Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) — pathways for skilled workers, bilingual professionals, and business investors in Canada's north
One of Canada's most approachable immigration programs — small allocation, dedicated in-territory staff, and faster processing times. The NTNP offers three streams: an Employer-Driven Stream (now using a new Expression of Interest system as of 2026), a Francophone Stream for bilingual workers, and a Business Stream for investors.
2026 update: The NTNP reopened March 9, 2026 with a new EOI-based selection model for the Employer-Driven Stream. First draw: March 25, 2026 — up to 65 candidates invited. 2026 federal allocation: 197 nominations total. The Francophone and Business streams remain open on a first-come, first-served basis.
2025 intake closed: The NTNP closed its 2025 intake after reaching its 300 nomination cap. Applicants were notified by email regarding their status. The 2026 program is now open under the new EOI system.
Have a question about the NTNP?
Which stream applies to your job offer? How does the new EOI scoring system work? Message us on WhatsApp — we reply within hours on business days.
Overview
What is the NTNP — and what changed in 2026?
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allows the Government of the Northwest Territories to nominate foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residency. It addresses persistent labour shortages in one of Canada's most remote and resource-rich territories — home to 33 officially recognized Indigenous languages and extraordinary natural landscapes. Unlike most southern provinces, the NWT actively emphasizes a personal, guided approach: program staff help applicants through the process from start to finish.
Major 2026 change: Following public consultations in September 2025, the NTNP introduced an Expression of Interest (EOI) model specifically for the Employer-Driven Stream, replacing the previous first-come, first-served intake. Candidates are now scored out of a maximum of 845 points across three categories — human capital, NWT labour market connections, and adaptability. Employers of the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply in periodic draws. The Francophone and Business streams continue on first-come, first-served basis.
How the new EOI process works for the Employer-Driven Stream:
Important: Employers of candidates NOT invited through an EOI draw cannot submit an application. EOIs without a job offer are not accepted. Applications are assessed in the order received after each draw.
Stream 1 — EOI system as of 2026
Employer-Driven Stream — three categories
All three categories require a full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer. Employers must have operated a registered business in the NWT for at least one year, be in good standing with the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, and comply with the Employment Standards Act. No application is accepted without a job offer and an employer-issued invitation through the EOI process.
Skilled Worker Category
For formally educated and trained workers filling shortages in skilled occupations. Base stream — does not require a federal Express Entry profile. Leads to a direct paper-based PR application to IRCC.
Occupation
Full-time, permanent job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation from an NWT employer
Work experience
Minimum 1 year full-time experience in the same or similar occupation within the last 10 years
Work permit
Valid work permit required at time of application
Language — TEER 0 and 1
Minimum CLB 6 in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) in English or French
Language — TEER 2 and 3
Minimum CLB 5 in all four skills in English or French. All four skills must be achieved in one testing session.
Training, experience, and education must demonstrate the ability to fulfill the specific job description. Applicable certifications, licences, and accreditations required by the occupation must be in hand.
Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Occupations
For entry-level positions that cannot be filled by a Canadian or permanent resident from the local or national labour market. The most accessible category — covering a wide range of occupations. Base stream only (not linked to Express Entry).
Occupation
Full-time, permanent job offer in a NOC TEER 4 or 5 occupation from an NWT employer
In-territory employment
12 consecutive months of full-time employment in the same position with the NWT employer supporting the application
Work permit
Valid work permit required (must be in-territory, currently employed)
Language
Minimum CLB 4 in all four skills in English or French. All four skills must be achieved in one testing session.
Key requirement: The 12-month in-NWT employment requirement means this category is exclusively for workers already living and working in the territory on a valid work permit. It is not available to overseas applicants.
NWT Express Entry Category
For skilled workers with an active federal Express Entry profile. An NWT nomination adds 600 CRS points — virtually guaranteeing a federal Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw. Leads to federal PR through IRCC's Express Entry system with a fast processing target of approximately 6 months.
