Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories is a territory, much like any province of Canada. Situated in northern Canada lying to the east of the Yukon, southwest of Nunavut (Canada’s two other territories) and north of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Its capital has been the intriguing city of Yellowknife since 1967. The territory has an area of 1,140,835 square kilometers and an estimated population of 19,569 in 2016. This number increased by 5.0% from 2011, thanks in part to the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (Northwest Territories PNP).

There are many reasons to consider immigrating here. To begin with, there are excellent employment prospects. The Northwest Territories boasts the highest median household income in Canada and its capital, Yellowknife, has the highest rate of employment in the country. The Northwest Territories welcomed 227 permanent new residents in 2019. It is a place where newcomers can expect to receive a friendly welcome while continuing to practice their own traditions and practices. As a result, there are many thriving cultural communities here.

The Northwest Territories (NWT) in northern Canada is a great place to establish a steady, quiet peaceful life for yourself and safely raise your family. The vast natural resources and relatively low population give the Northwest Territories the highest per capita GDP of all provinces or territories in Canada. The territory enjoys vast geological resources including diamonds, gold, and natural gas, for this reason, it is particularly attractive for Canadian Immigration.

Make sure you choose the right immigration stream to enjoy becoming a permanent resident in the vast and majestic Northwest Territories.

What Is the Northwest Territories Provincial Nomination Program

The Northwest Territory PNP Operates Through 5 Streams:
Express Entry for Skilled Workers
Skilled Workers
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
Business Stream
Self-Employed Business (Permanently Closed)

Aurora village-Yellowknife-NWT-Provincial Nomination Program

NWT Express Entry

The Northwest Territories’ Express Entry stream is for foreign nationals who have been accepted into Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Express Entry Pool. Only candidates who have been accepted into the Express Entry Pool and have been issued an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code are eligible for this stream.

Candidates for the Northwest Territories’ Express Entry Stream Must:
Meet all the requirements for the Skilled Worker Stream under the Northwest Territories’ Nominee Program
Be eligible for one of the three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class
Meet the criteria for Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Express Entry Pool
Have expressed interest in immigrating to the Northwest Territories
Provide the Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry Pool

Once the above eligibility criteria have been met, an employer can submit an application to the Northwest Territories’ Express Entry System.

Skilled Workers Program

The Skilled Workers category was created to help employers fill positions that require a formalized education, specialized training, or both. To qualify under this program, the following criteria must be met:

The Job Must:
Be for a permanent full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week)
Be in an occupation that falls into a high skill level category
Not be in conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements
Comply with the NWT Employment Standards Act
Provide a comparable industry rate of pay
The Employee Must:
Have the required certification or accreditation for the specific trade or occupation
If applicable, meet the territorial certification, licensing, or registration requirements of the job
Have the required work experience for the specific occupation
Provide proof of sufficient financial or settlement support for living in the NWT
Be able to communicate in either English or French
Not be a refugee claimant

Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations

When an employer in the NWT cannot fill an entry-level or semi-skilled position with a Canadian, they may hire a foreign national, who will be eligible for permanent residency after they have accumulated six months of experience in the position, and if they meet the following criteria:

The Job Must:
Be for a permanent full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week)
Be in an occupation that falls into NOC skill levels C or D
Be in good standing with the Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) and the NWT Employment Standards Office.
Provide a comparable industry rate of pay
The Employee Must:
Have a temporary work permit and have worked in the same position for six months
Provide proof of sufficient financial or settlement supports in the NWT
Have the required work experience for the specific occupation
Be able to conduct basic communications in either English or French
Not be a refugee claimant

Business Stream

The Business Stream targets individuals who would like to start their own business or operate and invest in an already established business in the Northwest Territories. The program is specifically designed in order to improve the territory’s economy by attracting and retaining international business experts. If that describes you, then you can apply to this program for immigration.

To apply for this stream applicants must:
Invest a minimum of CAN$300,000 to start or invest in an existing business within Yellowknife, or $150,000 outside;
Provide proof you have a net worth of at least $500,000 if you are planning to open a business inside Yellowknife, or $250,000 outside;
If you are accepted, provide a good faith deposit of $75,000 to the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment;
Attain a minimum score of 4 for the Canadian Language Benchmark;
Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the NWT and its economy;
Make at least one exploratory visit to the NWT to learn about the regions’ business environment;
Submit and business plan validated by a third party professional; and
Plan to settle, live, and work full time in the NWT.

So, what now?

If you like what you have read about the fantastic province and the Northwest Territories PNP and want to start your application for a MW Agents, sign up right here and we will call you about the application process. Get great Canadian immigration advice from our professionals.

FAQs

What are the Advantages of Applying for the PNP in the Northwest Territories?

