Canada's Province Northwest Territories PNP Hits Record High | Canada Immigration News

For the first time ever, the Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has reached its maximum allocation of 300 nominees for the year, halting new applications.

The growing interest in the territory is positive news, strengthening the workforce and building vibrant, diverse communities.

The total number of nominations under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s (NTNP) employer-driven and francophone streams has increased significantly in recent years, from 62 in 2021 to 139 last year and now 300 for 2024.

As of July 22, 2024, 144 nominations had been processed out of more than 300 applications received, with the remainder being processed as quickly as possible.

Applications that exceed the federally-regulated nomination allocation of 300 will be deferred to next year and will be counted as part of the 2025 allocation when the program reopens for applications in January.

The territorial government plans to advocate for higher allocations and expand settlement services in the Northwest Territories, while working alongside employers to build and sustain a resilient workforce by investing in both local and foreign workers.

Decisions on existing applications are expected this autumn, and those submitted before July 22 will not be affected by the temporary pause in intake.

Applications will be processed with the following priorities:

1. Applicants with soon-to-expire work permits
2. Applicants with work permits expiring in 2024
3. Applicants in the Northwest Territories with work permits expiring in 2025 or later
4. Applicants outside the Northwest Territories, including international applications

The francophone stream of the NTNP, launched in 2022, allows francophones employed in the Northwest Territories or those with valid job offers from territorial employers to apply directly.

To apply through the NTNP, foreign nationals must:

• Have a valid, full-time permanent job offer in the Northwest Territories
• Have at least one year of full-time experience in the occupation, or six months of full-time experience in the territory
• Have required territorial certification, licensing, or accreditation for the occupation
• Meet language requirements in both English and French
• Not be a refugee claimant

The francophone community is seen as an important contributor to the territory’s social, economic, and cultural development.

Under the business stream, applicants must commit to investing:

• A minimum of $200,000 equity into starting or buying a business within Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries
• A minimum of $100,000 equity into starting or buying a business outside Yellowknife’s corporate boundaries

Applicants must also demonstrate ownership of at least a third of the business unless their personal equity investment is at least $1 million, in which case they may own less. Additionally, they must have a personal net worth of at least $500,000 if the business is within Yellowknife or $250,000 if outside. Language proficiency of at least CLB 4 in English or the equivalent in French is also required, with test results no older than two years at the time of application.