Nunavut Immigration & Settlement Guide

Overview of Nunavut

Nunavut is Canada's largest territory by land area and its northernmost jurisdiction. It spans the central and eastern Canadian Arctic and includes the mainland and a vast Arctic archipelago. Iqaluit is the capital and largest community, while other regional centres include Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Baker Lake and Pond Inlet. Inuit culture, language and self-government are fundamental to territorial life: Inuit make up the large majority of the population, and Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun are central to community and cultural life. The economy combines public administration, construction, transportation, retail and other local services with mining, fisheries, arts and cultural activities, tourism and emerging resource development. Because communities are remote and transportation is often by air or seasonal marine service, the cost and availability of housing, goods and services can differ substantially from southern Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program & Express Entry

Healthcare coverage in Nunavut

Provincial health insurance is not governed by one Canada-wide waiting-period rule. Eligibility can differ for permanent residents, citizens, work-permit holders, study-permit holders, visitors and other temporary residents.

Sales taxes and provincial tax structure

Canada uses a mix of HST and separate GST/PST or GST/QST systems. The rate that applies can also depend on the supply, place of supply and whether the product or service is taxable.

This is a general rate reference, not a calculation of the tax on a particular transaction. Product-specific exemptions, rebates, place-of-supply rules and other tax rules can change the amount payable.

Foreign driver's licence and employment rules

Settlement & Compliance Steps

1. Choose a federal immigration pathwayBecause Nunavut has no nominee program, determine whether you qualify for Express Entry, another federal economic program, family sponsorship, or another federal immigration pathway.
2. Secure employment where requiredIf your federal pathway or temporary work-permit strategy requires a job offer, find a qualifying employer in a Nunavut community and verify the employment and work-permit requirements.
3. Complete the federal immigration processSubmit your Express Entry profile or other applicable federal application to IRCC. Nunavut does not issue a provincial or territorial nomination.
4. Arrange housing and community logisticsConfirm accommodation, transportation, employment location and community-specific services before moving because Nunavut communities are not connected by a territorial road network.
5. Apply for Nunavut health coverageAfter establishing Nunavut residency and meeting the applicable status requirements, submit the Nunavut Health Care Plan registration with proof of identity, status and residency.
6. Plan for the health coverage transitionPeople moving from another Canadian jurisdiction should account for the three-month portability waiting period. Qualifying permanent residents and certain workers arriving from outside Canada can have first-day coverage.
7. Obtain a Nunavut driver's licenceA new Nunavut resident with a licence from another province, territory or state must obtain a Nunavut licence within 30 days. Bring the documents needed to establish identity, residency, status and driving experience.
8. Connect with community servicesUse local and federally supported newcomer, employment and community services to navigate housing, language, transportation, health and settlement needs.

These steps come from the imported province data used by this component. They should be maintained against the relevant provincial authority whenever a legal or procedural rule changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nunavut