Northwest Territories Reaches PNP Allocation For 2024 – For The First Time

As a result, the NWT will not be accepting new applications for the remainder of 2024 – other than applications from PNP-eligible foreign workers on a temporary work permit expiring in 2024 and who have worked in the NWT this year. 

Key Takeaways

• NWT is no longer accepting applications for its Employer-Driven Stream and Francophone Stream for 2024, with limited exceptions. 
• Foreign nationals whose work permits are expiring in 2024 may submit their application for a PNP if they are eligible for a program and they have worked in the NWT in 2024. 
• The NWT Business Stream remains open for further applications in 2024. 
• The NWT PNP will reopen for new applications in 2025.
• International migration to the NWT reached its highest level in recorded history in Q2 of 2024.

Current Status Of PNP Applications In The NWT

The NWT is no longer accepting new PNP applications for the Employer-Driven Stream or Francophone Stream for 2024, with a few exceptions. It will continue to accept applications for its Business Stream. 

Applications that were received by the NWT before July 22 will not be affected by this change. They will be processed and applicants will receive a decision by Fall 2024. 

The applications will be processed based on urgency in this order:

• Applicants whose work permits have fast approaching expiry dates.
• Applicants whose work permits will expire in 2024.
• Applicants in the NWT (whose work permits are expiring 2025 or later).
• Applicants outside of the NWT (including international applications).

NWT PNP In The Past

The NWT shared previous year’s allocations to demonstrate how significant a jump it has experienced this year: 

The total nominations issued under the Employer-Driven Stream and Francophone Stream in the current year and previous years are as follows:

• 2024 (as of July 22): Over 300
• 2023: 139
• 2022: 100 
• 2021: 62 
• 2020: 77 

As you can see, the jump in interest this year is significant. The NWT has already issued more than double the number of nominations in 2024 compared to 2023, and in just 7 months. 

NWT To Seek Higher Nomination Allocation For 2025

The NWT is reliant on international immigration for its population growth. The NWT Bureau of Statistics notes “In the NWT, population growth fluctuates based on migration patterns; generally, net interprovincial migration has been mostly negative, offset by positive net international migration and natural increase.” 

The NWT has been experiencing increased international migration in recent years, starting in 2020. International migration to the NWT reached its highest level in recorded history between April-June 2024. 

“NWT’s net international migration has been on an increase since late 2020. In the second quarter of 2024 it reached its highest level since the availability of comparable data (third quarter of 1971).”

As a result, the NWT hopes the federal government will increase its PNP allocation limits for 2025. Based on current interest in the programs, this would be helpful for foreign workers in the territory. 

“For the first time ever, the Northwest Territories has reached and exceeded its federal allocation of 300 nominees for a calendar year. The growing interest in the territory is welcome news that will allow us to strengthen our workforce and build vibrant and diverse communities. I will continue to advocate to the Government of Canada to increase our nomination allotment and expand the availability of settlement services in the Northwest Territories. I also remain committed to working alongside employers to build and sustain a resilient workforce by investing in both local and foreign workers.” 

–    Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment 

What’s Next For Workers In The NWT?

Foreign workers on a work permit that expires soon (in 2024) and who are eligible for the NWT’s PNP and who have been working in the NWT in 2024 should contact the territorial government to discuss their application. Reach out by email to [email protected] or call 1 (855) 440-5450, or find more information here. 

Anyone else who is looking to apply to the NWT’s PNPs should prepare their application for submission as early as possible in 2025. While the territorial government hopes its PNP allocation limit will increase in 2025, there are no guarantees. Given there is likely to be strong demand for the PNP again in 2025, it will be best to apply early. 

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