The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) received an additional 103 nomination spaces for 2026, raising the territory’s annual allocation from 197 to 300. The increase matches the total slots the program held at the end of 2025 after two prior adjustments.
New draw and deadlines
- An extra Expression of Interest (EOI) draw under the Employer‑Driven Stream is scheduled for 26 August 2026.
- Employers must submit their applications by 24 August 2026 for candidates to be considered in this draw.
The Government of the Northwest Territories announced the change in a news release on 7 August 2026.
Information sessions
Two virtual sessions are offered for prospective candidates and employers:
| Date & Time (ET) | Registration deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| 18 August 2026, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | 17 August, 5:00 p.m. | [email protected] |
| 20 August 2026, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. | 19 August, 12:00 p.m. | [email protected] |
Zoom links are provided upon registration; French interpretation will be available.
2026 draw schedule and results
The NTNP will hold four draws in 2026. The first two have already taken place:
| Date of draw | Invitations issued | Pathway breakdown | Location of selections | Candidate score range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 March 2026 | 65 | NWT Express Entry: 32 · Skilled Workers: 20 · Entry‑Level/Semi‑Skilled: 13 | Yellowknife: 37 · Outside Yellowknife: 28 | 417 – 597 |
| 25 June 2026 | 79 | NWT Express Entry: 40 · Skilled Workers: 20 · Entry‑Level/Semi‑Skilled: 19 | Yellowknife: 52 · Outside Yellowknife: 27 | 336 – 590 |
The NWT Express Entry pathway of the Employer‑Driven Stream received the most invitations in both draws.
The final draw is slated for 25 September 2026, with profiles submitted to the EOI pool by 22 September 2026 being eligible. The Francophone Stream and Business Stream continue on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
“A return to 300 allocations reflects ongoing advocacy by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to ensure the territory’s immigration priorities and unique labour market needs are reflected in its allocation numbers,” – GNWT news release, 7 August 2026.
How the Employer‑Driven Stream works
In late February 2026, the NTNP shifted the Employer‑Driven Stream to an Expression of Interest (EOI) intake model to manage high demand. Candidates submit an EOI and receive a score based on three categories:
| Category | Maximum points | Factors considered |
|---|---|---|
| Skills and experience | 375 | Age, education, language proficiency, work experience |
| Ties to the NWT | 340 | Current or previous employment in the territory, trades‑related job offer |
| Ability to establish in the NWT | 130 | Family ties, prior post‑secondary study in the territory |
A detailed points grid is available on the NTNP website. EOIs remain valid for 12 months; candidates are notified before expiry and may submit a new profile.
Process overview
- Job offer – The candidate secures a qualifying offer from a NWT employer.
- Eligibility check – Both candidate and employer confirm they meet the Employer‑Driven Stream requirements.
- Employer registration – The employer creates an account in the NTNP online portal and selects “Employer‑Driven Stream.”
- EOI submission – Using the employer’s login, the candidate completes the EOI form and receives a score.
- Invitation – NTNP reviews EOIs and invites the highest‑scoring candidates’ employers to submit a full nomination application during scheduled draws.
- Nomination and PR – Successful nominees receive a nomination certificate, then apply to the federal government for permanent residence and obtain a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if approved.
The points‑based EOI system and the increased allocation aim to address the Northwest Territories’ specific labour market needs while providing a transparent pathway for skilled foreign workers.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
