Nunavut landscape
NU | Canada

Immigration to Nunavut

Canada's newest and largest territory offers unique opportunities in the Arctic. While Nunavut does not have a formal PNP, pathways exist for those seeking remote northern life.

Processing

Varies by pathway

Provincial Fee

N/A (no territorial program)

Streams

3 Available

CRS Boost

+600 Points

Program Overview

About the Nunavut

Nunavut is Canada's newest territory, created in 1999 as a homeland for the Inuit people. Unlike other provinces and territories, Nunavut does not currently operate a Provincial Nominee Program. However, there are still pathways for immigration.

The territory has significant labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Employers can support immigration through LMIA-based work permits, and workers can then pursue permanent residence through federal programs.

Nunavut offers a truly unique experience for those seeking remote northern life. The territory covers a vast area of Arctic tundra, with communities accessible only by air for most of the year. Living costs are high but offset by northern allowances and unique experiences.

In-Demand Occupations

Healthcare WorkersTeachersSkilled TradesGovernment ServicesMiningAviation

Free Eligibility Assessment

Find out if you qualify for the Nunavut. Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your profile.

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RCIC License: R515110

Immigration Streams

Nunavut Streams

Nunavut offers 3 immigration streams. Find the one that matches your situation.

LMIA Work Permit

Job Offer Required

Employers can hire foreign workers through the LMIA process to fill positions they cannot fill locally.

Job offer from Nunavut employer
Employer obtains positive LMIA
Qualifications for the position
Work permit application approval

Federal Skilled Worker

Express Entry LinkedNo Job Offer

After gaining Canadian work experience in Nunavut, workers can apply through Express Entry.

1 year Canadian work experience
Express Entry profile
CLB 7 language proficiency
Education credential assessment

Canadian Experience Class

Express Entry LinkedNo Job Offer

For workers who have gained skilled work experience in Nunavut.

1 year skilled work experience in Canada
Express Entry profile
CLB 5-7 language proficiency
Intent to live outside Quebec
Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

General requirements for Nunavut streams. Specific requirements vary by stream.

Employment Path

  • Job offer from Nunavut employer
  • LMIA approval
  • Work permit
  • Build Canadian experience

Federal Programs

  • Express Entry eligibility
  • Canadian work experience
  • Language requirements
  • Education credentials

Special Considerations

  • Understanding of Arctic life
  • Remote community adaptation
  • High living costs
Draw Information

Nunavut Draws & Invitations

Nunavut does not operate a PNP. Federal programs apply.

Draw Frequency

No territorial draws

Score Range

Federal Express Entry scores apply

Application Fees

Provincial FeeN/A (no territorial program)
Federal PR Fee$1,590 CAD (PR application, principal applicant, from April 30, 2026)
CRS Boost+600 Points

A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 points to your CRS score, which puts most candidates above the cut-off in provincial nominee rounds of invitations.

Calculate your CRS score with PNP boost
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Nunavut

Can we get PR in Nunavut?
Nunavut has no Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Unlike other territories and provinces, Nunavut does not operate its own nominee pathway. PR eligibility requires federal Express Entry or other federal immigration streams (family sponsorship, skilled worker). Nunavut's small population and limited labour market make territorial sponsorship unavailable. Consultation explores federal alternatives and whether Nunavut aligns with your immigration goals.
Is there a Walmart in Nunavut?
This question falls outside immigration scope. Nunavut lacks major retail chains due to geographic isolation and small population. Most goods arrive by airplane or ship, creating high costs. This geographic reality affects living conditions but not immigration eligibility. For Nunavut relocation, consultation addresses cost of living, employment, and lifestyle expectations rather than retail availability.
What jobs are in demand in Nunavut?
Nunavut faces severe labour shortages in healthcare (nurses, physicians), skilled trades, educators, and mining sector workers. Government and public service roles dominate employment. Geographic isolation and high costs create recruiting challenges. Despite shortages, Nunavut lacks a PNP. Federal Express Entry and employer sponsorship remain alternative pathways. Consultation explores whether federal streams align with your Nunavut career goals.
Does Nunavut have 24 hour darkness?
Nunavut experiences seasonal extremes with 24-hour darkness in winter months and 24-hour daylight in summer, varying by latitude. This geographic reality affects lifestyle considerably. However, immigration eligibility remains independent of climate conditions. For relocation planning, consultation addresses Nunavut's extreme seasons, cost of living, and employment realities rather than immigration pathways specifically.
Who is the largest employer in Nunavut?
Nunavut Territorial Government represents the largest employer. Private employers focus on mining (Agnico Eagle, Diavik Diamond Mine historically), oil and gas, and service sectors. Employment opportunities remain limited outside government. This smaller job market contributes to Nunavut's lack of PNP. Federal Express Entry and direct employer sponsorship serve immigration pathways. Consultation identifies employment prospects matching your skills.
Which province gives PR easily in Canada?
Nova Scotia still offers 3-12 month processing across four streams, with $1,000 worker / $2,000 entrepreneur fees from 1 September 2026 (EOI free). PEI's monthly draws (3-6 months) and Newfoundland's matching timeline provide strong alternatives. New Brunswick requires $250 with 6-12 months. Yukon and NWT offer around 300-430 annual nominations. Nunavut lacks any PNP program. Consultation identifies your easiest provincial match based on occupation and credentials.
What is the new 33000 PR program?
The '33,000 PR' likely references federal annual immigration targets across all provincial nominee programs combined. Nunavut receives zero allocation since it operates no PNP. Federal targets shift annually per government immigration levels announcements. Total PNP intake across Canada represents portion of overall federal immigration plan. Consultation clarifies how federal PNP allocations affect your provincial options.
Which province gives PR fast?
PEI runs monthly draws with 3-6 month provincial processing. Nova Scotia processes 3-12 months and, from 1 September 2026, charges $1,000 for worker streams and $2,000 for entrepreneurs when an EOI is selected (EOI free). Newfoundland matches at 3-6 months. NWT and Yukon offer 3-6 and 6-12 months respectively. Saskatchewan requires 8-26 weeks provincially. Nunavut has no PNP. Fastest timelines cluster at 3-6 months across Atlantic Canada. Consultation ranks processing speed against your occupation and profile fit.

Ready to Apply for Nunavut?

Start with a free eligibility check, or book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants. We'll assess your eligibility and recommend the best stream for your situation.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.