The third 2025 intake of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program opens on November 10 at 9 a.m. These additional spots come following extensive advocacy work by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), leading to the Government of Canada’s decision earlier this month to restore the territory’s yearly full allocation of 300 nominations.

To fill the remaining nomination spots in a timely manner, the program guidelines have been updated through to the end of 2025, changing eligibility criteria for applicants and employers. These revised guidelines include three key changes:

1. Removing the limit on employer applications:

Employers will no longer be limited on the number of applications they can submit based on business size.

2. Removing work permit expiry date requirements:

Under the revised guidelines, applicants with a valid work permit who meet all other eligibility criteria may now apply, regardless of their work permit expiry date.

3. Reinstating the previous work experience requirement:

The Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry streams will return to the work experience criteria used in 2024 and earlier. Applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience within the last 10 years in the same or a similar occupation as the one for which they are being nominated. This experience may come from different employers.

These changes will remain in place for the remainder of 2025.

Application intake closes November 24, 2025, 5 p.m. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program will aim to process up to 103 eligible applications in order to meet its revised 300 nominations for 2025. Applications received in excess of 103 or applications that cannot be finalized by December 23, 2025, will be withdrawn. Withdrawn applicants will be invited to reapply in 2026.

If you are applying, please carefully review the newly revised program guidelines and application checklists and ensure you have the required information and documentation submitted with your application. If you have questions, please contact 1-855-440-5450, immigration@gov.nt.ca, or visit www.immigratenwt.ca.

Applications will be assessed on a priority basis. First, by work permits expiring within the next three months, and then by date received. Eligible individuals can apply online through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program website. Applicants will be notified by email if their applications will be assessed or withdrawn.

Quote:

“Immigration is one of the most effective tools we have to strengthen the NWT economy, diversify industries, and advance nation-building in the North. Persistent, constructive advocacy delivers results, and I am thrilled we can reopen applications for a third time this year. With the full 300 nomination spots restored for 2025, newcomers who have chosen to live and work in NWT communities will have a clearer path to staying, contributing, and building their lives here. More spots in the NWT Nominee Program also mean more opportunities for small and remote communities to grow their populations and sustainably strengthen their local economies. A strong, inclusive North depends on people, and this is another important step toward building that future.”

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick Facts

• The Northwest Territories Nominee Program allows the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency who intend to live and work in the NWT and meet territorial labour-market needs.
• This third intake comes after Minister Cleveland announced that the GNWT received confirmation from the Government of Canada on the restoration of the NWT’s full allocation for 2025, giving employers access to the skilled workers they need to keep their businesses running and expanding.
• Work is underway to update the Northwest Territories Nominee Program for 2026 and beyond, informed by current public engagement and feedback from employers, Indigenous governments, and community partners. A What We Heard Report will be released in the coming months.

Related Link:

Northwest Territories Nominee Program

For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca