Nominee Program Restores 2024-Level Immigration Allocations

The Northwest Territories will invite over 100 more candidates to apply for immigration this year under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). The federal government has raised the 2025 nomination allocation to 300 spaces, up from 197 earlier this year.

This update returns the territory’s allocation to the same level as in 2024, marking an important step for employers and newcomers alike. The announcement came on October 17, 2025, through a government statement.

Minister Confirms New Intake Period Soon

Caitlin Cleveland, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, confirmed that her department is preparing to open the next intake for NTNP applications soon.

“The restoration of our full allocation means that employers will once again have access to the skilled workers they need to keep their business running and expand,” said Minister Cleveland.

She added that details about the next intake period and how the new nomination spaces will be distributed will follow once plans are complete.

From Cuts to Restoration

Earlier this year, the federal government reduced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations across Canada by 50%. The move aimed to reduce pressure on housing and public services.

The cut hit many territories and provinces hard, including the Northwest Territories, which saw its 2025 quota shrink to 150 nominations. In September, Ottawa added 47 more spots, bringing the total to 197. Those spots went to qualified applicants who had applied earlier but were not selected.

The territory, however, kept pushing for a full restoration. Officials said local businesses were struggling to fill important jobs, especially in healthcare, construction, and hospitality. The government stressed that the territory’s economic growth relies heavily on foreign workers who bring needed skills.

Now, with the restoration of all 300 spaces, the NTNP stands as the only nominee program in Canada to regain its full pre-cut allocation.

Focus on Local Labour Needs

The NTNP helps local employers fill jobs that are difficult to staff. The program has several streams for different types of applicants, including:

• Employer-Driven Stream
  
• Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Category
  
• Skilled Worker Category
  
• NWT Express Entry Category
  
• Francophone Stream
  
• Business Stream
  

To qualify for most of these, applicants need a valid job offer from an employer in the territory. In some streams, employers apply on behalf of the worker, while others allow candidates to apply directly.

So far in 2025, two intake rounds have been held — one in February and another in July. The upcoming intake, which Minister Cleveland mentioned, is expected to open soon.

Moving Forward

This restoration gives new hope to both employers and skilled foreign workers. It shows that the territory’s voice was heard and that its labour needs remain a top concern.

As the Northwest Territories prepares for the next round of applications, many expect renewed interest from people eager to live and work in Canada’s North.