Canada's territories
Residence in Northwest Territories
See Northwest Territories's routes to permanent residence, who they suit and the general steps to apply.
- CapitalYellowknife
- Largest cityYellowknife
- Immigration programNorthwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
About Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a vast northern territory with a small population, much of it in Yellowknife. Mining (notably diamonds), public services and tourism lead its economy.
Under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP), the territory nominates the applicant and IRCC then assesses and decides the permanent residence application. Streams, allocations and requirements can change from year to year.
Immigrate NWT (official site)Why Northwest Territories?
Diamond mining and public services
Mining, government and tourism are the main employers.
Northern lights
Yellowknife is one of the world's best places to see the aurora.
Northern costs
Goods and housing cost more because of distance; wages are usually higher too.
Indigenous cultures
Several Indigenous languages are official alongside English and French.
Main routes
- Employer-Driven Stream: Skilled Worker, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations and NWT Express Entry
- Business Stream
- Francophone Stream
Who it suits
- People with a job offer from an employer in the territory
- French speakers
- People ready for life in the north
Good to know
- A provincial nomination is not permanent residence; IRCC makes the final decision.
- Streams open and close and allocations change during the year.
- A genuine intention to live in that province or territory matters.
- This information was checked against the official sites in October 2026.
General steps
- 1
Choose the right stream
Based on your work, experience, studies and ties to the province.
- 2
Check the requirements and gather documents
As the stream's official guide says.
- 3
Submit an expression of interest or application
Most streams invite applicants from a pool.
- 4
Receive a provincial nomination
If the province nominates you.
- 5
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Through Express Entry or a base (non-Express Entry) application.
This page is general information, not immigration advice for your situation. Rules and streams change; check the official site for current details.
What we look at in a consultation
This page gives the overall picture. The details of each route depend on your situation and are assessed properly in a consultation.
The right route for you
Which of the province's routes really fits your work, studies and language.
Your chances and ranking
An estimate of where you stand in the provincial and Express Entry draws.
Job offer and employer
Whether your job offer meets the requirements and what the employer must do.
Timing, costs and risks
The right order of steps, the official fees and the common reasons files are refused.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Northwest Territories nomination guarantee permanent residence?
No. A nomination is an important step, but IRCC assesses the permanent residence application separately and makes the final decision.
Do these routes need a job offer?
It depends on the stream. Many streams, especially in smaller provinces and the territories, need a job offer; some do not.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Some routes are open to applicants abroad and some only to people working or studying in the province. Which are open to you depends on your background and situation, and is assessed in a consultation.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Processing times and official fees change with the route and the number of applications. In a consultation you get a current estimate for your file.
How current is this information?
This page was checked against the official sites in October 2026. Routes change often, so check the official site before you act, or talk to us.