The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) offers a streamlined pathway for entrepreneurs and business-minded
individuals to immigrate to Canada and contribute to the economic development of the Northwest Territories. This program is specifically designed for those seeking to establish, purchase, or invest in a local business while creating employment opportunities for Canadians in this unique northern region.
To obtain a provincial nomination through the Northwest Territories Entrepreneur Stream, approved entrepreneurs must demonstrate their commitment and ability to launch a successful business in the
territory. This involves fulfilling several key requirements:
Table of Program Requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Profile | Applicants must actively participate in the Express Entry pool and have a competitive profile. |
| Connection to Province | A genuine connection to the Northwest Territories is essential, demonstrated through a business plan that aligns with the region's needs and potential for job creation. |
| Job Offer | While not mandatory, securing a job offer from a Northwest Territories employer can strengthen your application. |
| Language Proficiency | Fluency in English or French is crucial for business success and integration into the community. A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 is required. |
| Level of Education & Certification | Possessing the necessary education and/or certifications relevant to your proposed business plan is essential. |
| Work Experience | Extensive experience in your chosen field is vital for navigating the challenges and opportunities of running a business in the Northwest Territories. |
| Investment Requirement | A minimum investment of $150,000 CAD into your business venture is required. |
| Personal Net Worth | Demonstrating a personal net worth of at least $250,000 CAD showcases your financial stability and commitment to the program. |
Language Skills:
Demonstrating proficiency in English or French is essential for success in the Northwest Territories Entrepreneur Stream. Applicants must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in either language. Official language test results valid within the past six months are required for application.
Education and Experience:
While formal education requirements are not set for this stream, candidates must possess the necessary knowledge and skills to execute their proposed business plan effectively. Relevant work experience in your chosen field is highly beneficial and will strengthen your application.
Investment and Financial Stability:
As with many Canadian business immigration programs, the Entrepreneur Stream requires demonstrating significant financial resources. Applicants must invest a minimum amount into their chosen business and maintain a specific minimum personal net worth.
Investment Requirements:
- Business Ownership: Foreign entrepreneurs must hold at least 33.3% ownership of the Northwest Territories business they are establishing or purchasing. This minimum ownership requirement may be reduced to less than 33.3% with a personal net worth exceeding $1,000,000 CAD.
- Minimum Investment: The minimum investment amount varies depending on the business location:
- Yellowknife: $300,000 CAD
- Outside Yellowknife: $150,000 CAD
- Personal Net Worth:
- Yellowknife: $500,000 CAD
- Outside Yellowknife: $250,000 CAD
Additional Requirements:
- Business Performance Agreement: Signing a business performance agreement and depositing $75,000 CAD are mandatory. This deposit is refundable upon meeting specific performance conditions.
- Residency Requirements: The agreement stipulates residing within 100 kilometers of the business and spending at least 75% of the temporary work permit validity period in the Northwest Territories.
Navigating the Application Process:
The Northwest Territories Entrepreneur Stream offers a streamlined application process open to eligible candidates year-round. To be considered, individuals must follow these key steps:
- Develop a Business Plan and Conduct Research:
- Prepare a comprehensive and viable business plan outlining your venture in the Northwest Territories.
- Gain firsthand knowledge of the local business environment through a mandatory business trip to the territory.
- Participate in an Interview:
- After your trip, engage in an interview with Northwest Territories Business Stream staff to discuss your business plan and demonstrate your understanding of the local environment.
- Submit Supporting Documents:
- If your interview demonstrates a strong business concept and adequate knowledge, you will be invited to submit supporting documents within 60 business days.
- Formal Application and Business Performance Agreement:
- Upon approval of your supporting documents, you will receive an official invitation to apply. Complete your application within 6 months of the invitation.
- If your application is accepted, collaborate with Business Stream staff to develop a business performance agreement.
- Sign the agreement and deposit $75,000 CAD to secure a letter of support for a 2-year temporary work permit.
- Temporary Work Permit and Business Development:
- Utilize the work permit to establish your business practice in the Northwest Territories. This permit is exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- Within 60 days of receiving your work permit, submit a Business Stream arrival report form and supporting documents.
- Dedicate the next 6 months to business development and investing the required amount as outlined in your agreement. Submit regular interim reports every six months.
- Provincial Nomination and Permanent Residence:
- Upon fulfilling all performance agreement conditions, you may be eligible for a provincial nomination for permanent residence from the Northwest Territories.
- Note that nominations typically require 19 months of business development and 12 months of business operation, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.
- Once nominated, you have one year to submit a federal application for Canadian permanent residence.
- Paper-Based Application and Processing:
- Submit your completed paper-based application for permanent residence by mail to the designated application center.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 18 months for PNP-based permanent residence applications.