Northwest Territories Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream

Key Takeaways

• Purpose: Supports employers facing labor shortages by nominating qualified foreign nationals for permanent residency.
• Eligibility: Candidates must meet language, work experience, education, and employment criteria, with proof of settlement funds.
• Application Process: Requires employer registration, online application submission, and adherence to job advertising standards.
• Application Cap for 2025: 45 applications before the intake is paused. We suggest applying as soon as possible for this program.

What Is The Northwest Territories Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway? 

The Northwest Territories Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway is part of the NT Nominee Program (NTNP), created to help local employers find workers for important jobs when they can’t find local candidates. These roles are in fields like hospitality, retail, and food processing, which need hands-on skills rather than advanced degrees. Through this program, foreign workers with a job offer can gain stable, full-time work in the Northwest Territories and a path to become permanent residents in Canada.

Note that this pathway is employer driven, so the employer must meet eligibility requirements too. 

Application Cap for 2025

The NWT government has introduced an application cap for 2025, in response to overwhelming demand in 2024. It has announced a cap of 45 applications for the Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Worker stream.

Employer Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible to employ workers through the Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled pathway, the employer must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Business Registration and Location

• Must be a registered business or local government office.
• Must operate year-round in the Northwest Territories.
• Must maintain a workplace in NWT for the nominee applicant, even if they work at multiple locations.

Operational History

• Must have been active in the NWT for at least one year before applying.

Compliance and Good Standing

• Must be in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC).
• Must comply with the Employment Standards Act, verified by a completed Employment Standards Verification Form, or adhere to a union agreement if applicable.

Eligibility for the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway

In addition to the required documents (passport, valid work permit, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and documents for any dependents), applicants must demonstrate the following to be eligible for the NWT Entry Level/Semi-Skilled pathway: 

Status: Applicants must reside outside Canada or have legal status in Canada and must not be refugee claimants.

Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Work Experience: Six months of full-time experience with the sponsoring employer before application submission.

Job Offer: Must have a permanent, full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week) in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation in NWT, verified by a Labor Market Impact Assessment or job advertising.

Education: High school or job-specific training, plus an educational credential assessment for education outside Canada. 

Residency Intention: Must commit to living and working in the Northwest Territories.

Proof of Settlement Funds: Applicants must show a minimum of $10,000 CAD in a Canadian bank account, plus an additional $2,000 per accompanying dependent. 

Application Process For The Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application process for the Northwest Territories Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway:

1. Employer Registration:
   • Employers start by creating an account on the NTNP online portal. After registering, they receive a User ID to log in and manage applications.
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Employers need to collect all necessary documents, such as proof of business registration, WSCC good standing, and job offer details. Applicants must also gather personal documents, like a valid work permit and proof of settlement funds.
3. Complete the Online Application:
   • Employers fill out each section of the online application, entering details for both the employer and nominee applicant. Every required field must be filled out, and any non-applicable sections marked “N/A.” The application will only proceed if all required documents are uploaded and fields are completed.
4. Submit and Confirm:
   • After completing the application, employers submit it through the portal. They may save and return to the application if needed. A confirmation email will be sent upon submission.
5. Application Review and Assessment:
   • NTNP staff review the application, checking eligibility criteria and verifying the documents. This process takes about 10 weeks, though times may vary.
6. Decision and Notification:
   • If approved, the nominee receives a nomination certificate, enabling them to apply for Canadian permanent residency. If denied, a letter explaining the reason is provided, and only employers may appeal the decision within 15 days.

Eligible Occupations For The Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway

Occupations listed as TEER 4 and TEER 5 in the National Occupational Classification are eligible for this pathway. 

TEER 4 Occupations

Occupations in TEER 4 usually require completion of secondary school; or several weeks of on-the-job training with some secondary school education; or experience in a related occupation from TEER 5 (when applicable).

TEER 5 Occupations

Occupations in TEER 5 usually require short work demonstration and no formal educational requirements.

To learn more about the Northwest Territories Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations stream click here.

To follow updates across all Provincial Nominee Programs, visit (and bookmark!) our PNP Live Tracker.

The list of other Northwest Territories permanent residence streams include:

• Francophone Stream
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream
• Business Stream