NOC 85120TEER 4📍 Northwest Territories

Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers in Northwest Territories

Complete immigration guide for Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers to Northwest Territories, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code
85120
TEER Level
TEER 4
On-the-job Training
Median Wage
$17/hr
~$35,360/yr
Min CLB
CLB 4
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📖 Expert Overview

Immigrating to the Northwest Territories (NWT) as a Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourer (NOC 85120, TEER 4) presents a unique pathway to permanent residency in Canada, primarily through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). While the NWT is known for its remote location and challenging climate, there is a consistent, albeit smaller, demand for general labourers in various sectors, including grounds maintenance. This occupation is crucial for maintaining public spaces, commercial properties, and residential areas, especially during the shorter but intense summer months. The NWT government actively seeks to fill labour gaps, and individuals with a valid job offer in a TEER 4 occupation can find a viable route to settling in the territory. The primary immigration pathway for this occupation is the NTNP's Employer Driven Stream for Semi-Skilled Occupations. This stream is designed for individuals who have secured a full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation. Success hinges on obtaining a genuine job offer, demonstrating the employer's inability to find a suitable Canadian candidate, and meeting language and work experience requirements. While the median wage for this role is $17/hour, the cost of living in the NWT can be higher than the national average, requiring careful financial planning. Despite the challenges of remoteness and climate, the NWT offers a close-knit community experience, potential for career growth within the labour sector, and a direct route to Canadian permanent residency for those committed to living and working in the North.

📊 Job Market in Northwest Territories

Demand
Medium
Salary Range
$35,000 - $45,000/year
Top Cities
Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River

The job market for landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers in NWT is stable, driven by the need for essential services in communities, though often seasonal. Consistent demand exists for reliable workers in both public and private sectors.

Eligible Immigration Programs

🇨🇦
CEC
Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry
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PNP
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

💼 Related Job Titles

LandscaperGroundskeeperLawn care worker

📚 Education & Language Requirements

Education Required
High school diploma + on-the-job training
Minimum Language
CLB 4 — IELTS ~4.0+

📍 About Northwest Territories

Capital
Yellowknife
Province Code
NT
PNP Program
NT PNP
Top Industries
MiningGovernmentTourismEnergy

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

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1. Secure a Job Offer in NWT
Your first and most crucial step is to obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NWT employer. The job offer must be for NOC 85120, and the employer must be able to demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.
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2. Obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (If Required)
For most TEER 4 occupations, your employer will likely need to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available.
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3. Apply for a Temporary Work Permit
Once you have a job offer and a positive LMIA (if required), you can apply for a temporary work permit. This allows you to legally work in the NWT while your permanent residency application is processed. You must meet all eligibility criteria for a work permit, including health and criminality checks.
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4. Apply to the NTNP Employer Driven Stream (Semi-Skilled Occupations)
With your valid work permit and having gained at least six months of full-time work experience in the NWT with your employer, you can apply to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) Employer Driven Stream for Semi-Skilled Occupations. Both you and your employer must meet specific criteria, including language proficiency (CLB 4) and demonstrating intent to reside in the NWT.
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5. Receive NTNP Nomination
If your application to the NTNP is successful, you will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate. This certificate significantly strengthens your application for Canadian permanent residency.
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6. Apply for Permanent Residence to IRCC
With your NTNP nomination, you can then submit your official application for Permanent Residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application will undergo federal processing, including further background, security, and medical checks. You will typically apply under the Provincial Nominee Class.

🏛️ Northwest Territories PNP Tips

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) Employer Driven Stream for Semi-Skilled Occupations is the most direct route for Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers. A critical tip for success is to focus intensely on securing a legitimate, full-time, and permanent job offer from an NWT employer. Employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents and could not find suitable candidates. Building a strong relationship with your prospective employer is key, as their support is integral to the nomination process; they must complete a significant portion of the application and commit to supporting your settlement in the NWT. Once employed, ensure you accumulate the required six months of full-time work experience with your NWT employer before applying for nomination. During this period, actively demonstrate your commitment to living and working in the territory. This includes integrating into the community, understanding the local culture, and proving your reliability as an employee. Language proficiency is also vital; you must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English or French. Prepare for language tests early in your process. Finally, be prepared for the NWT's unique environment – demonstrating adaptability and a genuine desire to settle in a northern community will reflect positively on your application.

📋 Licensing & Certification

Professional licensing or certification is generally not required for the occupation of Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourer (NOC 85120) in the Northwest Territories. However, specific tasks within this role may require certifications, such as pesticide application licenses, chainsaw operation certification, or heavy equipment operation certification. Employers typically provide or facilitate training for these specific requirements if needed for the job.

💡 Practical Tips

  • Be prepared for the NWT's extreme climate, including short summers and long, harsh winters. Landscaping work can be seasonal, so plan for potential work variations.
  • Network within the community to find employment opportunities, as many jobs in the NWT are found through word-of-mouth.
  • A valid driver's license (NWT Class 5 equivalent) is highly beneficial, as many roles may require operating vehicles or light equipment.
  • Research the cost of living in NWT communities, which is significantly higher than in other Canadian provinces, especially for housing and groceries. Budget accordingly.
  • Embrace the unique northern lifestyle; NWT communities are often small and tight-knit, offering distinct cultural experiences and outdoor activities.
  • Develop strong communication skills and a good work ethic, as reliability and teamwork are highly valued in NWT workplaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a job offer mandatory for immigration to the NWT for this occupation?
Yes, for the primary pathway through the NTNP Employer Driven Stream (Semi-Skilled Occupations), a full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer is mandatory.
What are the language requirements for NOC 85120 under the NTNP?
Applicants for the NTNP Employer Driven Stream (Semi-Skilled Occupations) must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English or French.
Is landscaping work in the NWT mostly seasonal?
Yes, much of the landscaping work is seasonal due to the climate. However, some employers may offer year-round employment that includes winter maintenance tasks or other general labour duties.
What is the average cost of living in the Northwest Territories?
The cost of living in the NWT, particularly in Yellowknife, is higher than the Canadian national average, with housing and food being significant expenses. Careful financial planning is essential.
Can my family accompany me if I immigrate to the NWT through the NTNP?
Yes, if you are nominated by the NWT and approved for permanent residency, your accompanying family members (spouse/common-law partner and dependent children) can be included in your permanent residency application.

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