The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) was created in response to the fluctuating economy of the North West Territories. Even though it’s a big territory, there aren’t many people living there, especially skilled workers and professionals.
The NTNP was made to bring in people from other countries to help with the shortage of labor in the NWT. They wanted to attract people with the right skills and experience to fill the jobs that needed to be done and help the territory grow economically.
The NTNP officially started in 2001, but the concept of a territorial nominee program existed since the late 1990s. At first, it wasn’t on a very big scale, and it mainly focused on finding skilled workers to do important jobs.
Evolution of the NTNP:
The NTNP has changed a lot over time to fit the needs of the North West Territory better:
- Improved Processes:
They’ve made it easier for both employers and people who want to immigrate to apply by simplifying the application steps and requirements.
- New Ways to Apply:
They’ve added new ways for people to apply:
- Employer-Driven Stream: This helps NWT employers hire and keep foreign workers for jobs that are in demand.
- Business Stream: This lets people from other countries invest in businesses or start their own business in NWT, which helps the NWT’s economy to grow.
- Francophone Stream: This is for French-speaking immigrants who want to be part of the NWT’s French-speaking community.
- Aligned with Express Entry:
The NTNP now works together with the federal Express Entry system, which makes it easier for skilled workers to become permanent residents in Canada through the NTNP.Top of Form
Objectives of the NTNP:
The NTNP has become a crucial pillar of the Northwest Territories’ population growth and economic development strategy. With a focus on attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors, the program aims to not only fill critical labor gaps but also stimulate economic growth and foster regional development. It has:
- Addressing Labor Shortages
One of the main aims of the NTNP is to draw in foreign nationals who possess the specific skills and expertise required to fill ongoing job vacancies in the Northwest Territories. This encompasses skilled trades, professions, and sought-after semi-skilled roles.
Through the employer-driven stream, the NTNP concentrates on assisting NWT employers in retaining foreign workers who actively contribute to their businesses and local communities, offering these individuals a pathway to permanent residency.
- Stimulating Economic Growth
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s Business Stream targets entrepreneurs and investors, aiming to encourage the establishment of new businesses, the expansion of existing ones, and the diversification of economic activities within the territory.
A fundamental objective of the NTNP is to generate employment within the region. This includes roles directly filled by immigrant workers and indirect job creation resulting from new businesses and investments facilitated by the program.
- Supporting Regional Development
The NTNP aims to distribute the advantages of immigration evenly across the Northwest Territories. By attracting immigrants to both smaller communities and larger urban centers, the program seeks to boast regional development.
The growth spurred by the NTNP contributes to a broader tax base and an expanded population, which in turn supports the development of essential infrastructure and community services throughout the territory.
- Promoting Diversity in the Northwest Territories
The NTNP actively promotes and celebrates the demographic and cultural diversity of the Northwest Territories. By welcoming skilled workers and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, the program contributes to a more vibrant and multicultural society.
Through a dedicated Francophone stream, the NTNP encourages the immigration of French-speaking individuals, thus aiding in the preservation and enrichment of the NWT’s Francophone communities and heritage.
Regional Overview of The North West Territories:
Geography:
The Northwest Territories (NWT) is a vast territory located in northern Canada, characterized by its diverse geography, extreme climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Spanning more than 1.3 million square kilometres, the Northwest Territories (NWT) ranks as Canada’s third-largest administrative division, showcasing its vast expanse.
The NWT features a diverse array of terrains, including Boreal Forests, Arctic Tundra, Mountainous Regions, Abundant Waterways including Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake, which stand as some of North America’s largest bodies of water.
Climate:
The majority of the NWT experiences a subarctic climate, characterized by lengthy, frigid winters and brief summers. In contrast, the northern islands endure a polar climate, marked by even harsher conditions and colder temperatures. Substantial fluctuations between summer and winter temperatures are common throughout the territory.
Economy:
Mining serves as the cornerstone of the NWT’s economy, with prominent resources such as:
- Diamonds: The NWT ranks among the globe’s leading diamond producers.
- Gold: contributes to the northwest territory’s prosperity.
- Zinc: also, a major economic driver of NWT.
- Oil and Gas: the NWT’s economy is also supported by sectors such as oil and gas. while significant reserves exist, extraction encounters challenges.
Other sectors:
- Government and Public Services: Also, a significant employer in the region.
- Traditional Pursuits: Activities like hunting, fishing, and trapping retain importance, particularly within smaller Indigenous communities.
- Tourism: An emerging sector, with a focus on showcasing natural marvels like the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and offering outdoor adventures.
Cultural Diversity:
Indigenous peoples constitute over half of the NWT’s population, encompassing diverse groups such as the Dene, Inuvialuit, and Métis, contributing traditional knowledge, arts, and cultural practices to the region.
The non-Indigenous population reflects a blend of cultures, drawing settlers from various parts of Canada and beyond. Amidst modern developments, many Indigenous communities maintain strong ties to traditional cultural customs and activities rooted in the land.
