Northwest Territories Nominee Program Opens November 10 with Key Temporary Changes for 2025

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program will reopen its third intake for 2025 on November 10 at 9 AM, giving workers and employers a renewed opportunity to secure a nomination before the end of the year. This reopening comes after ongoing efforts restored the territory’s full allocation of 300 nomination spots, which many businesses and residents had been anticipating. Because the year is nearing its end, temporary program adjustments are being introduced to help eligible applicants move forward faster and more efficiently.

The intake will remain open until November 24 at 5 PM, with the territory aiming to process up to 103 applications during this window. With demand far exceeding the number of spots available, this brief intake is expected to draw considerable attention from individuals currently living and working across various NWT communities.

Why the Northwest Territories Nominee Program Matters in 2025?

Across the territory, employers continue to face labour shortages in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, retail, trades, and health care. Many businesses operate in small or remote communities where retaining skilled staff is essential for steady operations. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program plays a central role in addressing these shortages by allowing employers to retain qualified workers who already contribute to the local economy.

For workers, the program offers stability and a clear pathway toward permanent residency, especially for those who have already built strong ties within Northern communities. The 2025 intake is particularly significant because it follows months of uncertainty, during which stakeholders awaited confirmation of the restored allocation.

Temporary Changes to Eligibility and Program Rules for 2025

To make the most of the remaining nomination spots before December, the government introduced updated guidelines that offer more flexibility. These rules will remain in place until the end of 2025.

1. No Limit on Employer Applications

In previous years, the number of applications an employer could submit depended on business size. That restriction is now removed. Whether a business has 2 employees or 200, it may submit as many eligible applications as needed.

This update is especially helpful for:

• Small community businesses are facing long-term shortages
• Larger employers seeking stability for multiple workers
• Companies are preparing their workforce for multi-year contracts

Without the previous limits, employers can support all qualifying employees in a single intake.

2. No Timing Requirement Linked to Work-Permit Expiry

A major change for workers involves the removal of expiry-date timing requirements. Previously, applicants often had to wait until their work permit was within a specific timeframe before applying, creating unnecessary uncertainty.

Under the updated rules:

• Applicants only need a valid work permit
• They may apply at any point during the validity period
• Those with long-term permits no longer need to wait

This reduces stress for workers and helps employers plan staffing needs more effectively.

3. One-Year Work-Experience Requirement Restored

Another key update returns to the standard used in earlier years. Applicants in the Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry streams must now show:

• 1 full year of paid, full-time experience
• Experience must be within the last 10 years
• Experience must match or closely relate to the nominated occupation
• Experience from multiple employers may be combined

This approach benefits applicants who gained their experience both inside and outside the territory.

How Applications Will Be Prioritized

With limited processing capacity, officials will use a clear two-step priority system:

• Workers whose permits expire within the next 3 months
• Order in which applications are received

This process ensures those at immediate risk of losing their status receive timely support.

Any application that cannot be fully processed by December 23 will be withdrawn, with applicants invited to reapply in 2026.

What Applicants Should Do Now

To prepare, applicants should complete the following checklist:

Submitting early increases the chance of having the file reviewed before processing limits are reached.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Below are frequent errors that slow down assessments:

• Missing job descriptions or incomplete reference letters
• Inaccurate NOC classification
• Expired documents uploaded by mistake
• Employer forms are missing signatures

Double-checking these details can significantly increase the chances of entering the processing queue. The reopening of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program on November 10 marks an important period for workers and employers who have waited most of the year for an intake with clearer rules. With reduced restrictions, fewer barriers for employers, and a restored work-experience standard, this intake offers a valuable chance for eligible individuals to move closer to permanent residency in the Northwest Territories.