There are various advantages to immigrating to the grand Northwest Territories with its beautiful frozen lakes and its up-close views of the Aurelia Borealis.

  • High quality of living for your family
  • Foreign nationals are welcomed into the community
  • Low territorial Taxes
  • A strong regional economy
  • Outdoor activities
  • Rent for accommodation is low
  • Natural landscapes to enjoy and explore
  • Beautiful gateway to a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
  • A melting pot of cultures
  • A stepping stone to Canadian citizenship
  • Meets the region’s limited supply of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labour.

What are the best places to live in the Northwest Territories?

While you may think that the Northwest Territories are all barren lands and frozen villages, the province is home to some of the most beautiful places in the country. 1. Yellowknife The capital of Northwest Territories holds almost half of the province’s population. Enjoy the splendour of the province’s second-largest lake located just south of the city. Discover a place with multiple ethnicities and various languages are spoken. Tourists flock here every year to watch the Aurora Borealis. Have the lovely dancing lights in your backyard. 2. Fort Smith Have the biggest national park in the country at the tip of your fingers. With only 2,500 inhabitants this remote, quiet and safe town is perfect for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. 3. Hay River Flock to this transit town on the banks of its namesake, The Hay River. Step into the past as this town retains its old-world charm and rich history. However, Hay River’s ‘new town’ isn’t left in the past. Find shops, restaurants and an airport because the town has moved with the times. 4. Inuvik Meaning “place of man”, this region still celebrates ingenious roots. Two major tribes inhabit the area. Enjoy the view of grand mountains in an arctic setting while remaining in a modern and comfortable town. Its economic growth surrounds transport, construction and petroleum exploration industries.

What jobs can I get in the Northwest Territories?

Although the population is lower in this region than in many parts of Canada, there are various jobs available for those who love the outdoors and thrive on living a quiet lifestyle. A big portion of the economy of this region is in Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Find occupations in these industries as a diamond cleaner, administrator or general labourer. These industries also require maintenance as well as equipment operators and technicians. While these skills are specific, the average annual salary is high, at $77 000, as an incentive to attract people to join the community.

Immigration FAQ’s

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:

  • Provincial Nomination;
  • Offer of employment;
  • Core capital factors;
  • Your common-law partner or spouse;
  • Skill transferability;
  • Previous Canadian study experience;
  • Siblings in Canada; and
  • French and English Ability

Provincial Nomination (600 Points)

600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Job Offers (50-600 Points)

A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.

Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)

These take into account your level of education, for example:

  • Certificate;
  • Diploma; or
  • Degree

If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.

Language (150 Points)

Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.

Work Experience

The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.

You must:

  • Meet all the requirements of the:
    • Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
    • Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
    • Canadian Experience Class

You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:

  • You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
  • You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program

You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:

  • Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
  • Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
  • Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205

If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.

There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:

  • Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
  • Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The following factors affect your eligibility:

Work Experience

You must:

  • Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
  • Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
  • Have received payment for your work;
  • Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
  • Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
  • Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC

Language Ability

You must:

  • Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
  • Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
  • You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
  • Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply

Education

You must:

  • Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
  • Have completed foreign credentials; or
  • Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC

Proof of Funds

You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:

  • You are working in Canada; or
  • You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Additional Factors to Be Considered

  • Age;
  • Valid job offers; and
  • Adaptability

This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.

Minimum Requirements

You must:

  • Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
  • Meet the language requirements for English and French;
  • Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
  • Have work experience within the past 5 years;
  • Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
  • Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
  • A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority

Skilled Work Experience

These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.

Group NumberJob Description
72Industrial, construction or electrical trades
73Equipment operation and maintenance
82

Technical and supervisors in:

  • Agriculture
  • Natural resources
  • Production
92Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor
Central control operators
632Cooks and chefs
633Bakers and butchers

Education

You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:

  • Foreign qualifications;
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
  • A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree

Language Ability

  • Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
  • The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
  • Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.

Be assessed by the province or territory

Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements

You must:

  • Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
  • Have the required language skills needed for your job;
  • Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
  • Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
  • Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.

Job DescriptionSkill Type
Technical jobsB
Skilled tradesB
Professional jobsA
Managerial jobs0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:

  • Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
  • Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
  • Have completed foreign credentials

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.

Canadian Language Benchmark Score NeededJob Level (NOC)
70
7A
5B

The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.

  • Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
  • Have the required language skills needed for your job;
  • Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
  • Have language levels need for your job; and
  • Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.

Job descriptionSkill Type
Technical jobsB
Skilled tradesB
Professional jobsA
Managerial jobs0
Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:

  • have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
  • have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
  • completed foreign credentials

Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in:

  • the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
  • the language tests
Canadian Language Benchmark score neededJob level (NOC)
70
7A
5B

The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:

  • Read;
  • Speak;
  • Listen; and
  • Write

Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.

