Northwest Territories Opens Employer-Driven and Francophone Immigration Streams

Starting at noon on March 9, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) opened its Employer-Driven and Francophone Streams to candidates. This new phase follows the program’s switch to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for its Employer-Driven Stream in late February.

EOI Draws for Employer-Driven Stream

The NTNP will hold its first Expression of Interest (EOI) draw on March 25, 2026. Up to 65 eligible candidates will be invited to apply through this draw. However, the government has not yet announced the dates for subsequent draws, but it expects multiple draws throughout the year.

The Francophone Stream, on the other hand, will continue to accept applications directly on a first-come, first-served basis.

The federal government has granted the Northwest Territories 197 nomination spaces for 2026, opening the door to more opportunities for eligible applicants.

Employer-Driven Stream: What You Need to Know

To apply under the Employer-Driven Stream, you must first have a job offer from an employer based in the Northwest Territories. This stream includes three pathways:

1. Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
   
2. Skilled Worker
   
3. NWT Express Entry

For this employer-driven stream, candidates cannot apply on their own behalf. Instead, their employer must submit the application.

Once you receive a qualifying job offer, here’s the process:

Step 1: Employer Registration

Your employer must register and create an account in the NTNP’s online application portal, selecting the “Employer-Driven Stream.”

Step 2: Complete an EOI Survey

After your employer registers, you must complete an EOI survey. This survey assigns points based on several factors, including:

• Human Capital (max 375 points): Language proficiency, age, work experience, and education level.
  
• Connections to NWT Labour Market (max 340 points): Factors such as the level of employment, time employed in the NWT, and whether you have a job offer or work permit.
  
• Adaptability (max 130 points): Having family in the NWT or completing post-secondary education there.
  

Each candidate’s profile will be assigned a score. The highest-ranking profiles, based on points, will be invited to apply.

Step 3: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your employer’s profile ranks high enough, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the EOI draw. Successful applicants will be nominated for permanent residency.

It’s important to note that applications will be processed in the order they are received. If your employer’s profile doesn’t get selected in the draw, they cannot submit an application.

Francophone and Business Streams

The NTNP’s Francophone Stream and Business Stream operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no EOI system involved. The Business Stream is designed for individuals who wish to start or acquire a business in the Northwest Territories.

Path to Permanent Residency (PR)

The next step after receiving a nomination depends on which stream you were nominated through:

• Base Streams (e.g., Francophone or Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations): If nominated through these streams, candidates can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
  
• Express Entry Pathway: If nominated through the NWT Express Entry pathway, candidates receive 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This nearly guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
  

Moving Forward

The NTNP’s opening of the Employer-Driven and Francophone Streams provides new opportunities for those interested in living and working in the Northwest Territories. The program’s transition to the EOI model for the Employer-Driven Stream ensures more transparency and efficiency in the selection process. The year ahead looks promising for candidates hoping to build a future in the NWT.