The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a vast region in northern Canada, home to over 33 diverse communities and a population of more than 43,000 people. NWT offers an ideal living environment for those seeking long-term settlement. The people of NWT warmly welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, fostering a vibrant, open, and richly unique immigrant community. Let’s explore the details of the Northwest Territories immigration program with Phan Immigration in this article.
What is the Northwest Territories Immigration Program?
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is an excellent opportunity for foreign nationals aspiring to become permanent residents of Canada. This program is implemented by the Northwest Territories government in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and consists of two main streams:
- The Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment oversees the Business Stream, targeting investors or entrepreneurs who wish to start, purchase, or invest in a business in NWT.
- Business Stream
- The Department of Education, Culture, and Employment manages the Skilled Worker Streams, designed for workers with a job offer from an NWT employer. These streams address labor shortages and provide attractive career opportunities, including:
- Skilled Worker Stream
- Express Entry Stream
- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Stream
With flexible immigration policies, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program is an ideal choice for both entrepreneurs and skilled workers looking to build a career and life in Northwest Territories, Canada.
Settling in Northwest Territories through the Business Stream
The Northwest Territories Business Stream is an attractive opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs and investors with business or management experience who wish to invest in and operate a real business in the territory.
Program Objective:
This program enables foreign entrepreneurs to operate a genuine business in Northwest Territories for at least 2 years. Upon fulfilling the required conditions, investors and their families can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) and enjoy benefits similar to Canadian citizens.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum Investment:
- CAD 200,000 if the business is located in the capital, Yellowknife.
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- CAD 100,000 if the business is outside Yellowknife.
- Ownership Stake: The investor must own at least 33.3% of the business.
- Personal Net Worth (Proof of Funds):
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- Minimum CAD 500,000 if settling in Yellowknife.
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- Minimum CAD 250,000 if settling outside Yellowknife.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
- Experience and Education: Sufficient experience and education to successfully operate the business.
- Financial Capacity: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living and housing expenses in Northwest Territories.
Processing Time:
- Provincial nomination processing: Over 10 weeks.
- Permanent residency (PR) processing: 6–12 months.
Program Limitations:
- Investors must sign a 2-year Business Performance Agreement with the provincial government.
- Must prove a minimum net worth of CAD 500,000 if operating a business in Yellowknife.
Settling in Northwest Territories through Skilled Worker Streams
Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker Stream in Northwest Territories is designed for foreign workers with skills and experience who wish to build a long-term career in Canada. This stream targets individuals working in occupations classified as NOC Skill Levels 0, A, or B, supporting them and their families in settling in the territory.
Program Objective:
The program facilitates foreign skilled workers in securing long-term, full-time employment in Northwest Territories, sponsored by a valid employer in the territory. Upon meeting the requirements, workers can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) to settle long-term.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a long-term, full-time job offer from a valid Northwest Territories employer.
- The occupation must fall under NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover living and housing expenses in Northwest Territories.
- Have at least 1 year of full-time experience in the nominated occupation.
- Have formal education, specialized training, or certification relevant to the job.
- Meet language requirements:
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- CLB 6 for NOC 0 and A occupations.
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- CLB 5 for NOC B occupations.
Program Advantages:
- Apply for PR directly from Vietnam without needing to travel to Canada first.
- Can apply for a Work Permit (WP) to work in Canada while awaiting PR processing.
Processing Time:
- Provincial nomination processing: Over 10 weeks.
- Permanent residency (PR) processing: 6–12 months.
Program Limitations: Workers must have experience relevant to the occupation the employer is hiring for.
Express Entry Stream
The Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream is an optimal choice for candidates already in the federal Express Entry system, aiming to expedite PR processing and increase their chances of obtaining Permanent Residency through a provincial nomination. This allows candidates to quickly obtain a work permit and live and work in Canada while awaiting PR approval.
Program Objective:
- Support candidates in the Express Entry system in receiving a provincial nomination from Northwest Territories.
- Shorten PR processing time through prioritized handling by the territorial government.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a profile in the Express Entry system with a valid Job Seeker Validation Code.
- Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the past 10 years.
- Hold a certificate, degree, or certification relevant to the occupation and required NOC code.
- Meet the language requirements for Express Entry as set by the Canadian government.
Program Advantages:
- Gain additional CRS points in the Express Entry system, increasing the chances of receiving PR quickly.
- Receive support from the Northwest Territories government for a Work Permit application to work in Canada early while awaiting PR.
Processing Time:
- Provincial nomination processing: Over 10 weeks.
- Permanent residency (PR) processing: 6–12 months.
Program Limitations:
- Limited to specific occupations as per Express Entry regulations.
- High competition due to the large number of applicants.
- Relies on employer sponsorship, requiring a long-term work commitment.
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Stream
The Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream in Northwest Territories is designed for mid-level or entry-level workers currently employed in the territory, helping them continue living and working long-term while sponsoring their families to settle in Canada.
Program Objective:
- Support workers employed in Northwest Territories in becoming permanent residents of Canada.
- Help employers retain workers, particularly in NOC Skill Levels C and D occupations.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have worked for the designated employer in Northwest Territories for at least 6 months before applying.
