Yellowknife announced on 5 November that the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) will accept new applications from 10–24 November after Ottawa restored the territory’s full 300-slot allocation. Only 103 places remain for 2025, so the intake window is brief.
Key changes include lifting the cap on how many candidates an employer can sponsor, reinstating the one-year related work-experience requirement and allowing applications regardless of work-permit expiry dates. Files exceeding capacity will be withdrawn and encouraged to reapply in 2026.
![Northwest Territories reopens Nominee Program with relaxed rules]()
The NTNP is essential for mining, aviation and healthcare employers who struggle to recruit locally. By reopening ahead of winter, territorial officials hope to convert current temporary workers into permanent residents before permits lapse.
Mobility managers with staff in remote NWT sites should move quickly: applications will be triaged first by imminent work-permit expiry, then by submission date. Gathering proof of northern residence and community ties will improve chances of selection.
Key changes include lifting the cap on how many candidates an employer can sponsor, reinstating the one-year related work-experience requirement and allowing applications regardless of work-permit expiry dates. Files exceeding capacity will be withdrawn and encouraged to reapply in 2026.
The NTNP is essential for mining, aviation and healthcare employers who struggle to recruit locally. By reopening ahead of winter, territorial officials hope to convert current temporary workers into permanent residents before permits lapse.
Mobility managers with staff in remote NWT sites should move quickly: applications will be triaged first by imminent work-permit expiry, then by submission date. Gathering proof of northern residence and community ties will improve chances of selection.
