Business Stream
The Northwest Territories stream for entrepreneurs who will start, buy or invest in a territorial business and operate it in person. The process runs from a self-assessment to an exploratory visit with a face-to-face interview, then a formal invitation to apply and a two-year business performance agreement before nomination. Unlike the Employer-Driven categories it is handled first-come, first-served rather than through expression of interest draws.
Open
Status
Job offer
How you apply
Key requirements
| Education | Must have the experience and education needed to successfully implement the business plan |
| Language | Minimum CLB/NCLC 4, shown with IELTS, CELPIP or TEF results less than 2 years old (minimum CLB 4) |
| Work experience | Business experience relevant to the proposed business plan |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Ties to the province | Must be willing to settle full-time in the Northwest Territories, complete an exploratory visit and attend an in-person interview |
| How you apply | Direct application when you meet the requirements |
| Money — funds, net worth, investment | Invest at least $200,000 CAD in equity in a business within Yellowknife or $100,000 CAD outside Yellowknife; minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD (Yellowknife) or $250,000 CAD (outside Yellowknife); must own at least 33.3% of the business, or hold at least $1,000,000 in personal equity if owning less |
Summary only — requirements change and details decide real cases. Always confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying: https://www.immigratenwt.ca/business-stream (this record was verified against that source on 23 Oct 2026). This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
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How long will it take?
Current IRCC processing-time estimates, recorded daily.