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Entry level & semi-skilled occupations
Summary:
The Northwest Territories Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway is part of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). It helps local employers fill vital positions in industries such as hospitality, food services, and retail when no local or Canadian workers are available. This employer-driven stream allows foreign nationals with a full-time job offer in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation to secure stable employment and eventually transition to Canadian permanent residency.
This stream also places responsibility on employers, who must meet program requirements and demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit locally before turning to foreign workers.
Application Cap for 2025
Due to high demand in 2024, the Government of the Northwest Territories has set a cap of 45 applications for this pathway in 2025.
Employer Eligibility Requirements
Employers who wish to hire through this pathway must meet the following criteria:
Business Registration and Location
Must be a registered business, industry association, or local/territorial/First Nations government office.
Operate year-round in the Northwest Territories.
Maintain a physical workplace in the NWT, even if the nominee works across multiple sites.
Operational History
Must have been actively operating in the Northwest Territories for at least one year prior to applying.
Compliance and Good Standing
Must be registered and in good standing with the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC).
Must comply with the Employment Standards Act, confirmed by an Employment Standards Verification Form (or a union agreement if applicable).
Must provide proof of recruitment efforts (two local and one national) or obtain a positive LMIA.
Eligibility for Foreign Workers
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify under the Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway:
Status
Must live outside Canada or hold valid legal status inside Canada.
Refugee claimants are not eligible.
Language Proficiency
Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
Work Experience
At least 6 months of full-time work experience with the sponsoring employer before applying.
In some cases, applicants must show up to 12 months of work in the same position.
Job Offer
A valid, permanent, full-time job offer (minimum 30 hours per week).
Must be in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation.
Supported by either a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or recruitment proof.
Job contract must comply with the Employment Standards Act and industry wage standards.
Education
Completion of high school, job-specific training, or equivalent foreign credentials supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Residency Intention
Must demonstrate genuine intent to live and work in the Northwest Territories.
Proof of Settlement Funds
Proof of at least $10,000 CAD in a Canadian bank account, plus $2,000 CAD for each dependent.
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Eligible Occupations
This pathway is open to occupations under:
TEER 4: Jobs requiring secondary school or on-the-job training.
TEER 5: Jobs requiring only a short work demonstration and no formal education.
Examples include hospitality staff, food counter attendants, retail sales associates, and general labourers.
Application Process
Step 1: Employer Registration
Employers create an account on the NTNP online portal and receive login credentials.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Employers and nominees collect required documents such as:
Proof of business registration and WSCC compliance (for employers).
Job offer, pay stubs, time sheets, and employment contract.
Work permit, passport, settlement fund proof, and language test results (for nominees).
Step 3: Submit Application
Employers complete the online application form, uploading all supporting documents. Incomplete applications cannot be submitted.
Step 4: Application Review
NTNP staff assess applications, verifying eligibility and documentation. Average processing time is about 10 weeks.
Step 5: Decision
If approved: The nominee receives a nomination certificate to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
If refused: A refusal letter is issued explaining the reason. Employers may file an appeal within 15 days.
After Nomination
Once nominated under this pathway:
You may apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
You and your dependents must undergo medical, criminal, and security checks.
You must maintain your work permit and continue residing in the Northwest Territories during the PR process.
Processing Time
Applications typically take about 10 weeks for NTNP review. Permanent residence processing by IRCC may take additional time depending on application type (paper-based vs. online).
Fee
The application fee for the Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway is $250 CAD, paid by the employer.
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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).