The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced that the 2026 allocation for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has been increased by 103 nominations, bringing the total annual allocation from 197 to 300.

The increase follows advocacy by provincial and territorial governments to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which determines Provincial and Territorial Nominee Program allocations each year.

With this increase, the Northwest Territories’ allocation has returned to the same level as in 2024 and 2025. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has stated that it fully utilized its nomination allocations in both years.

Following the increase in nomination spaces, the GNWT will conduct an additional Expression of Interest (EOI) draw on August 26, 2026.

To be considered for this draw, applications must be submitted by August 24, 2026.

Two Employer-Driven Stream draws have already taken place in 2026:

March 25 Draw Results 

• Invitations issued: 65
• NWT Express Entry: 32
• Skilled Worker: 20
• Entry Level / Semi-Skilled: 13
• Scores: 417–597

June 25 Draw Results 

• Invitations issued: 79
• NWT Express Entry: 40
• Skilled Worker: 20
• Entry Level / Semi-Skilled: 19
• Scores: 336–590

In addition to the newly announced August 26 draw, the final draw of 2026 is scheduled for September 25. EOI profiles must be submitted by September 22 to be considered for the September draw.

This means that a total of four EOI draws are expected to take place under the program in 2026.

Since February 2026, the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream has operated under an Expression of Interest system.

The EOI system was introduced in response to increasing demand and following public consultations in 2025, during which employers, prospective immigrants, and community members expressed the need for a clearer and fairer intake process.

Candidates who submit an EOI are ranked based on factors such as:

• Skills and experience, including age, education, official language proficiency, and work experience;
• Connections to the Northwest Territories, including current employment, job offers in trade occupations, and previous work experience in the territory; and
• Likelihood of remaining in the Northwest Territories, including previous education in the territory and family connections.

Under the Employer-Driven Stream, candidates generally need a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer in the Northwest Territories. Candidates are then ranked through the EOI system, with higher-ranking candidates having a better chance of being selected.

The Northwest Territories initially received only 197 nomination spaces for 2026. The addition of 103 spaces represents an increase of approximately 52% and brings the territory’s annual allocation back to 300.

This is particularly positive news for foreign workers who are already living and working in the Northwest Territories. The EOI points system rewards factors such as current employment and previous work experience in the territory, meaning candidates with established ties to the Northwest Territories may be particularly well positioned.

However, it is important to understand that simply meeting the eligibility requirements or obtaining a job offer from an employer in the Northwest Territories does not guarantee a nomination.

Because the Employer-Driven Stream now operates under a competitive EOI ranking system, being eligible for the program and receiving an invitation to apply are two different things.

Those currently working in the Northwest Territories, or considering obtaining a job offer in the territory as a pathway to Canadian permanent residence, should review their eligibility and potential EOI score carefully.

Immigration programs and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Applicants should always confirm the latest requirements before proceeding with an application.

With the expansion of the Northwest Territories (NTNP) nomination allocation, many people likely have questions such as how many points they would score under the new EOI system or how they should proceed with preparations for future applications.

At the Shiraishi Visa JP Canada free consultation, we carefully listen to your current visa status, work history, and future goals, and clearly organize and guide you through the overall picture for your application based on the latest general NTNP information.

• You want to confirm the basic requirements for permanent residence programs in the Northwest Territories, such as the Employer Driven Stream
• You want to grasp the general flow regarding the mechanics of the new EOI point system and the necessary preparations

If this applies to you, please feel free to utilize our free consultation.