing to the local workforce.
Understanding the NTNP’s Role
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program allows the territory to nominate foreign nationals who meet local labour market needs and who intend to settle permanently in the region. It includes streams such as:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- NWT Express Entry Stream
- Critical Impact Worker Stream
By reopening the program for a third intake and relaxing eligibility barriers, the NWT aims to strengthen its economy, fill essential skill gaps, and attract workers who can help sustain its remote and resource-driven communities.
Bottom Line
The Northwest Territories’ decision to reopen its Nominee Program for a third intake window highlights the territory’s ongoing commitment to supporting employers, meeting workforce demands, and retaining skilled international talent. With 103 new nomination spots available and eased application requirements, both candidates and employers have a renewed opportunity to participate before the year closes.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documentation early and submit as soon as possible, as intake windows in smaller jurisdictions like the NWT tend to reach capacity quickly.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