Overall, the Northwest Territories offers a unique blend of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and cultural diversity, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring Canada’s northern frontier.
Step-By-Step Guide to The Application Process for Each Stream of the NTNP:
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program helps employers retain nominee applicants who possess the necessary skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy, are interested in residing in the Northwest Territories, and aspire to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
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The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) offers three main pathways, called streams, for applying: Employer Driven, Francophone, and Business.
Each stream has its own set of eligibility criteria, documents needed, how long it takes to process, and fees. Here’s a simple guide for each one:
- Employer Driven Stream:
The Employer-Driven Stream is designed for employers seeking to recruit and nominate foreign nationals when there is a shortage of available Canadians. This stream facilitates the hiring of critically needed and skilled workers by employers and assists workers in obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency through three program categories:
- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations: It assists employers in addressing shortages for entry-level positions when they are unable to find suitable Canadian candidates locally.
To qualify, foreign nationals must have been employed full-time in the same position with the employer for a minimum of six months and must comply with the requirements of their temporary foreign work permit. A minimum language (English/French) requirement must be met.
- Skilled Worker: It assists employers in recruiting qualified individuals when there is a shortage of workers for jobs in the NWT that demand formal education, specialized training, or both.
To qualify, foreign nationals must possess the necessary training, experience, and education to meet the requirements of the job description. Additionally, the skilled worker must have at least one year of full-time experience in the relevant occupation, and meet minimum language proficiency requirements.
- NWT Express Entry: This category is designed for Skilled Workers who are part of the Express Entry System, a federal program offering accelerated application processing times for skilled individuals wishing to work and settle in the NWT.
Express Entry streamlines the process for employers to recruit skilled employees by expediting applications for permanent residency. Upon approval, candidates receive 600 points within the Express Entry pool.
To qualify for the NWT Express Entry category, foreign nationals must meet the following criteria:
- Be accepted into Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry Pool.
- Have a profile registered in the Express Entry system.
- Possess a Job Seeker Validation Code.
- Hold a valid job offer from an NWT Employer.
- Have at least one year of full-time experience in the same or similar occupation they are being nominated for within the last 10 years.
- Possess the required certification for the specific trade, occupation.
- Meet the language proficiency criteria.
- Must not be a refugee claimant.
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Requirements:
- Have a job offer from a Northwest Territories (NWT) employer in a job that’s eligible (you can find the list on the NTNP website).
- Meet the minimum education and work experience needed for the job.
- Meet the language requirements in English or French.
Documents Needed:
- Personal documentations.
- Proof of job offer (signed by your employer)
- Your educational certificates (translated if not in English)
- Proof of your work experience.
- Results of your language test if needed.
- Any other documents required for specific programs (like Express Entry Stream, which needs details from your Express Entry profile).
Processing Time: It usually takes 2-4 months.
Fees:
- Registration is Free of charge.
- Additional fees might be needed depending on the specific category you’re applying for within the Employer Driven Stream (for example, the Express Entry Stream requires separate fees from IRCC).
- Francophone Stream:
The Francophone Stream enables eligible foreign nationals proficient in both French and English, and holding a valid job offer from an NWT employer, to apply to the NTNP. This stream contributes to addressing labor shortages while enhancing diversity and enlarging the labor pool in the NWT by introducing qualified bilingual workers.
Requirements:
- Must be proficient in both English and French.
- Have a valid job offer from an NWT employer in an eligible job.
- Meet the minimum education and work experience needed for the job.
Documents Needed:
- Similar to the Employer Driven Stream, but with extra focus on proving your language skills in both English and French.
Processing Time: Usually takes 2-4 months.
Fees: The registration is free of charge.
- Business Stream:
The Business Stream caters to foreign nationals seeking to establish a business in the NWT, acquire an existing local business, or invest in and manage an already established business in the region.
In the NWT business stream, applicants can anticipate no wait-list for their applications, quicker processing times, and dedicated program staff to guide them through the entire process, providing assistance from beginning to end.
Requirements:
- Plan to start, buy, or actively run an existing business in the NWT.
- Meet the minimum investment requirement ($300,000 CDN equity* into starting/buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT or $150,000 CDN equity* into starting/buying a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT).
- Meet the minimum net worth requirements (at least $500,000 CDN, if starting/buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT or $250,000 CDN if outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT).
- Have relevant business skills and experience.
- Proficiency in English language.
- Appropriate communication skills required to do business.
- Must not be an active applicant of any other provincial program or any other stream of the NTNP.
- Must not be a Refugee claimant.
Documents Needed:
- A detailed business plan.
- Proof that you have enough money.
- Proof of your experience running a business.
- Your personal and financial information.
Processing Time: Generally, takes 4-6 months.
Fees: Application Processing Fee $2,800
What are the Criteria to Select Applicants for Nomination Under the NTNP?
