Northwest Territories Boosts NTNP Nominations for 2025

Northwest Territories Increases NTNP Nomination Spaces for 2025

Great news if you’ve been eyeing permanent residency through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)! The territory has just received an extra batch of nominations for 2025, making room for even more skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and Francophone applicants to make the Northwest Territories their new home.

Key Highlights

• The NTNP received 47 additional nomination spaces for 2025
• Total nominations for the year now stand at 197 (up from 150)
• Extra spaces will support applicants from earlier 2025 intake periods
• Nominations will be prioritized by work permit expiry date
• Three main program streams: Employer-Driven, Francophone, and Business
• Increased allocations aim to address labour shortages in key industries

Northwest Territories Adds 47 Nomination Slots to Its 2025 Total

On September 2, 2025, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced a welcome boost to its immigration capacity. The federal government has granted the territory 47 additional nominations under the NTNP, raising the total number of permanent residence spots to 197 for the year.

Originally allocated 150 nominations for 2025—down from 300 the year before—this increase is a meaningful step for the territory as it looks to attract and retain essential workers and business investors. According to Caitlin Cleveland, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, these added spaces will help address labour shortages in critical sectors.

What This Means for Applicants

The extra nominations are earmarked specifically for applicants who submitted their documents during the 2025 intake periods but were not initially selected. Rather than reopening the program to new applicants, the territory will be dipping into its waitlist and reviewing files based on work permit expiry dates.

If you applied earlier this year and didn’t make the cut, keep an eye on your inbox—eligible applicants will be notified by email and placed into the NTNP assessment queue for further consideration.

Understanding the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

The NTNP is the Northwest Territories’ immigration pathway for skilled workers, Francophones, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in the region. It’s designed to support the territory’s economic growth while providing foreign nationals with a pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

Main NTNP Streams

The NTNP has three key immigration streams:

• Employer-Driven Stream: For foreign nationals with a job offer in the NWT
• Francophone Stream: For French-speaking applicants with a job offer
• Business Stream: For individuals planning to start, invest in, or buy a business in the NWT

Employer-Driven Stream Categories

The Employer-Driven stream provides three sub-categories, depending on your skill level and job type:

• Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations Category: For workers in occupations that require minimal formal training but are in-demand in the territory
• Skilled Worker Category: For applicants with experience in high-demand, skilled jobs
• NWT Express Entry Category: For those already in the federal Express Entry pool and have a job offer in the NWT

To apply under this stream (or the Francophone stream), it’s important to note that you can’t apply on your own. A Northwest Territories employer must sponsor your application and submit it to the territory on your behalf.

Business Stream Overview

Unlike the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams, the Business Stream doesn’t require a job offer from a local employer. Instead, individuals can apply directly if they plan to open, buy, or invest in a business in the territory. It’s a fantastic route for experienced entrepreneurs looking to contribute to the local economy.

2025 Intake Periods and Federal Allocation Cuts

In 2025, the Northwest Territories held two formal intake windows for applications:

• Intake Period 1: February 27 to March 6
• Intake Period 2: July 2 to July 9

Despite strong demand, the NTNP was forced to reduce its selection numbers dramatically this year. The nomination allocation was cut in half—from 300 in 2024 to just 150 in 2025. Fortunately, this recent bump to 197 nominations gives the territory more flexibility to welcome a broader pool of deserving applicants.

Other Provinces Also Seeing Increases

The Northwest Territories isn’t the only region negotiating for more spots. In 2025, multiple provinces and territories have successfully secured additional nominations from the federal government. These include:

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• New Brunswick
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

It’s a hopeful sign that regional governments are advocating for the immigration resources they need to support their economies and communities.

Looking to Immigrate to Canada Through a PNP?

If you’re exploring your options to immigrate to Canada through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), it’s important to understand the program that best matches your background and goals. Whether you’re considering the NTNP or another program like the Manitoba PNP, each pathway has unique eligibility requirements and application processes.

We recommend assessing your eligibility to ensure you’re taking the right steps toward permanent residency. Many PNPs, including the NTNP, focus on filling local labour market shortages—so aligning your skills with in-demand jobs can give you a leg up.

Final Thoughts

With the Northwest Territories receiving a boost in its nomination capacity, now’s a great time to revisit your NTNP application if you applied earlier this year. For those still exploring options, this update is a strong reminder that Canada’s provinces and territories continue to rely on skilled newcomers to grow their economies and communities.

Want to know if you qualify for a Canadian PNP? Start your assessment today and find out which pathway fits you best!

Need help navigating your next steps? Contact us for personalized guidance on your immigration journey.