Express Entry eligibility
Active EE profile with valid profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code (JVSC) for FSWP, FSTP, or CEC
Job offer
Full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NWT employer in a TEER 0–3 occupation
Work experience
Minimum 1 year full-time in same or similar occupation within last 10 years; experience matching NOC code requirements
Work permit
Valid work permit for the NWT employer
Language — TEER 0 and 1
Minimum CLB 7 in all four skills — higher than the Skilled Worker base stream for same TEER levels
Language — TEER 2 and 3
Minimum CLB 5 in all four skills. Not a refugee claimant.
Language requirement alert: NWT Express Entry requires CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 occupations, compared to CLB 6 for the Skilled Worker base stream in the same occupations. This is one of the highest minimum language requirements among territorial nominee programs for skilled occupations. Test scores from multiple sessions cannot be combined — all four competencies must be achieved in a single session.
Streams 2 & 3 — first-come, first-served
Francophone Stream and Business Stream
For bilingual French and English workers
One of the few territorial immigration pathways open to all TEER levels (0–5). Designed to grow the NWT's French-speaking workforce. Applicants apply directly — no EOI system or draw. First-come, first-served. Not available to Express Entry candidates.
Eligible occupations: All NOC TEER levels 0–5 — the most inclusive stream in the NTNP
Job offer: Full-time, permanent from an eligible NWT employer
Work experience: Minimum 1 year full-time in nominated occupation (last 10 yrs), OR 6 months full-time in same occupation in the NWT
Language — French: Minimum CLB 5 overall (one testing session)
Language — English: Minimum CLB 4 overall (one testing session)
Education: Minimum Canadian high school equivalency
Not eligible: Refugee claimants; applicants who are also applying through Express Entry
Accepted language tests: IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF for French. Results must be no older than 2 years at time of application. Scores from different testing sessions cannot be combined.
For investors and entrepreneurs starting or buying a business
The NWT actively promotes this stream with no waitlist, faster processing, and dedicated staff support from start to finish. First-come, first-served — not oversubscribed. Business Performance Agreement (BPA) required.
In Yellowknife corporate boundaries
Min investment: $200,000 CAD equity | Min net worth: $500,000 CAD
Outside Yellowknife corporate boundaries
Min investment: $100,000 CAD equity | Min net worth: $250,000 CAD
Ownership: Minimum 33.3% of the business. Exception: if personal equity investment is $1,000,000 CAD or more, you may own less than 33.3%.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French. Accepted tests: IELTS or CELPIP (English); TEF (French) only. Results no older than 2 years.
Experience: Education and experience to successfully implement the business plan
NWT knowledge: Must demonstrate reasonable knowledge of the NWT economy and ability to integrate into the local community
Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to start the business and support self and any dependants throughout the BPA period
Intent: Must commit to full-time settlement in the NWT. Cannot have an active application with any other provincial or territorial nominee program.
EOI Points Estimator
NTNP Employer-Driven Stream — EOI Score Calculator
The NTNP EOI scores candidates out of a maximum of 845 points across three categories: Human Capital (max 375), Connections to the NWT Labour Market (max 340), and Adaptability (max 130). Highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply in each draw. This calculator applies only to the Employer-Driven Stream — not the Francophone or Business streams.
NWT connections are extremely high-value: an existing NWT work permit alone is worth 50 points. Working outside Yellowknife adds another 50. Prior NWT work experience of 3+ years adds 100. Education completed in the NWT adds up to 100. These NWT-specific factors are often the difference between a competitive and non-competitive EOI profile.
Points per band (listening, speaking, reading, writing) based on individual CLB scores. For CLB 8+ = 25 pts × 4 bands = 100 pts max from first language. Add second language bonus if bilingual.
Full-time (30+ hrs/week) experience in the same or similar occupation as the nominating position. Canada and abroad. Within the past 10 years.
Based on highest completed level. Foreign credentials require an Education Credential Assessment (ECA). The highest-value option is post-secondary education directly related to the nominating occupation.
