105 Workers Invited Through Northwest Territories Program

The Northwest Territories invited 105 foreign workers to apply for territorial nomination on September 25, 2026, through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, or NTNP.

Candidates who receive a territorial nomination can later apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. Some nominees may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit after submitting their permanent residence application.

A temporary federal measure introduced on June 9, 2026, also allows certain base Provincial Nominee Program applicants applying from within Canada to seek a bridging permit earlier. Eligible applicants no longer need to wait for an Acknowledgement of Receipt before applying.

Three Employer-Driven Pathways Used

The September 25 draw targeted candidates under three pathways of the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream.

The program issued 58 invitations through the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled pathway, 26 through NWT Express Entry and 21 through the Skilled Workers pathway.

Candidate scores ranged from 317 to 492.

The territory considered 197 profiles during the draw. Of the invitations issued, 96 went to workers based in Yellowknife, while eight went to workers outside the city.

The September round was the final scheduled Employer-Driven Stream draw of 2026.

NTNP Issues 353 Invitations in 2026

The Northwest Territories held four Employer-Driven Stream draws during 2026 and issued 353 invitations in total.

The March 25 draw issued 65 invitations after considering 295 profiles. On June 25, the territory issued 79 invitations from 300 profiles.

The August 26 draw produced 104 invitations after officials reviewed 260 profiles. The latest September draw added another 105 invitations.

Across those rounds, the territory continued selecting candidates through Entry Level/Semi-Skilled, NWT Express Entry and Skilled Worker pathways.

Expression of Interest System Continues

The NTNP changed its Employer-Driven Stream intake system in late February 2026. The territory replaced its previous first-come, first-served process with an Expression of Interest, or EOI, system because of high demand.

Candidates can receive a maximum of 845 points.

Up to 375 points are available for skills and experience, including education, work history, language ability and age. Connections to the Northwest Territories can provide up to 340 points, while settlement factors can provide another 130.

Candidates must first secure an eligible job offer from an employer in the territory.

The employer creates a program account for the worker, and the candidate then submits an EOI profile. Profiles remain active for 12 months.

The territory reviews and scores active profiles before holding selection rounds. Candidates who receive invitations can proceed to the nomination stage, where their employer submits the application on their behalf.

Next Draw Expected in 2027

The Northwest Territories says its next Employer-Driven Stream draw is expected in early 2027. Officials plan to confirm the date later in 2026.

The federal government also increased the territory’s nomination allocation in August, allowing the NTNP to nominate up to 300 successful applicants in 2026. The previous annual allocation was 197.

The NTNP also accepts qualifying applications through its Francophone and Business streams.