Immigrate to North West Province: Complete Guide to North West PNP Streams & Eligibility
If you’re dreaming of a quieter life, surrounded by nature, opportunity, and community, the Northwest Territories might just be the place to call home. Here, immigration isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about becoming part of something real. Whether you’re a skilled professional with a job offer, someone already working hard in the local economy, or an entrepreneur ready to invest and grow, the Northwest Territories welcomes those who are ready to contribute and settle long-term.
Eligibility for Each Immigration Stream in North West Province
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has only two main immigration streams, each with subcategories:
1. Employer-Driven Stream
Who it’s for: The Employer-Driven Stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is designed for foreign nationals who have a valid job offer from an employer in the Northwest Territories and wish to become permanent residents of Canada.
Skilled Workers : If you’ve been offered a full-time, permanent job in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (such as nurses, IT specialists, engineers, managers), this stream is for you. You must have relevant education, work experience, and meet language requirements.
Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Workers : This category is for those working in NOC TEER 4 or 5 roles (like food service, retail, cleaners, truck drivers). You must have worked in the same job in the NWT for at least 6 months before applying.
Express Entry Candidates : If you’re already in the federal Express Entry pool and have a skilled job offer from an NWT employer, you can apply through this stream for faster processing.
Eligibility : A full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer in a skilled occupation.
Must have one year of related work experience.
Meet minimum education and licensing/certification requirements for the occupation.
Demonstrate language ability at CLB 6 for NOC 0/A and CLB 5 for NOC B
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada (if already present).
Show intention to settle in the NWT long term.
2. Business Stream
Who it’s for: For individuals who want to start, buy, or invest in a business in the NWT.
You must commit to investing at least CAD 200,000 into a business within Yellowknife or CAD 100,000 if your venture is located outside of Yellowknife.
You must hold at least a 33.3% ownership stake in the business, unless you invest CAD 1 million or more, in which case a smaller ownership share is permitted.
You are required to verify a personal net worth of a minimum CAD 500,000 if opening within Yellowknife, or CAD 250,000 for operations outside Yellowknife.
You must demonstrate language proficiency at CLB 4 or higher in English or French, using tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
You must provide evidence of thorough knowledge of the Northwest Territories economy and its business environment.
You need sufficient funds to start and sustain the business, and support yourself (and dependents) while the business is operational under the two-year Performance Agreement.
You must not have concurrent active applications in other provincial or NWT nominee program streams, nor be a refugee claimant.
Lastly, you should be fully prepared to settle and actively manage your business full-time in the Northwest Territories.
Once you submit your application to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the provincial immigration office reviews your documents for completeness and accuracy. If anything is missing or unclear, they may contact you to request additional information or clarification.
The NTNP staff will review your application to ensure it is complete, accurate, and meets all eligibility criteria. If your application is incomplete, they may return it without processing or If everything is in order, your file moves forward for a full assessment.
Your documents, qualifications, job offer (or business plan), and background will be carefully assessed.
If you are applying under the Business Stream, you may be required to attend an interview with NTNP officials (in-person or virtual). They will ask questions about your business plan, market knowledge, and your readiness to live and work in NWT.
If your application is approved: You will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate from the Government of Northwest Territories. This certificate allows you to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. If refused: You’ll receive a letter outlining the reason(s). There is no appeal, but you may reapply in the future if you meet the criteria.
With your nomination, you can submit your PR application to IRCC through: The non-Express Entry route (paper-based application), or the Express Entry portal, if nominated under the Express Entry stream.
IRCC will conduct standard security, medical, and admissibility checks for you and your family members. If cleared, they will finalize your permanent residency status.
Once your PR application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You can then land in Canada, settle in the Northwest Territories, and start your new life — working, doing business, or raising your family.
Required Documents for North West Province Immigration
Below is a general checklist of documents you’ll need when applying to any of the North West immigration streams (Skilled Worker, Express Entry, Graduate, Entrepreneur):
Valid Passport and Identification : Copies of your valid passport(s) for yourself and all accompanying family members. Include all pages with stamps, visas, or markings.
Proof of Language Proficiency : Official results from an approved English or French language test like IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General), TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Job Offer Letter (Employer-Driven Streams Only) : A formal, written full-time and permanent job offer from a Northwest Territories employer, including , job title and duties, salary and benefits, terms of employment, employer’s contact and business information
Educational Credentials : Official diplomas, degrees, or certificates relevant to your occupation or business experience. In some cases, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) may be required.
