Northwest Territories PNP
Updated: March 30th, 2022
The Northwest Territories is a territory, much like any province of Canada. Situated in northern Canada lying to the east of the Yukon, southwest of Nunavut (Canada's two other territories) and north of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Its capital has been the intriguing city of Yellowknife since 1967. The territory has an area of 1,140,835 square kilometers and an estimated population of 19,569 in 2016. This number increased by 5.0% from 2011, thanks in part to the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (Northwest Territories).
There are many reasons to consider immigrating here. To begin with, there are excellent employment prospects. The Northwest Territories boasts the highest median household income in Canada and its capital, Yellowknife, has the highest rate of employment in the country. The Northwest Territories welcomed 227 permanent new residents in 2019. It is a place where newcomers can expect to receive a friendly welcome while continuing to practice their own traditions and practices. As a result, there are many thriving cultural communities here.
The Northwest Territories (NWT) in northern Canada is a great place to establish a steady, quiet peaceful life for yourself and safely raise your family. The vast natural resources and relatively low population give the Northwest Territories the highest per capita GDP of all provinces or territories in Canada. The territory enjoys vast geological resources including diamonds, gold, and natural gas, for this reason, it is particularly attractive for Canadian Immigration.
Make sure you choose the right immigration stream to enjoy becoming a permanent resident in the vast and majestic Northwest Territories.
What Is the Northwest Territories Provincial Nomination Program?
The Northwest Territory PNP Operates Through 5 Streams:
Express Entry for Skilled Workers |
Skilled Workers |
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations |
Business Stream |
Self-Employed Business (Permanently Closed) |
NWT Express Entry
The Northwest Territories’ Express Entry stream is for foreign nationals who have been accepted into Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Express Entry Pool. Only candidates who have been accepted into the Express Entry Pool and have been issued an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code are eligible for this stream.
Candidates for the Northwest Territories’ Express Entry Stream Must:
Meet all the requirements for the Skilled Worker Stream under the Northwest Territories’ Nominee Program |
Be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class |
Meet the criteria for Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Express Entry Pool |
Have expressed interest in immigrating to the Northwest Territories |
Provide the Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCCIRCC The governing body that oversees all admissions to Canada. Read more about this× ) Express Entry Pool |
Once the above eligibility criteria have been met, an employer can submit an application to the Northwest Territories’ Express Entry System.
Skilled Workers Program
The Skilled Workers category was created to help employers fill positions that require a formalized education, specialized training, or both. To qualify under this program, the following criteria must be met:
The Job Must:
Be for a permanent full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week) |
Be in an occupation that falls into a high skill level category |
Not be in conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements |
Comply with the NWT Employment Standards Act |
Provide a comparable industry rate of pay |
The Employee Must:
Have the required certification or accreditation for the specific trade or occupation |
If applicable, meet the territorial certification, licensing, or registration requirements of the job |
Have the required work experience for the specific occupation |
Provide proof of sufficient financial or settlement support for living in the NWT |
Be able to communicate in either English or French |
Not be a refugee claimant |
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
When an employer in the NWT cannot fill an entry-level or semi-skilled position with a Canadian, they may hire a foreign national, who will be eligible for permanent residency after they have accumulated six months of experience in the position, and if they meet the following criteria:
The Job Must:
Be for a permanent full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week) |
Be in an occupation that falls into NOC skill levels C or D |
Be in good standing with the Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) and the NWT Employment Standards Office. |
Provide a comparable industry rate of pay |
The Employee Must:
Have a temporary work permit and have worked in the same position for six months |
Provide proof of sufficient financial or settlement supports in the NWT |
Have the required work experience for the specific occupation |
Be able to conduct basic communications in either English or French |
Not be a refugee claimant |
Business Stream
The Business Stream targets individuals who would like to start their own business or operate and invest in an already established business in the Northwest Territories. The program is specifically designed in order to improve the territory’s economy by attracting and retaining international business experts. If that describes you, then you can apply to this program for immigration.
To apply for this stream applicants must:
Invest a minimum of CAN$300,000 to start or invest in an existing business within Yellowknife, or $150,000 outside; |
Provide proof you have a net worth of at least $500,000 if you are planning to open a business inside Yellowknife, or $250,000 outside; |
If you are accepted, provide a good faith deposit of $75,000 to the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment; |
Attain a minimum score of 4 for the Canadian Language Benchmark; |
Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the NWT and its economy; |
Make at least one exploratory visit to the NWT to learn about the regions’ business environment; |
Submit and business plan validated by a third party professional; and |
Plan to settle, live, and work full time in the NWT. |
So, what now?
If you like what you have read about the fantastic province and the Northwest Territories PNP and want to start your application for a Canadian visa, sign up right here and we will call you about the application process. Get great Canadian immigration advice from our professionals.
FAQs
What are the Advantages of Applying for the PNP in the Northwest Territories?
There are various advantages to immigrating to the grand Northwest Territories with its beautiful frozen lakes and its up-close views of the Aurelia Borealis.
- High quality of living for your family
- Foreign nationals are welcomed into the community
- Low territorial Taxes
- A strong regional economy
- Outdoor activities
- Rent for accommodation is low
- Natural landscapes to enjoy and explore
- Beautiful gateway to a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- A melting pot of cultures
- A stepping stone to Canadian citizenship
- Meets the region's limited supply of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labour.
What are the best places to live in the Northwest Territories?
While you may think that the Northwest Territories are all barren lands and frozen villages, the province is home to some of the most beautiful places in the country.
1. Yellowknife
The capital of Northwest Territories holds almost half of the province’s population. Enjoy the splendour of the province’s second-largest lake located just south of the city. Discover a place with multiple ethnicities and various languages are spoken. Tourists flock here every year to watch the Aurora Borealis. Have the lovely dancing lights in your backyard.
2. Fort Smith
Have the biggest national park in the country at the tip of your fingers. With only 2,500 inhabitants this remote, quiet and safe town is perfect for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts.
3. Hay River
Flock to this transit town on the banks of its namesake, The Hay River. Step into the past as this town retains its old-world charm and rich history. However, Hay River’s ‘new town’ isn't left in the past. Find shops, restaurants and an airport because the town has moved with the times.
4. Inuvik
Meaning “place of man”, this region still celebrates ingenious roots. Two major tribes inhabit the area. Enjoy the view of grand mountains in an arctic setting while remaining in a modern and comfortable town. Its economic growth surrounds transport, construction and petroleum exploration industries.
What jobs can I get in the Northwest Territories?
Although the population is lower in this region than in many parts of Canada, there are various jobs available for those who love the outdoors and thrive on living a quiet lifestyle. A big portion of the economy of this region is in Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Find occupations in these industries as a diamond cleaner, administrator or general labourer. These industries also require maintenance as well as equipment operators and technicians. While these skills are specific, the average annual salary is high, at $77 000, as an incentive to attract people to join the community.
