NWT Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations: PR for TEER 4 and 5 Jobs

Many immigration programs only accept skilled jobs. The NWT's Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations category is one of the few that accepts entry-level and semi-skilled work. It covers jobs in NOC TEER 4 or 5.

• TEER 4 jobs usually need high school or several weeks of on-the-job training. Examples include retail salespersons and home support workers.
• TEER 5 jobs usually need only a short work demonstration. Examples include food counter attendants, light duty cleaners and many laborer jobs.

You can find your job's NOC code and TEER level with the federal NOC search on canada.ca.

The category is part of the Employer-Driven Stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, the NWT's version of the Provincial Nominee Program. A nomination lets you apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence (PR). It is a base category, so your PR application is processed outside Express Entry.

This category rewards loyalty. It is built for workers who have already proven themselves with an NWT employer for a full year. For the other routes, see our Northwest Territories guide.

The NWT lists these core requirements. Read the full program guidelines on immigratenwt.ca before you apply.

• A job in NOC TEER 4 or 5 with an NWT employer that supports your nomination.
• 12 months of full-time work in the same position with that employer. Part-time work or time in a different role may not count.
• A valid work permit.
• A minimum language level in English or French. You must provide proof of testing when you apply. Our language tests guide lists the approved tests.

The employer must also meet the Employer-Driven Stream's rules. The stream is for employers who want to hire and nominate foreign nationals when no Canadians or permanent residents are available to fill the job, and the employer applies through the NTNP online portal.

The 12-month rule means this category is not a way to move to the NWT from abroad. It is a way to stay after you have worked there. Most people in this category first came on a work permit, often one backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

The 2026 intake opened on March 9, 2026. The NWT now uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for all three Employer-Driven categories.

TEER 4 and 5 candidates compete in the same draws as skilled candidates. Draw sizes and dates are current as of September 2026. The NWT has not announced 2027 dates.

The allocation of 300 is shared by every NTNP stream, including the Francophone and Business streams. Once the year's nominations are used, the NWT can stop inviting candidates even if you qualify, so it pays to have your documents ready before a draw.

The NWT says it scores EOIs on skills and experience, connections to the NWT, and how likely you are to settle. CIC News reported these maximums in February 2026:

This is good news for many entry-level workers. Education and skilled experience are worth far fewer points than your ties to the NWT. A year or more with your NWT employer and time living in the territory can add up. Improving your language test score is another practical way to raise your points.

Check the official points grid on immigratenwt.ca, since the details can change.

If you speak both French and English, the NWT Francophone Stream also accepts TEER 4 and 5 jobs and is not part of the EOI system. That can make it a faster option.

If your job is TEER 0 to 3, use the NWT Skilled Worker category instead.

• Keep your work permit valid. If it will expire before you are nominated, apply to extend it in time. See extending your status and maintained status.
• Keep records. Pay stubs, your contract, and a letter from your employer showing your position, hours and dates help prove your 12 months.
• Do not change jobs without advice. Leaving your employer or switching positions can reset the 12 months or end your eligibility.
• Never pay for a job or nomination. Read our scam protection guide. If you face abuse at work, the vulnerable worker open work permit may help.
• Get licensed help for complex cases. Talk to a lawyer or licensed consultant (RCIC) if you have a refusal or status gap. See how to verify one.