The Northwest Territories is not technically a Canadian province, it is a territory that has one of the largest surface areas and a slightly warmer climate than Canada’s other territories. The Northwest Territories are not very densely populated, which means there are opportunities for foreign workers seeking employment. Here are some of the ways to qualify for Canada permanent residency under the Northwest Territories PNP.
Northwest Territories PNP Skilled Worker Stream
NOTE: The Self Employed Stream of the NTNP’s Business Driven Program is permanently closed.
Foreign nationals with a job offer in a skilled occupation from an employer in the Northwest Territories and who meet the requirements for the position, in terms of licensing and certification as well as have the appropriate language skills, may qualify for this stream. In order to make a valid offer of employment that can be used by the applicant to qualify under this Northwest Territories PNP stream, the employer must be able to demonstrate that:
• They have an available position and a candidate they want to nominate
• They must be in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories and the Employment Standards Office
• They have been in operation for at least one year in a registered business
• They tried to recruit among Canadians and permanent residents for the position and they must submit a summary of their results
• They must submit a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) or complete Section 1.C of the Skilled Worker Application Form if they do not have a copy of their LMO.
After the employer has applied, the potential nominee/employee must demonstrate the following:
• Be accredited or have the certification required for the position or trade and meet any territorial certification or liscensing requirements
• Have work experience related to the position
• Have sufficient finances to support themself in the Northwest Territories
• They can communicate in English or French
Note: Refugee claimants are ineligible for a nomination under this program.
Employer Driven Program-
Northwest Territories: Express Entry Stream
Candidates who are eligible to enter the federal Express Entry pool by qualifying for one of the three federal immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class) may also be eligible for the Northwest Territories’ Express Entry Stream, which nominates certain potential immigrants who meet the criteria of the Skilled Worker Stream.
Northwest Territories PNP Critical Impact Worker Stream
Foreign nationals who work in low-skilled or unskilled occupations and have already been working in the Northwest Territories for at least six months, may qualify under this program. If the individual has been offered their position on a full-time permanent basis and they have the skills and experience as well as the language proficiency required for the job, they may be eligible. The worker must also be able to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves. The employer must be able to demonstrate that:
• They have a potential candidate in mind for the vacant position
• They are in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories and the Employment Standards Office
• They have been registered as a business and in operation for at least six months
• They tried to recruit among Canadians and permanent residents for the position and they must submit a summary of their results
• They must submit a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO)
After the employer has applied, the potential nominee/employee must also apply and demonstrate the following:
• Have a temporary work permit that allows them to work in Canada
• Have worked in the same position for at least the past six months
• Have any work experience that may be required for the position
• They can communicate in English or French. The nominee must undergo language testing from an agency that is approved by the CIC.
Note: Refugee claimants are ineligible for a nomination under this program.
Business Driven Program-
Northwest Territories PNP Entrepreneur Business Stream
Individuals seeking to invest in or set up a business venture in the Northwest Territories, may qualify under this category if they meet the following criteria:
• Plan to invest at least $300,000 CAD in a business in Yellowknife or $150,000 CAD in a business outside of Yellowknife
• Demonstrate their net worth is at least $500,000 CAD if the business is located in Yellowknife, or a minimum of $250,000 CAD if the business is located outside Yellowknife
• Make a $75,000 CAD refundable deposit guaranteeing the execution of the Performance Agreement, signed between the province and the applicant
• Demonstrate knowledge of the markets and the Northwest Territories as well as their economy
• Have basic language proficiency in English or French
• Meet the minimum skills and education requirements to execute the business plan
Northwest Territories PNP Self-Employed Business Stream
This Northwest Territories PNP stream is designed for individuals whose skills or professions are in demand in the territory and who have the appropriate license and or accreditation to practice their profession. In order to qualify the applicant must also be able to demonstrate that they have:
• Basic language proficiency in English or French
• Knowledge of the social, economic and geographic conditions in the Northwest Territories
• Sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and exercise their profession for at least six months
• Prepare a detailed business plan outlining their proposals for practicing their profession in the Northwest Territories
• Be employed in an occupation that is deemed a professional skill shortage
• Meet any requirements for the particular profession in Canada (such as particular accreditations or certifications that may be required)
For more information on the Northwest Territories PNP options or to learn how FWCanada can help you with your application, fill out our assessment form.
