Minister Caitlin Cleveland is pleased to announce that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the Northwest Territories’ 2025 allocation for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) by 47 nominees, bringing the total to 197.

While this increase does not fully restore the territory’s allocation to 2024 levels— which had been cut in half by the previous federal government— the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) welcomes these additional spaces and will continue to advocate for an increased allocation that corresponds to NWT needs.

This increase follows sustained GNWT advocacy for a territorial approach to the Nominee Program, including Minister Cleveland’s recent meetings in Ottawa with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. It reflects the united voice of Northerners across government, business, and community sectors calling for immigration programs that meet the unique needs of NWT communities across the territory.

The GNWT met its full NTNP allocation for the first time in 2024, demonstrating strong demand across the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams. The additional 2025 spaces will be allocated to eligible applicants from the second 2025 intake who were not initially selected for assessment. Eligible applicants will be notified by email, moved into the NTNP assessment queue, and assessed in the order of work permit expiry date.

The NTNP remains a cornerstone of the GNWT’s workforce strategy. In the North, immigration is not only an economic issue; it’s a population issue, a sovereignty issue, and a key driver of social and economic resilience.

Quote:

“Immigration is one of the most effective tools to strengthen the NWT economy, diversify industries, and advance nation-building in the North. These additional 47 spaces will help fill critical labour shortages in key sectors, but we are not stopping here. We will continue advocating for a nominee program that reflects Northern realities, grows our population, and strengthens our sovereignty. A strong, inclusive North is built by the people who choose to call it home and we must ensure they have the opportunity to stay in the NWT.”

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• The NTNP includes three application streams: Employer-Driven, Francophone, and Business.
• To immigrate through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP), you must have a valid job offer from an NWT employer or be prepared to open, purchase, or invest in a business in the NWT.
• The NTNP will not reopen for additional applications in 2025. The new spaces will go to eligible applicants from the second 2025 intake who were not previously selected.
• Nominee allocations are determined annually by IRCC for all provinces and territories.
• Immigration supports key territorial goals, including workforce development, economic growth, and community resilience.

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