Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

Overview

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is an immigration program designed to help the Northwest Territories (NWT) address specific labor market needs and economic development priorities. It achieves this by nominating eligible individuals for Canadian permanent residence who possess the skills, education, and work experience required in the territory.

The NTNP operates several streams, each targeting different categories of applicants, including skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and those with job offers in the NWT. Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination certificate, which significantly strengthens their application for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How it works

The NTNP is a 'base' Provincial Nominee Program, meaning that applicants first apply to the Government of the Northwest Territories for nomination under one of its specific streams. If nominated, they then submit a separate application for permanent residence to IRCC. The NWT government assesses applications based on its own criteria, which typically include factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and a genuine intent to reside and work in the NWT.

Upon receiving a nomination, applicants can then proceed with their permanent resident application. Depending on the stream, some applicants may be eligible to apply through the Express Entry system, which can lead to faster processing times. Others will apply through the traditional non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program route.

Who it's for

The NTNP is for foreign nationals who wish to live and work permanently in the Northwest Territories and who can contribute to its economy and society. This includes skilled workers with job offers from NWT employers, international graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions, and entrepreneurs looking to establish or purchase a business in the territory. It is particularly suited for individuals whose skills are in demand in the NWT and who are committed to settling in a northern, often remote, environment.

Eligibility for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program varies by stream, but common requirements across most streams include:

• Job Offer: Many NTNP streams require a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NWT employer. The job offer must be in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B) or, for some streams, a semi-skilled occupation (NOC C, D).
• Work Experience: Applicants typically need relevant work experience in the occupation matching their job offer or business proposal. The amount and type of experience can vary.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum level of English or French proficiency is required, demonstrated through recognized language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF). The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level depends on the stream and occupation, often CLB 5 or higher.
• Education: While not always a strict requirement for all streams, a certain level of education (e.g., high school diploma, post-secondary education) is often preferred or required, especially for skilled worker streams.
• Intent to Reside: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the Northwest Territories once they obtain permanent residence.
• Settlement Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival and establishment in the NWT. The amount is determined based on the family size and is aligned with IRCC's low income cut-offs.
• Employer Eligibility (for employer-driven streams): NWT employers must meet specific criteria to be eligible to offer a job under the NTNP, including demonstrating efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Applicants to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program will generally need to provide the following documents:

• Identity and Civil Status Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), passports, and national identity documents for all accompanying family members.
• Education Documents: Diplomas, degrees, transcripts, and educational credential assessments (ECA) if the education was obtained outside Canada.
• Language Test Results: Official results from designated language tests (e.g., IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
• Work Experience Documents: Letters of employment, reference letters, pay stubs, and any other documents proving past work experience.
• Job Offer (if applicable): A copy of a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NWT employer, signed by both the employer and the applicant.
• Employer Documents (if applicable): Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required, and other supporting documents from the employer showing their eligibility.
• Settlement Funds: Bank statements, investment statements, or other proof of readily available funds to support settlement in the NWT.
• Resume/CV: A detailed curriculum vitae outlining educational background and work history.
• NWT Specific Forms: Completed application forms specific to the chosen NTNP stream.
• Police Certificates: From all countries where the applicant has resided for six months or more since the age of 18.
• Medical Exams: Confirmation of completed immigration medical examinations.

The application process for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) generally involves the following steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: Review the criteria for each NTNP stream (e.g., Skilled Worker, Express Entry Skilled Worker, Critical Impact Worker, Entrepreneur) to identify the most suitable category. Ensure you meet all minimum requirements, including language, education, and work experience.
2. Secure a Job Offer (if applicable): For most employer-driven streams, applicants must first secure a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer in the Northwest Territories. The employer must also meet specific NTNP requirements.
3. Prepare Application Documents: Gather all required supporting documents as outlined in the specific NTNP stream's checklist. This typically includes identity documents, educational credentials, language test results, work experience letters, and proof of funds.
4. Submit Application to NTNP: Complete the official NTNP application forms and submit the entire application package to the Government of the Northwest Territories' Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Ensure all sections are accurately filled out and all required documents are included.
5. NTNP Assessment and Nomination: The NWT government will assess the application based on its criteria. If successful, the applicant will receive a provincial nomination certificate.
6. Submit Permanent Residence Application to IRCC:
   • For Express Entry streams: Create an Express Entry profile, if not already done. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly increasing the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once an ITA is received, submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC within the specified timeframe.
   • For Base/Non-Express Entry streams: Submit a paper-based permanent residence application directly to IRCC, including the provincial nomination certificate.
7. Medical and Security Checks: Undergo immigration medical examinations and obtain police certificates as part of the federal application process.
8. Decision on Permanent Residence: IRCC will review the application and, if approved, issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). New permanent residents can then complete their landing in Canada.

Under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) and the subsequent federal permanent residence application, eligible family members can be included. This typically includes the principal applicant's spouse or common-law partner, and their dependent children (biological or adopted) who meet the age and dependency criteria set by IRCC (generally under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship, with some exceptions for those with a physical or mental condition). All accompanying family members must meet IRCC's admissibility requirements, including medical and security checks, and will be granted permanent residence along with the principal applicant.

Upon receiving a provincial nomination from the Northwest Territories, applicants who are already in Canada or who have a job offer, may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if they have submitted their permanent residence application to IRCC and meet other specific criteria. This allows them to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. Otherwise, applicants typically require a valid work permit to work in Canada. Once permanent residence is granted, individuals have the right to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada, including the Northwest Territories, without needing a work permit.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Successful applicants who receive a provincial nomination are then eligible to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. A provincial nomination significantly increases an applicant's chances of being granted permanent residence, especially for those applying through the Express Entry system, where it awards an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. If the federal application is approved, the applicant and their accompanying family members will be granted permanent resident status in Canada.

Common reasons for refusal under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) or the subsequent federal permanent residence application include:

• Incomplete Application: Missing documents or information can lead to delays or outright refusal.
• Ineligibility: Not meeting the minimum criteria for the chosen NTNP stream (e.g., insufficient language proficiency, lack of required work experience, ineligible job offer).
• Misrepresentation: Providing false information or concealing material facts on the application.
• Lack of Intent to Reside: Failure to demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the Northwest Territories.
• Employer Ineligibility: The NWT employer not meeting program requirements or demonstrating sufficient efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Insufficient Funds: Not demonstrating adequate settlement funds to support oneself and accompanying family members.
• Medical Inadmissibility: Failure to pass the immigration medical examination.
• Criminal Inadmissibility: Having a criminal record that makes an applicant inadmissible to Canada.