How it works
About the business stream
First come, first served rather than by draw. You receive a work permit first and the nomination later, once you have delivered what your performance agreement sets out. Investment made before that agreement is signed does not count.
Applying from outside Canada: Open from abroad, though the exploratory visit and in-person interview come first.
Source: the province's own page for this stream. Last checked September 11, 2026. Provinces change stream criteria without notice, so confirm the detail before you rely on it.
Requirements
What this stream asks for
- An investment of $200,000 in Yellowknife, or $100,000 outside it
- Net worth of $500,000, or $250,000 outside Yellowknife
- At least a third ownership, unless your equity exceeds $1 million
- Language at CLB 4 in English or the French equivalent
- An exploratory visit and an in-person interview, plus a business performance agreement
- No active application to another provincial programme
Programme
The Northwest Territories programme right now
Open. The employer-driven stream moved to an expression of interest model in March 2026, while the francophone and business streams stay first come, first served. The 2026 allocation was raised from 197 to 300 in August. The last draw currently scheduled is 25 September 2026, with a cut-off of 22 September for entering the pool.
Two official pages, including the one Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada links to, still display a notice saying the 2025 intake closed against a cap of 300. That text is stale and contradicted by the territory's 2026 announcements and its own published draw record.
Official NTNP page Official draw results
Checked against the province's own pages on September 11, 2026. Streams change through the year, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
Explore
Other Northwest Territories streams
Check where you stand before you book
Two free tools, no account needed.
Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program How the Provincial Nominee Program works
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