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Business Stream
Summary:
The Northwest Territories Business Stream is designed for foreign nationals who want to:
Start a business,
Purchase an existing business, or
Invest in and operate a business in the NWT.
Unlike other programs, this stream offers faster processing times, no waitlist, and direct support from program staff throughout the process.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Business Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Investment & Ownership
Invest at least $200,000 CAD equity in a business within Yellowknife, or $100,000 CAD outside Yellowknife.
Own at least 33.3% of the business (unless investing $1,000,000 CAD or more, in which case ownership can be less).
Personal Net Worth
Minimum $500,000 CAD if the business is in Yellowknife.
Minimum $250,000 CAD if the business is outside Yellowknife.
Language Proficiency
Meet CLB 4 / NCLC 4 in English or French.
Accepted tests: IELTS, CELPIP (English), TEF (French).
Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
Other Criteria
Demonstrate knowledge of the NWT economy and community.
Have the education and experience required to run the business successfully.
Show sufficient financial resources to operate the business and support dependents.
Have communication skills suitable for business and community integration.
Must not:
Have an active application in another PNP or NTNP stream.
Be a refugee claimant.
Must commit to settling full-time in the NWT.
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Application Process
The application process includes several steps:
Before Applying
Self-assessment – confirm you meet minimum eligibility.
Exploratory visit & interview in the NWT.
Pre-screening of business concept and interview results.
Upon Invitation to Apply
Submit a formal application and business plan via the NTNP online account.
Application review against program criteria.
If Approved
Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) – a 2-year legal contract outlining your business and settlement obligations.
Develop and operate your business (submit interim reports via your NTNP account).
Final nomination – once obligations are met, you may be nominated for Canadian Permanent Residency.
⚠️ The Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment reserves the right to deny applications at any stage. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Required Forms
Applicants must complete and upload the following forms:
NTNP-03 – Business Stream Nominee Application Checklist
NTNP-04 – Personal Statement of Financial Affairs
NTNP-05 – Authorize or Cancel a Representative
NTNP-09 – Employment Standards Verification
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Take the first step toward your Canadian dream. Secure your personalized immigration consultation with us today and embark on a path to a brighter future in Canada.
I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).