Principal Applicant

When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.

Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.

Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.

Inadmissibility

You may be inadmissible if you are:

  1. Considered a security risk;
  2. Lied about information in your application or interview;
  3. Have ties to organised crime;
  4. Can’t support yourself financially;
  5. Have terrible financial health;
  6. Committed a crime outside of Canada;
  7. Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
  8. Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live

Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.

These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points

  • Age (max 110 points);
  • Education (max 150 points);
  • Language proficiency (max 160 points);
  • Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
  • Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
  • Additional Factors (max 600 points)

A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:

  • A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
  • A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
  • A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec

Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.

There are currently 3 Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants working with Canadianvisa.org:

David Allon #R513335

Mario Antolinez #R515931

Jimmy Park #R510391

If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.

Explore more

Come to Canada

Get a free e-book to get you started on your journey!
All personal information submitted to ths website is kept highly secure. We operate secure servers and data is never divulged to a third party.
Play Video

EXPRESS ENTRY CHECKLIST

  • Passport Copy (all pages including stamps and visa);
  • Job Letter on company letterhead;
  • IELTS
  • Education documents 10th onwards;
  • Education Evaluation i.e., WES
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  •  Employment Documents i.e., Recent Job Letter, Pay Slips and Bank Statement
  • Offer of Employment: If you have LMIA, provide copy of your LMIA approval and offer of
    employment
  • Upfront Medical
  • Digital Photo with dimensions 50 mm wide X 70 mm high

If you are married provide following documents for your spouse and dependent child whether they are
accompanying or not:

  • Passport Copy (all pages including stamps and visas)
  • Immigration Documents (i.e., work permit, study permit and visitor record) If Applicable
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Employment Documents
  • IELTS or CELPIP
  • General Exam Certificate
  • Education Evaluation from WES or CES or ICAS or IQAS or ICES.
  • Education Documents
  • Medical
  • Digital Picture
  • Marriage Certificate

Please note that CIC provide us 60 days to submit 2nd stage documentation from the date of Invitation
and we may take up to 7 business day to submit from the date of receipt of all documents from you.
So kindly start collecting all documents beforehand.

Visitor Visa & Super Visa

  1. Scanned copy of passport with front, back and all stamped pages
  2. Notarized Invitation Letter (we will write it for you, then you have to
    notarized)
  3. Bank statements
  4. Proof of status (PR CARD/work permit/study permit)
  5. Job letter/enrollment letter
  6.  Notice of assessment
  7.  Birth Certificate
  8.  If applying for convocation: Offer letter + fees receipt + student id+
    Transcripts + Enrollment letter + Convocation Letter from college
  • Scanned copy of passport with front, back and all stamped pages
  • Digital photos with 35 mm X 45 mm dimensions
  • Marriage certificate (if not available, then affidavit)
  • No Objection Certificate (if Government employee)
  •  Funds (Bank Statement + Balance Certificate) (Minimum 6-7 lakh
  1. Property Papers – Map, Registry, Jamabandi
  2. Motor Vehicle – RC copy
  3. Gold Receipt
  4. Insurance Policy
  1. J forms (Last 2-3 years) or Tehsildar Income Certificate or Lease
    Agreement
  2. Business Registration, ITR’s on company name, Company’s Pan Card
  3. ITR’s, NOC, Salary Statement/Salary Slips, Experience Letter
  1. Health Insurance from Canadian Company
    • valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
    • at least $100,000 coverage
  2. Upfront Medical from India
    **All documents should be in English**
    EMBASSY FEES: $100 + $85 (Biometrics Fees) = $185

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Checklist

Copy of pages of your passport or travel documents for you, your spouse and your dependent children,
  • Front page
  • Back page
  • All stamped pages
Submit the endorsement letter from Atlantic province that has endorsed you
Submit the original results of your language proficiency test that shows you meet a minimum of level 4 of CLB. Your test result must not be more than two years old on the date of application.

Your all education documents after 12th class. If your diploma, certificate or degree
was not issued in Canada, you must also provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

You must show that you have at least 12 months of full-time work experience within the 36
months before your application.

  • Letter of employment
  • Paystubs
  • Bank statements
  • ITR’s

You must provide the following documents of you and your spouse:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • If married more than once, include certificates from each marriage and divorce.
  • Children Birth certificate
You must get a police certificate from each country where you live for six or more months in a row since the age of 18.
Include 1 photo of each family member, whether accompanying or not, and yourself. Dimensions are 50 mm wide X 70 mm High. Family member means you, your spouse and your children’s.

Submit bank statement or balance certificate to prove you have enough funds to settle in
Canada.

**All documents in a language other than English or French must be translated. Provide both a
photocopy of the document and the translation in English or French. **