Northwest Territories Gains 103 More Immigration Spots

The Northwest Territories has received 103 additional nomination spaces for 2026, raising its Northwest Territories Nominee Program allocation from 197 to 300.

The total matches the territory’s 2025 allocation after two increases. The territorial government announced the allocation in an August 7 news release.

The increase will allow the NTNP to hold another Expression of Interest draw under its Employer-Driven Stream on August 26, 2026. Employers supporting foreign nationals with qualifying job offers must submit an application by August 24 to be considered.

More Draws Added for 2026

The NTNP will now conduct four draws this year.

The March draw issued 65 invitations: 32 through NWT Express Entry, 20 to Skilled Workers and 13 through Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations. Thirty-seven selections were in Yellowknife and 28 were outside the city. Scores ranged from 417 to 597.

The June 25 draw issued 79 invitations: 40 through NWT Express Entry, 20 to Skilled Workers and 19 through Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations. Fifty-two selections were in Yellowknife and 27 were elsewhere. Scores ranged from 336 to 590.

NWT Express Entry candidates received the most invitations in both draws.

The final draw is scheduled for September 25 and will consider EOI profiles submitted by September 22. The Francophone Stream and Business Stream will 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,” the government said.

August Information Sessions Scheduled

Two Zoom information sessions will be offered to foreign nationals and employers.

The first will run August 18 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration closing August 17 at 5 p.m. The second will take place August 20 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with registration due by noon August 19.

Participants can request the Zoom link at immigration@gov.nt.ca. French interpretation will be available.

How the Employer-Driven Stream Works

The NTNP moved the Employer-Driven Stream to an Expression of Interest system in late February 2026 because of high demand.

Candidates are scored in three areas: skills and experience, worth up to 375 points; ties to the NWT, worth up to 340; and ability to establish in the territory, worth up to 130.

The system considers age, education, language ability, work experience, employment and job offers in the NWT, family ties and previous post-secondary study.

EOI profiles remain valid for 12 months. Candidates are notified before expiry and may submit a new profile.

To participate, a candidate must have a job offer from a supporting employer. The employer creates an NTNP portal account, after which the candidate completes the EOI and receives a score.

The NTNP ranks profiles and invites employers supporting the highest-scoring candidates to submit full nomination applications.

Successful applicants receive a nomination certificate and can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. If approved, they receive confirmation of permanent residence.