- The occupation must fall under NOC Skill Level C or D.
- Meet any certification, licensing, or registration requirements as per territorial regulations.
- Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French in all skills.
- Prove financial capacity: At least CAD 10,000 for the primary applicant and CAD 2,000 for each dependent (can be demonstrated through bank statements).
- Hold a valid Work Permit at the time of application.
Program Advantages:
- Can apply for provincial nomination and subsequently PR directly from Northwest Territories.
- Suitable for workers in NOC C and D occupations, with lower skill requirements compared to other streams (e.g., Skilled Worker).
- Offers the opportunity for workers and their families to settle long-term in Canada.
Processing Time:
- Provincial nomination processing: Over 10 weeks.
- Permanent residency (PR) processing: 6–12 months.
Program Limitations:
- Limited to workers who have been employed in Northwest Territories for at least 6 months.
- Restricted to NOC C or D occupations, limiting eligibility to specific industries.
Francophone Stream
The Francophone Stream is a dedicated immigration program for foreign workers who can communicate in both French and English. This stream attracts bilingual candidates with strong language skills, facilitating their integration and contribution to the local community.
Program Objective:
- Provide opportunities for French- and English-speaking workers to live and work in Northwest Territories.
- Support the territory in attracting bilingual workers, contributing to economic growth and the Francophone community.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Prove financial capacity: Minimum CAD 10,000 for the primary applicant and CAD 2,000 for each dependent.
- Have at least 1 year of full-time experience in the nominated occupation within the past 10 years, or a minimum of 6 months of work in Northwest Territories.
- Minimum education: High school diploma.
- Language proficiency:
- CLB 5 in French.
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- CLB 4 in English in all skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing).
Program Advantages:
- Can apply for PR directly from Vietnam without needing to travel to Canada first.
- Can apply for a Work Permit (WP) to work in Canada early while awaiting PR processing.
- Accepts all skill levels under the NOC system (0, A, B, C, and D).
Processing Time:
- Provincial nomination processing: Over 10 weeks.
- Permanent residency (PR) processing: 6–12 months.
Program Limitations:
- Work experience must match the occupation the sponsoring employer is hiring for.
- Requires both English (CLB 4) and French (CLB 5) proficiency.
Advantages of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is one of the fastest and most convenient pathways for foreign workers to settle in Canada. Key advantages include:
- The NTNP’s review system is clear and straightforward, allowing applicants to prepare and submit applications easily without excessive barriers.
- NTNP offers relatively short processing times compared to other programs, enabling applicants to quickly receive a provincial nomination and proceed to PR application.
- Applicants can bring their spouse and children under 18 to Canada, allowing the entire family to access healthcare, education, and social benefits upon arrival.
- After obtaining PR, if residency conditions are met, applicants can apply for Canadian citizenship and officially become citizens.
- The program sets transparent and accessible criteria for various groups, making it easier for skilled workers, entry-level workers, or French-speaking individuals to apply and be approved.
- Some NTNP streams allow applicants to apply for PR directly from Vietnam.
- Applicants can apply for a Work Permit (WP) to work in Canada while awaiting PR approval.
- PR holders benefit from free public healthcare, free public education from grades 1 to 12, and can access government loans for college or university with tuition fees at one-third the rate for international students.
- After becoming a citizen, applicants can obtain a Canadian passport—one of the most powerful passports globally, offering visa-free travel to 189 countries and territories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Settling in Northwest Territories
Why Do Many People Choose to Immigrate to Northwest Territories?
Top reasons for choosing to settle in Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada:
- Fast Settlement: PR processing takes only 6–12 months, with the option to apply for a Work Permit before PR approval.
- High Job Opportunities: Competitive salaries, low competition, and high demand in various industries.
- Affordable Costs: Housing is cheaper than in Toronto or Vancouver, with financial support from the government.
- Great Benefits: Free healthcare, free public education from grades 1–12, and low university tuition.
- Easy Path to Citizenship: 3 years of residency within 5 years to apply for citizenship and obtain a Canadian passport.
- Majestic Nature: Experience the Northern Lights, a pristine environment, and a peaceful lifestyle.
How Long Does the Northwest Territories Nomination Process Take?
Applications for permanent residency through the NWT Nominee Program are typically processed within approximately 18 months.
How Do the Express Entry and Skilled Worker Streams Differ?
Target Audience:
- Express Entry: For skilled workers meeting criteria for age, education, work experience, language, and other factors under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Skilled Worker: For skilled workers with a valid job offer from a Northwest Territories employer.
Application Process:
- Express Entry: Applicants create an online profile, ranked by the CRS. Those with high scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
- Skilled Worker: The employer submits the application on behalf of the worker. Applicants must meet specific criteria for education, experience, language, and program conditions.
This article highlights that Northwest Territories is an ideal destination for those seeking to settle in Canada, offering various programs tailored to different groups. If you’re interested in consulting about settling in Northwest Territories, contact Phan Immigration—a company specializing in Canadian immigration consultancy. As a licensed member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), we are committed to supporting you in stabilizing your life, advancing your career, and building a successful business in Canada.
