NORTHWEST TERRITORIES - PNP INVESTOR PROGRAM

The Business Driven Nominee Program streams are designed to attract business expertise and investment capital to enhance the economic environment of the Northwest Territories. Prospective applicants submit applications on behalf of themselves.

Business Driven streams assist foreign nationals with the ability to establish, purchase, or invest in an existing business, selected primarily on the basis of its ability to create jobs for the foreign national and other Canadians. There are two categories under Business Driven stream:

  • Entrepreneur Business
  • Self-employed Business

Application process for both streams is the same, but each stream has specific criteria.

ENTREPRENEUR BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This stream will be of interest to entrepreneurs and/or owner/operators of businesses who want to immigrate to the Northwest Territories and establish business operations in the Northwest Territories. All economic sectors are eligible for this program.

Business projects will be considered a priority if they involve a product that is new to the Northwest Territories or if the product would generate significant benefits to the Northwest Territories.
The applicant must:

- Investment:

  1. A minimum of $300,000 CDN equity into starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; or
  2. A minimum of $150,000 CDN equity into starting or buying a business outside of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

- A personal Net Worth of:

  1. At least $500,000 CDN if starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; or
  2. At least $250,000 CDN if starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

- Additional Requirements:

  1. Have an additional $75,000 CDN kept in a trust account and released upon completion of a Performance Agreement based on a business proposal
  2. Demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the Northwest Territories and its economy
  3. Be able to demonstrate reasonable communication skills appropriate to the Northwest Territories; and
  4. Have the necessary experience and education to successfully implement the business plan

SELF-EMPLOYED BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This stream is designed to attract professionals who can provide a service that is in demand in the Northwest Territories, by establishing business outlets or professional practices. The applicant must:

  • Have a profession that is identified as a professional skill shortage
  • Satisfy any certification or accreditation requirements for the particular profession or occupation
  • For regulated occupations, the nominee must meet all Northwest Territories regulatory authority requirements
  • Demonstrate reasonable communication skills appropriate to the Northwest Territories
  • Demonstrate reasonable knowledge and understanding of the Northwest Territories and its economy
  • Demonstrate access to sufficient financial resources
  • Submit a detailed business plan

BUSINESS DRIVEN STREAM PROCESS

1. Application Process:

  • Face-to-Face Interview
  • Submit the Application
  • Pre-screening

2. Assessment Process:

The applicant must submit a complete application and business plan for review by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. This review may involve other government departments and agencies deemed necessary.
Step #1 - Self-Assessment & Application
Step #2 - Reviewing the Application
Step #3 - Detailed Business Plan
Step #4 - Assistant Deputy Minister Recommendation
Step #5 - Developing the Business
Step #6 - Assistant Deputy Minister Approval

3. Application Approval and Nomination Process

Note 1:Nominations are valid for one year only. Citizenship and Immigration Canada does not grant extensions.


Sources:

  • http://www.immigratenwt.ca/en/nominee-program
  • http://www.immigratenwt.ca/en/employer-driven-application-guidelines
  • http://www.immigratenwt.ca/sites/default/files/business_driven_program_guidelines_feb_2015.pdf