Details of the Quota Restoration

According to the government’s announcement on October 17, the NTNP’s 2025 quota has been increased from 197 to 300 — an addition of more than 100 spots. Officials expect this change to help local employers hire more skilled foreign workers, thereby supporting business operations and regional economic growth.

Minister Cleveland emphasized, “The restoration of our full allocation means that employers can once again access the skilled workers they need to keep their businesses running and expanding.”

Information about the next NTNP intake period and how the additional nominations will be distributed will be released once program details are finalized.

Background: Why Quotas Were Reduced

Earlier this year, the federal government reduced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quotas nationwide by about 50% to ease pressure on Canada’s housing market and social services. As a result, the NWT’s initial 2025 quota was set at just 150.

On September 2, however, the federal government granted the territory an additional 47 nominations, bringing the total to 197. These were used for eligible 2025 applicants who had not been selected in earlier rounds.

Despite these interim increases, the NWT continued to push for a full restoration of its allocation, citing “critical labor shortages in key sectors.” The latest announcement confirms that the NWT’s full 2024 quota has now been reinstated — making it the only PNP in Canada to have its full allocation restored to previous levels.

About the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

The NTNP consists of three main categories encompassing five specific immigration streams:

• Employer-Driven Stream: Entry-Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations Skilled Worker Category NWT Express Entry Category
• Francophone Stream
• Business Stream

Eligibility requirements:

• Applicants under the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams must hold a valid job offer from an employer based in the Northwest Territories.
• Employers must submit applications on behalf of foreign nationals under the Employer-Driven Stream.
• Applicants in the Francophone and Business streams may apply independently.
• Each stream has unique requirements, and in some cases, employers must also meet specific eligibility conditions.

2025 NTNP Intake Periods and Outlook

So far in 2025, the NTNP has held two application intake periods:

• February 27 to March 6, 2025
• July 2 to July 9, 2025

With the new quota increase, the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment is expected to announce the next intake period soon. The upcoming round will likely provide more opportunities for qualified skilled workers and Francophone applicants to contribute to the territory’s workforce.

Conclusion

The restoration of the NTNP’s full nomination quota demonstrates renewed coordination between federal and territorial governments in balancing immigration policy and economic growth. For Canada’s northern regions, this development provides a positive signal for addressing labor shortages. With the next NTNP intake period set to open, more international professionals may soon find a pathway to permanent residency in the Northwest Territories.