Eligible trades: Carpenter (72310), Electricians (72200), Plumber (72300), Gas Fitters (72302), Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (72401), Automotive Service Technician (72410), Welder (72106), Industrial Mechanic/Millwright (72400), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (72404), Air Pilots (72600), Chef (62200).
Full-time (30+ hrs/week) work experience specifically in the NWT, within the past 10 years. Separate from the general work experience factor above.
Based on highest completed post-secondary education at a recognized NWT institution. Only one applies.
The NWT is one of Canada's most responsive immigration programs — but the new EOI system changes the strategy
The 2026 switch to EOI means that simply having a job offer is no longer sufficient. Your score relative to other candidates in the pool determines whether your employer receives an invitation. A consultation with our RCIC will produce a precise EOI score and identify which NWT connection factors can realistically be built before your employer submits a registration.
Book a Consultation →Point values sourced directly from the official NTNP Employer-Driven Stream Expression of Interest Points Grid (Government of the Northwest Territories). This calculator applies to the Employer-Driven Stream only — not the Francophone or Business streams. The NTNP may change point values, draw criteria, and intake rules at any time without notice. 2026 allocation: 197 nominations. Draw frequency and minimum scores are not pre-announced. Contact NTNP directly: 1-855-440-5450 | immigration@gov.nt.ca. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before submitting your EOI. Litmus Immigration Services Inc. — CICC Member | CAPIC Member.
Important facts & RCIC Guidance
What you need to know before applying to the NTNP
2026 EOI system — new in this year
The employer must register FIRST — the candidate cannot initiate the process
Under the new EOI model, the employer must register and create an online account before the candidate can submit their EOI. Unlike most PNPs where the individual applies, NTNP's Employer-Driven Stream is fundamentally employer-led. An employer who does not receive an ITA through a draw cannot submit a full application — no exceptions. This means both employer readiness and candidate score optimization must happen together before the EOI is submitted.
Nomination cap: very small
197 nominations in 2026 — the NWT filled its 300 allocation in 2025 within months
The NWT's annual nomination cap is among the smallest in Canada. In 2025, the program's 300 cap was exhausted and intake was closed partway through the year. The 2026 allocation is 197 — smaller than 2025. The EOI model was introduced partly in response to this oversubscription, to ensure the limited nominations go to the highest-priority candidates aligned with NWT's labour market needs.
Language testing — one session rule
All four language skills must be achieved in a single testing session — results from different tests cannot be combined
This is one of the NWT's strictest requirements. You cannot combine your reading score from one test date with your speaking score from another. This makes preparation critical — submitting before all four competencies are at the required level results in a refusal. NWT Express Entry for TEER 0/1 occupations requires CLB 7 minimum — higher than many other northern and Atlantic PNPs.
Business stream advantage
The Business Stream is the one NTNP pathway with no waitlist and guaranteed personal support from the program
Unlike the Employer-Driven Stream's EOI queue and the Francophone Stream's occasional intake pressure, the Business Stream explicitly guarantees no wait-list, faster processing, and personal guidance from in-territory program staff. The investment thresholds are low compared to southern provinces ($200K in Yellowknife, $100K outside), and the net worth minimums ($500K/$250K) are among the most accessible in Canada for a business immigration pathway.
Outside Yellowknife strategy
A job outside Yellowknife earns 50 EOI points — plus lower investment minimums for the Business Stream
The NWT strongly incentivizes settlement in communities outside Yellowknife. In the EOI grid, a job offer outside the capital earns 50 points — equal to the maximum age score or a valid NWT work permit. For the Business Stream, investing outside Yellowknife halves both the minimum investment ($100K vs. $200K) and the net worth requirement ($250K vs. $500K). Candidates targeting communities like Hay River, Fort Smith, or Inuvik should factor these incentives into their strategy.
Get the right strategy for the NTNP before your employer registers
The NWT's EOI model means your score must be competitive before your employer submits. An RCIC consultation will calculate your precise EOI score, identify NWT connection factors you may have overlooked, confirm your language test results meet the one-session rule, and determine whether the Skilled Worker, Entry Level, NWT Express Entry, Francophone, or Business stream is your best pathway.
