Overview
The Employer Driven Stream is designed to help NWT employers recruit foreign nationals when no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available. The program uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank candidates based on their skills, experience, and connection to the territory. Selected candidates are invited to submit a full application for nomination, which supports their subsequent application for permanent residency with the federal government.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer. The employer must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to recruit locally before hiring a foreign national. You must meet the specific requirements for one of the three categories: Skilled Worker, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled, or NWT Express Entry. You must also demonstrate a genuine intention to settle permanently in the Northwest Territories.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Find a job with an NWT employer who is willing to support your nomination and has attempted to recruit locally.
- 2
Step 2: Employer Registration
The employer must register in the NWT Nominee Program online portal.
- 3
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Complete the online EOI profile. Your profile will be scored based on human capital and labour market factors.
- 4
Step 4: Receive Invitation
If your score is high enough, you will be invited to submit a full application during a scheduled draw.
- 5
Step 5: Submit Full Application
Submit your complete application package through the online portal for territorial assessment.
- 6
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency
If nominated, use your nomination certificate to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of education and credentials
- Proof of work experience
- Language test results (if applicable)
- Valid NWT job offer
- Proof of recruitment efforts by employer
- Settlement funds documentation
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
Successful nomination provides a direct pathway to apply for permanent residency with the federal government, which leads to long-term settlement in the NWT.
Family options
Spouses and dependent children may accompany the principal applicant. Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit.
Language notes
Language requirements vary by category; for example, the Skilled Worker/NWT Express Entry category requires proficiency levels that mirror federal standards.
After arrival
Upon arrival, you must fulfill the terms of your job offer and the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the NWT government, and actively work toward settling in the territory.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to prove the employer made sufficient local recruitment efforts
- Submitting an incomplete EOI profile
- Not meeting the specific NOC requirements for the chosen category
- Inaccurate documentation of work experience
FAQs about Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream
Who is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream for?+
Skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and Express Entry candidates who have secured a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible employer in the Northwest Territories.
What are the eligibility requirements for Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream?+
To qualify, you must have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer. The employer must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to recruit locally before hiring a foreign national. You must meet the specific requirements for one of the three categories: Skilled Worker, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled, or NWT Express Entry. You must also demonstrate a genuine intention to settle permanently in the Northwest Territories.
How much does the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream cost?+
Typical fees listed for Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream: Provincial nomination fee is $2,000 CAD; federal permanent residency fees apply separately.. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Territorial nomination typically takes 1–4 months; federal permanent residency processing follows, typically 7–13 months..
How long can I stay on the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream?+
Leads to permanent residency; temporary work permit support available during processing.
Can I work on the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream?+
Applicants may be eligible for an employer-specific work permit support letter to work for their nominating employer while their PR application is processed.
Does Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream lead to permanent residence in Canada?+
Successful nomination provides a direct pathway to apply for permanent residency with the federal government, which leads to long-term settlement in the NWT.
What are common mistakes with Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) - Employer Driven Stream?+
Failing to prove the employer made sufficient local recruitment efforts Submitting an incomplete EOI profile Not meeting the specific NOC requirements for the chosen category