Below is the breakdown of the selection criteria used to assess applicants to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP), emphasizing factors such as education, experience, language, and adaptability:
- Occupational Demand: The NTNP places emphasis on occupations currently experiencing high demand within the territory, as indicated by regularly updated lists.
- Job Confirmation: A verified job offer from an NWT employer is typically a fundamental requirement for most program categories.
- Educational Background: Your level of education is evaluated to gauge its relevance to the job offer and its potential impact on successful economic integration. Higher levels of education, such as degrees or technical certifications, are generally preferred.
- Work History: Relevant work experience that aligns with the offered position is highly valued by the NTNP. Longer periods of experience in the field typically strengthen your application.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrating fluency in either English or French is crucial to showcase effective communication skills in the workplace and community. Language test results, like IELTS or TEF, are commonly requested.
- Adaptability Assessment: Various factors are considered to assess adaptability, including:
- Age: Younger applicants may be perceived as having greater adaptability.
- Ties to the NWT: Prior work or study experience in the territory provides a significant advantage.
- Family Connections: Applicants with spouses, partners, or family members in the NWT may demonstrate a stronger commitment to settling.
- Settlement Funds: While not the primary consideration, sufficient financial resources to support yourself during the initial settlement phase are important.
- Point-Based Evaluation:
The NTNP employs a point-based system to evaluate applications, with points awarded for each criterion. Applicants must meet a minimum threshold of points to be eligible for nomination. Point allocations may vary across different NTNP streams.
- Enhancing Your Application:
- Align Skills: Target occupations closely related to your education and work background.
- Display Language Proficiency: Strive for high scores on language proficiency tests.
- Emphasize Adaptability: Highlight past experiences that illustrate your ability to adapt to new environments, cultures, and challenges.
- Consider Skilled Worker Streams: Explore streams tailored for individuals without prior job offers but possessing in-demand skills.
- Keep in Mind:
Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee nomination. The NTNP prioritizes applicants showing the greatest potential for successful economic establishment and long-term commitment to residing in the Northwest Territories.
Benefits & Privileges Conferred Upon Individuals Nominated Through the NTNP:
Individuals nominated through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) gain a significant advantage in their journey towards Canadian permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Below is an overview of the main benefits and privileges:
- Priority Processing:
Nominees benefit from expedited processing of their permanent residency applications by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), leading to considerably reduced wait times.
- Healthcare Coverage:
Residents of the NWT, including nominees who become permanent residents, have access to publicly-funded healthcare services through the NWT Health and Social Services system. This includes doctor visits, hospital services, prescription drug coverage, and dental and vision care (coverage may vary by age group).
- Education:
Nominees’ children are eligible to attend publicly funded schools across the NWT, from kindergarten to high school. Post-secondary education opportunities are also available within the territory.
- Social Services:
Nominees and their families can access various social assistance programs, including income support, housing assistance, employment supports, and assistance for individuals with disabilities, as needed.
- Path to Canadian Citizenship:
Provincial nominees typically have slightly lower residency requirements for Canadian citizenship compared to other immigration pathways. Upon obtaining permanent residency, nominees are already residing in and contributing to the Northwest Territories. This demonstrates a commitment to building a future in Canada, thereby strengthening their citizenship application.
Future of the NTNP and Its Role in Shaping the Socio-Economic Landscape of the Northwest Territories:
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of the NWT in the years ahead, driven by several key factors:
- Addressing Labor Shortages: Persistent shortages in skilled trades and healthcare necessitate the NTNP’s role in attracting and retaining skilled individuals to maintain essential services and foster economic growth.
- Population Growth: With a small and aging population, the NTNP serves as a means to attract younger working-age individuals and families, contributing to population growth and sustainability.
- Economic Diversification: By encouraging nominees with diverse skills and entrepreneurial aspirations, the NTNP has the potential to promote economic diversification beyond reliance on resource extraction.
- Community Development: Nominees settling in smaller communities across the territory can revitalize these areas by strengthening the workforce, supporting local businesses, and enriching social and cultural life.
What are the Future Trends of NTNP?
- Evolving Stream Design: The NTNP may adjust its streams to meet emerging labor market needs and attract applicants with specific skillsets crucial for the territory’s future.
- Focus on Integration: There may be a greater focus on supporting the successful integration of nominees into NWT communities, developing a sense of belonging and long-term retention.
- Collaboration with Employers: Strengthened partnerships between the NTNP and NWT employers could streamline the recruitment and selection process for nominees.
What are the Potential Challenges for NTNP:
- Competition: Other provinces and territories in Canada also offer nominee programs, creating competition for skilled immigrants.
- Integration Support: Providing adequate support services for nominees to smoothly integrate into NWT communities is essential for long-term success.
Despite challenges, the NTNP is anticipated to remain a significant driver of population growth, economic development, and community revitalization in the Northwest Territories for the foreseeable future.