FAQs for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

FAQ – Northwest Territories Nominee Program

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) in Canada and some important information to consider if you are applying under this program for permanent residency in Canada. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program is an economic immigration program that helps the territory of the Northwest Territories (NWT) to meet its labour market needs. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply under this program, I suggest you read our article on “Basics of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program in Canada.

Q: What is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)?

A: The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is a program that allows skilled foreign nationals to be nominated by the Northwest Territories in order to fill any territorial economic and labour market needs. This program also facilitates the Northwest Territories to nominate skilled foreign nationals who qualify under the provincially and territorially established criteria to work in the Northwest Territories and obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Q: How does the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) work?

A: The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has three different pathways that you may pursue, which are:

• Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream
• Employer Driven Program
• Business Driven Program

For more information pertaining to these pathways please kindly read our article “Basics of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program.”

Q: What does the Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream entail?

A: This is a very good question to ask if you are particularly interested in living in the Northwest Territories but also are registered through the Express Entry immigration selection system. First and foremost, in order to qualify under this stream, you must be eligible under at least one of the federal economic immigration programs, i.e. Federal Skilled Worker Program; Federal Skilled Trades Program; or the Canadian Experience Class. There are specific eligibility criteria that must be met for each immigration program. For more information on the eligibility criteria, please refer to our article “Basics of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program.”

Q: What does the Employer Driven Program Stream entail?

A: This specific stream is intended to assist Northwest Territories employers to adequately hire skilled foreign nationals that acquire the necessary skills and work experience to fill jobs within the territory. Additionally, this also assists the territory when there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada that are available to fill the job. It is important to note that this specific stream is subdivided into two categories which are the Critical Impact Worker Stream and the Skilled Worker Stream. For more information on these two subcategories, please refer to our article “Basics of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program.”

Q: What does the Business Driven Program Stream entail?

A: This specific stream is intended to target foreign nationals who acquire business expertise and/or investment capital. These foreign nationals must also be seeking to reside in the Northwest Territories to enhance their economics. In order to be eligible and to be selected as a candidate under this specific stream, the foreign national must show the ability to establish, invest and purchase an existing business in the Northwest Territories. Immigration will consider whether these business individuals are able to create more jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada as a result of them establishing their business in the NWT. It is important to note that this specific stream is subdivided into two categories which are the Entrepreneur Stream and the Self-Employed Stream. For more information on these two subcategories, please refer to our article “Basics of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program.”

Q: What is the main difference between the eligibility requirements for the Express Entry Stream and the Skilled Worker Stream under the Employer Driven Program?

A: This is a very interesting question. As mentioned in the article “Basics of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program,” the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Stream are exactly the same as the Express Entry Stream, with the exceptions of these following eligibility requirements:

• Have work experience in a NOC skill level 0, A or B occupation
• Have the specified education or specialized training for the intended job
• Have the specified work experience for the job that relate to the job description and duties
• Have language abilities in either English or French

Q: Am I required to reside in the Northwest Territories once I receive permanent residency in Canada?

A: This is a very common question a lot of candidates ask once they receive their permanent residency in Canada. As per the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP), you must submit a settlement plan. The settlement plan is intended to show the reasoning why and how you will reside in the Northwest Territories. In addition to the settlement plan, you must also sign an “Intention to Reside” document when you submit your NTNP application. However, please note that as per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, any permanent resident of Canada is permitted to live and work anywhere in Canada. Conclusively, once you receive permanent residency in Canada, you are authorized to reside anywhere in Canada, whether in the Northwest Territories or another province or territory. The choice is yours.

Contact Akrami & Associates

Should you have any further questions or feel confused or unclear about how to apply for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, it is important to ask any questions you may have and discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will assist with the application process. Many immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own and it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients obtain permanent residency through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!