The Government of Canada recently announced a new program to encourage immigrants — particularly entrepreneurs — to settle in the Northwest Territories.

New Provincial Nominee Program

Under the new Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program, immigrants who plan to live and work in the Northwest Territories can apply for permanent resident status in Canada.

As with the Provincial Nominee Programs in other provinces, these applications will be “fast-tracked” compared to the general applicant pool for permanent residence.

Northwest Territories provincial nominee applicants can apply for permanent residency in one of the following four categories:

• Skilled Worker
• Critical Impact Worker (Service and Hospitality Sector Occupations)
• Entrepreneur Business
• Self-Employed Business

For details about these immigration categories, read more in the Paperwork 101 section of this website or at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Living and Working in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories stretch for more than 1.17 million square kilometers (roughly 450,000 square miles) across Canada’s far north. This vast area is home to only 42,840 people, about half of whom are Aboriginal. Nearly 50 percent of the population — about 20,000 people — live in the capital city of Yellowknife.

The diamond industry, including mining, cutting, and polishing, is a major employer, as is oil and gas production. The region also has a growing tourism industry.

JobsNorth.ca is a useful resource if you’re looking for work in the Northwest Territories. Another helpful website is the territorial government’s Human Resources Department, which provides a list of current government job openings. Health care workers are in particular demand.

Of course, Yellowknife residents have to contend with harsh weather conditions, with temperatures dipping to a January average of -26°C (-15°F), and seemingly endless winter days where the sun never rises. But in summer, the reward is nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Plan a Trip, Check it Out

Consider planning a trip to the Northwest Territories if the idea of settling there seems appealing. The province’s tourism association, Northwest Territories Tourism, can help.

Photo ©Northwest Territories Tourism