Northwest Territories Nominee Program Reopens February 27 with Limited Intake and New Eligibility Rules for 2025

Northwest Territories Nominee Program to Re-Open February 27, Will Aim to Meet Application Intake for 2025

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is set to re-open for applications on February 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time. The program will remain open until March 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, offering a limited window for interested individuals to submit their applications online through the NTNP website.

This year’s program launch comes with significant changes. In early 2025, the federal government reduced the NTNP’s annual nomination allocation from 300 in 2024 to 150. This reduction prompted the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to postpone its initial January reopening date and engage in consultations with residents, businesses, and organizations. These discussions led to a revised intake process and updated program guidelines.

The 2025 changes aim to address specific needs within the territory. Key priorities include supporting applicants with expiring work permits, recognizing those who have worked with their NWT employer for an extended period, and meeting the unique demands of local employers. These adjustments reflect the GNWT’s efforts to balance the reduced quota while maintaining the program’s effectiveness.

Of the 150 available nomination spaces for 2025, 60 have already been allocated to pending applications from 2024. As a result, only 90 new applications will be accepted during the February intake. These applications are divided into streams designed to meet the territory’s labor market needs.

Employers in Yellowknife will play a significant role in this year’s intake. The Employer-Driven Stream will account for 70 of the 90 new applications, with 35 allocated to Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations and another 35 for Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry categories combined. Eligibility requirements include holding an NWT work permit expiring in 2025 and demonstrating continuous full-time work experience with the nominating employer.

Applicants should note that submissions will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, all applications received during the intake period will be pre-screened, and 90 will be randomly selected for further assessment. Selected applicants will be notified by email, and their applications will be evaluated in the order of their work permit expiry dates.

The GNWT has emphasized that the reduced quota means not all eligible applicants can be accommodated. Employers are encouraged to explore other federal immigration programs as alternative solutions for addressing labor shortages.

With the program set to re-open soon, potential applicants are urged to thoroughly review the updated guidelines and checklists to ensure they have all required documentation ready. Employers must also meet specific criteria, including being a registered business in NWT for at least one year, complying with employment standards, and demonstrating that no suitable Canadian candidate was available for the position.

For employers, application caps are based on company size: 1 application for businesses with 1-10 employees, 2 applications for those with 11-49 employees, and 4 applications for companies with 50 or more employees. These caps aim to ensure equitable access to the program while addressing the territory’s workforce needs.

Looking ahead, any remaining nomination spaces after the February/March intake may be filled through subsequent opportunities later in the year. Applicants not selected in this round will remain in the queue and could be reconsidered if additional spaces become available due to withdrawals or denials.

The NTNP offers three main streams: Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker, and NWT Express Entry for those already in the federal Express Entry system. Processing times for complete applications are estimated to be up to ten weeks.

For more information, applicants and employers can contact the NTNP by phone at 1 (855) 440-5450, by email at immigration@gov.nt.ca, or by visiting the program’s website. With the program set to re-open soon, interested parties are encouraged to act promptly to prepare their applications and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.

Key Details and Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 NTNP Intake

The NTNP’s February 27, 2025, intake will prioritize applicants with expiring work permits, particularly those whose permits are set to expire in 2025. Additionally, the program will recognize individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment to their NWT employers, ensuring that those who have contributed to the territory’s workforce are given consideration.

Eligibility requirements for the Employer-Driven Stream include continuous full-time work experience with the nominating employer in the same occupation. Applicants in the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled category must have at least 12 months of continuous work experience, while those in the Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry categories require 18 months of continuous employment with their current employer.

Employers play a crucial role in the program’s success. To qualify, they must meet specific criteria, including being a registered and operational business or government department in the NWT for at least one year. Employers must also comply with all relevant safety and employment standards and demonstrate that efforts to hire a suitable Canadian candidate were unsuccessful before offering the position to a nominee.

The GNWT has introduced application caps for employers based on company size to ensure fairness and accessibility. Businesses with 1-10 employees are limited to submitting 1 application, while those with 11-49 employees can submit 2 applications. Larger companies with 50 or more employees are allowed up to 4 applications. These caps are designed to balance the needs of different-sized employers while addressing the territory’s labor market demands.

After the initial intake period, any remaining nomination spaces may be filled through subsequent intakes later in the year. Applicants who are not selected in this round will remain in the queue and may be reconsidered if additional spaces become available due to withdrawals or denied applications. This approach ensures that the program remains flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of the territory’s workforce.

The NTNP offers three main streams to accommodate different types of applicants: the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations stream, the Skilled Worker stream, and the NWT Express Entry stream for individuals already in the federal Express Entry system. Each stream is designed to address specific labor market needs and provide pathways for qualified candidates to achieve permanent residency in the NWT.

Applicants should be aware that processing times for complete and selected applications are estimated to be up to ten weeks. This timeframe allows the GNWT to thoroughly assess each application and ensure that all requirements are met before issuing nominations.

For those seeking additional information or assistance, the NTNP provides support through various channels. Applicants and employers can contact the program by phone at 1 (855) 440-5450, by email at immigration@gov.nt.ca, or by visiting the official NTNP website. These resources are available to help navigate the application process and ensure that all parties are well-prepared for the upcoming intake.

Conclusion

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s 2025 intake presents a strategic opportunity for individuals and employers to address the territory’s labor market needs. Despite the reduced nomination quota, the program remains a viable pathway for eligible applicants seeking permanent residency. By prioritizing those with expiring work permits and long-term employment commitments, the GNWT aims to maintain a balanced approach to immigration. Interested applicants and employers are encouraged to thoroughly review the updated guidelines and prepare their applications well in advance of the February 27, 2025, reopening.

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