The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has received 103 more nomination spaces from the federal government for 2026.
The increase takes the territory’s total nomination allocation for the year from 197 to 300. This is the same number of nominations the territory reached by the end of 2025 after receiving two increases during the year.
The additional spaces will allow the NTNP to hold another Expression of Interest (EOI) draw under its Employer-Driven Stream.
The extra draw is scheduled for August 26, 2026. Employers supporting job offer holders must submit their applications by August 24, 2026, for candidates to be considered in this draw.
The Government of the Northwest Territories announced the additional nomination spaces and updated draw schedule on August 7.
Additional EOI Draw Scheduled
The NTNP will now hold four EOI draws during 2026. The first two draws were held on March 25 and June 25.
The additional draw on August 26 will give more candidates with qualifying job offers an opportunity to receive a territorial nomination.
Employers and foreign nationals looking for more information can also attend two online information sessions. Both sessions will take place through Zoom.
- August 18, 2026: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Registration deadline: August 17 at 5:00 p.m.
- August 20, 2026: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Registration deadline: August 19 at 12:00 p.m.
Those interested in attending can email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link. French interpretation will also be available.
The NTNP has scheduled its final draw of 2026 for September 25. The draw will consider EOI profiles submitted by September 22.
The Francophone Stream and Business Stream will continue to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Northwest Territories government said the return to 300 nomination spaces reflects its efforts to make sure federal allocations match the territory’s immigration priorities and labour market needs.
NTNP Draw Results In 2026
The territory has already completed two selection rounds this year. The results are outlined below:
| Date Of Draw | Invitations Issued | Breakdown Of Selections By Pathway | Location Of Selections | Range Of Candidate Scores |
| March 25 | 65 | NWT Express Entry: 32Skilled Workers: 20Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations: 13 | Yellowknife: 37Outside Yellowknife: 28 | 417–597 |
| June 25 | 79 | NWT Express Entry: 40Skilled Workers: 20Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations: 19 | Yellowknife: 52Outside Yellowknife: 27 | 336–590 |
Candidates under the NWT Express Entry pathway received the highest number of invitations in both rounds.
Employer-Driven Stream Selection
The NTNP moved its Employer-Driven Stream to an Expression of Interest system in late February 2026. The program made the change after receiving a high number of applications.
Candidates first submit an EOI profile and receive a score based on several factors.
- Skills and experience (max 375 points): age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
- Ties to the NWT (max 340 points): current employment or employment status, a trades-related job offer, or previous employment in the territory.
- Ability to establish in the NWT (max 130 points): family ties to the NWT or previous post-secondary study in the territory.
A detailed points breakdown is available through the territory’s official website.
EOI profiles remain valid for 12 months after submission. Candidates receive a notice when their profile is nearing its expiry date and can submit a new profile if needed.
How The Employer-Driven Stream Works?
Both the candidate and the employer have responsibilities under the Employer-Driven Stream.
The process works as follows:
- The candidate obtains a job offer from the supporting employer.
- Both the candidate and employer ensure they meet the requirements of the Employer-Driven Stream.
- The Employer registers and creates an account for the candidate in the NTNP’s online application portal, selecting ‘Employer-Driven Stream.’
- Using the Employer’s login credentials, the candidate fills out and submits the EOI profile, and receives a candidate score.
The NTNP reviews EOI submissions and invites employers of NTNP candidates with the highest-ranking scores to submit a complete nomination application to the program through periodic draws.
Successful applicants receive a nomination certificate and can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. If approved, the applicant receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
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