Work Experience Documents : Reference letters from previous employers, pay stubs, contracts, or tax records confirming your work history, job titles, duties, and duration of employment.
Personal Net Worth Statement and Financial Documents (Business Stream Only) : Detailed statement of assets and liabilities, verified by an approved third party, Bank statements, investment records, property ownership documents, and proof of funds for business investment and personal settlement.
Business Plan (Business Stream Only) : A comprehensive business plan outlining your proposed business operations, investment, market analysis, job creation, and financial forecasts.
Performance Agreement (Business Stream Only) : Signed agreement between you and the Government of NWT outlining your responsibilities and business operation commitments.
Police Clearance Certificates : Criminal record checks from all countries where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
Medical Examination Reports : Completed medical exams by an approved panel physician, including immunization records where applicable.
Proof of Settlement Funds (if required) : Evidence showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in the Northwest Territories, especially if you don’t have a job offer.
Additional Supporting Documents : Depending on the stream and individual circumstances, you may need to provide, licensing or professional certifications, proof of business ownership or management experience, letters of recommendation ,proof of accommodation in NWT
Why Choose North West Province Immigration?
Unique Quality of Life : The NWT offers a peaceful lifestyle, free from the hustle of big cities. With pristine nature, fresh air, and tight-knit communities, it’s an ideal place for raising a family or starting a new chapter in life.
High Demand for Workers and Entrepreneurs : The local economy is growing, and employers are actively seeking skilled workers, tradespeople, and semi-skilled labour. If you have a job offer or the skills to match local demand, the NTNP offers a direct and practical pathway to permanent residency.
Fast Immigration Processing : Compared to larger provinces, the NTNP has faster processing times, fewer backlogs, and more personalized service. Your application is more likely to receive timely attention.
Business-Friendly Environment : For investors and entrepreneurs, NWT offers fewer competitors and plenty of untapped market potential. The Business Stream encourages foreign investors to start or buy a business and actively contribute to the local economy.
Affordable Living & Community Support : Housing is more accessible, and communities are supportive and multicultural. Newcomers quickly find their place, especially with available settlement support services and language programs.
Direct Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence : All streams under the NTNP lead to Canadian permanent residency, giving you access to healthcare, education, and all the rights and freedoms Canada offers.
Safe, Clean, and Welcoming : The NWT is known for its safety, cleanliness, and hospitality. Whether you’re coming alone, with a spouse, or with children, it’s a place where newcomers are not just accepted, they’re needed and valued.
Frequently Asking Questions
Who can apply to the NTNP?
Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements of one of the program streams including skilled workers with a job offer, semi-skilled workers already employed in the NWT, and business-minded individuals ready to invest can apply.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
Yes, for the Employer-Driven Stream, a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer is mandatory. The Business Stream does not require a job offer but instead requires a business investment.
Can I apply under the NTNP if I’m already in Canada?
Yes. Many applicants are already living and working in the Northwest Territories on a temporary work permit or study permit before applying.
How long does the nomination process take?
Processing times vary, but the NWT Nominee Program typically processes complete applications faster than larger provinces.
Is there an age limit to apply?
There is no formal age limit, but applicants between 18 and 49 tend to score better in federal immigration programs and are more likely to meet settlement and employment expectations
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. If you’re approved through the NTNP and later granted permanent residency, your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included in the application.
Do I need to speak English or French?
Yes. Language proficiency is required in all streams. 1. Business Stream: CLB 4 2. Employer-Driven Stream: CLB 4–6 depending on occupation and stream 3. You must submit results from an approved test like IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
What happens if my application is refused?
You’ll receive a letter explaining the reason for the refusal. While there is no appeal process, you can reapply if your situation improves or missing criteria are fulfilled
Is Express Entry available for NTNP?
Yes. If you’re already in the federal Express Entry pool and meet the Skilled Worker Stream criteria, you can be nominated under the NTNP Express Entry stream for faster PR processing.
Can I start a business under the NTNP?
Yes. through the Business Stream. You must meet net worth and investment thresholds, provide a business plan, and actively manage your business in the NWT.
