NWT maxes out immigration program

NWT maxes out immigration program for 2024 calendar year.

The Northwest Territories has hit the federally imposed immigration cap for its NWT Nominee Program, the first time that has happened in the territory’s history.

The nominee program allows people to move to the territory from other countries, ordinarily to take up a job being offered by a northern employer.

It’s a path to Canadian permanent residency for many people looking to come to the country from elsewhere.

In a news release on Monday, the GNWT said the main stream of the nominee program had hit its federal cap of 300 applications for the calendar year. (A separate stream of the program, which allows people to apply if they intend to open, purchase or invest in a business in the NWT, remains open but traditionally receives far fewer applicants, as people using that stream must demonstrate significant financial means.)

“The program will no longer be accepting new applications this year, with the exception of foreign nationals with work permits that expire in 2024 and those who meet all eligibility criteria and have already been working in the NWT in 2024,” the GNWT stated.

Hitting the cap fits a broader pattern of increased immigration to the territory.

Last month, the NWT reported its largest quarterly international migration figures since modern records began.

The territory recorded a net gain of 211 people through international migration between January and March 2024.

That figure represents the sum total of all immigrants, emigrants, returning Canadians, non-permanent residents and individuals temporarily abroad.

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The NWT Bureau of Statistics said international migration to the territory has been increasing since late 2020, and the latest 2024 figure represents its highest level since comparable data began to be collected in 1971.

“The GNWT remains committed to welcoming new skilled workers and residents to the Northwest Territories,” the territorial government stated on Monday, saying nominee program applications driven by job offers from NWT employers have “increased steadily” in recent years. (A shortage of workers has been a problem in many of the territory’s communities.)

“As an example, the current intake figure for 2024 is over 300 – well over double 2023’s total of 139,” the GNWT added.

Applications received before July 22 this year are not affected by the “temporary pause in intake,” Monday’s news release continued.

“In the interim,” said the GNWT, “NWT employers are encouraged to explore other economic immigration programs available to them, including the Government of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Francophone Mobility Program.”

The nominee program will reopen to applications across its streams in January 2025.

“The growing interest in the territory is welcome news that will allow us to strengthen our workforce and build vibrant and diverse communities” employment minister Caitlin Cleveland was quoted as saying.

“I will continue to advocate to the Government of Canada to increase our nomination allotment and expand the availability of settlement services in the Northwest Territories.

“I also remain committed to working alongside employers to build and sustain a resilient workforce by investing in both local and foreign workers.”

NWT maxes out immigration program.

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