Canada’s NWT Nominee Program Sets 2026 Nomination Targets, Implements New EOI Process

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated 197 provincial nomination spaces to the Northwest Territories (NWT) for 2026. This allocation matches the total number of nomination spots the territory held at the end of 2025 following a mid-year increase.

Alongside this announcement, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has introduced a significant update to its selection system. Beginning in 2026, the territory will implement an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for all pathways under the Employer-Driven Stream.

The intake for both the Employer-Driven Stream and the Francophone Stream will officially open on March 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. MST.

The announcement was made on the territorial government’s official news page on February 18, 2026.

New EOI Model to Apply to Employer-Driven Stream

The newly introduced EOI system will apply exclusively to the Employer-Driven Stream, which includes:

• Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations
• Skilled Worker
• NWT Express Entry

Under the updated process, both the employer and the foreign worker must complete specific steps.

Step 1: Employer Registration

The employer must first register and create an online account under the Employer-Driven Stream category.

Step 2: Candidate Submits EOI

Once the employer completes their portion, the candidate must fill out an Expression of Interest survey. This generates a profile that enters the candidate into a selection pool.

Candidates will then be assigned scores based on various human capital and labour market factors.

How Candidates Will Be Ranked

Profiles will be ranked according to a points grid system that evaluates:

• Language proficiency – Maximum 125 points
• Age – Maximum 50 points
• Work experience – Maximum 100 points
• Education – Maximum 100 points
• Connections to the NWT labour market – Maximum 340 points
• Adaptability to the NWT – Maximum 130 points

The highest-ranking candidates will receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in upcoming EOI draws. It is important to note that once invited, applications will be assessed in the order they are received.

Francophone and Business Streams Remain Unchanged

The Francophone Stream and Business Stream will continue operating on a first-come, first-served basis, without the EOI model.

Why NWT Introduced the EOI System

The shift to an EOI-based selection system follows public consultations conducted in September 2025. Employers, prospective immigrants, and community stakeholders called for:

• A more transparent intake system
• Better alignment with territorial labour market needs
• A simplified and more efficient application process

According to the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Employer-Driven Stream experiences significantly higher demand compared to the other streams, making an EOI model necessary to better manage applications.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Caitlin Cleveland, stated that the changes aim to ensure the territory attracts the talent it needs while helping newcomers build long-term roots and contribute to economic and social growth.

Upcoming 2026 EOI Draws

Multiple EOI draws are expected under the Employer-Driven Stream in 2026.

• First draw: March 25, 2026
• Up to 65 candidates will be invited in the first round

The total number of draws planned for 2026 has not yet been confirmed.

For more updates on Canada PNP programs, Express Entry draws, and provincial nomination changes, stay connected with Oasis Visas.

If you are planning to apply under a Provincial Nominee Program in 2026, contact our team today to assess your eligibility and improve your chances of success.

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