On November 10, 2025, the Northwest Territories (NWT) confirmed that the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) will open a third intake window from November 10 (9:00 a.m.) to November 24, 2025. To complete 300 total nominations in 2025 (restored from 197 earlier in the year), the territory intends to process up to 103 additional eligible applications by year-end. Files from candidates with work permits expiring within three months will be prioritized, followed by date-received order. If more than 103 applications are received or a file cannot be finalized by December 23, 2025, it will be withdrawn and the applicant will be notified by email; eligible applicants may reapply in 2026.

I. Intake schedule and scale

• Intake window: November 10, 2025 (opens 9:00 a.m. local time) to November 24, 2025
• Planned processing cap: up to 103 additional eligible applications (to complete 300 nominations for the year)
• Withdrawal trigger: files not finalized by December 23, 2025 will be withdrawn and applicants notified by email
• Next steps: withdrawn applicants may reapply in 2026

Key timeline (2025)

• Intake 1: February 27 – March 6
• Intake 2: July 2 – July 9
• Intake 3: November 10 – November 24 (new)

II. Assessment priority and processing rules

• Priority order: Applications from candidates whose work permits expire within the next three months; Then by date the application was received by the territory.
• Over-subscription & withdrawal: If more than 103 applications are received, or a case cannot be finalized by December 23, it will be withdrawn; Notification: applicants will be informed by email whether their file will be assessed or withdrawn; Reapply: withdrawn applicants may reapply in 2026.

III. Temporary eligibility adjustments (effective through December 31, 2025)

For candidates:

• Work-permit expiry no longer a barrier: candidates may apply regardless of expiry date, provided all other criteria are met;
• Work-experience requirement reinstated (Skilled Worker and NWT Express Entry): At least one year of full-time work experience within the last 10 years; Experience must be in the same or a similar occupation as the nominated role; Experience may be accumulated with multiple employers.

For employers:

• Submission caps removed: no limits on the number of applications an employer may submit based on company size.

IV. Why add a third intake?

• Allocation restored: on October 17, 2025, the NWT announced its 2025 nomination allocation was restored from 197 to 300, releasing 103 additional spots;
• Policy intent: to “fill remaining nomination spots in a timely manner,” the territory added a third intake before year-end;
• Official statement: Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland previously indicated the government was working to open a third window and would publish details once finalized.

V. Impact and recommendations

For applicants:

• If your work permit expires in ≤3 months, submit promptly within the window to benefit from priority processing;
• Non-expiring permits may still apply, but will rank lower in order, so submit complete, well-documented files to improve first-pass outcomes;
• Documentation essentials: Proof of qualifying work experience (same/similar occupation; cumulative across employers permitted); Employer support, proof of current employment, and a duties/role match explanation.

For employers:

• With caps removed, consider batch submissions aligned to critical vacancies and retention needs;
• Set internal priority by role urgency and candidates’ work-permit expiry dates to match territorial processing priorities.

Note: The above measures are temporary through the end of 2025. Always refer to the latest NTNP/NWT official guidance. If details change, applicants and employers should promptly adjust their submission strategies accordingly.