Northwest Territories Receives 103 Additional Immigration Nomination Spaces for 2026

The Northwest Territories has received an additional 103 nomination spaces from the Canadian federal government for 2026, significantly increasing the number of candidates who can be nominated for permanent residence through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP).

With this increase, the territory’s total allocation for 2026 has risen from 197 to 300 nominations. This brings the Northwest Territories back to the same allocation level it reached at the end of 2025 after receiving two additional increases.

Additional NTNP Draw Scheduled for August 26

Following the increase in nomination spaces, the Northwest Territories will conduct an additional Expression of Interest (EOI) draw on August 26, 2026, under its Employer-Driven Stream.

Candidates with eligible job offers who want to be considered for this draw must ensure that their employers submit the required application by August 24, 2026.

The Government of the Northwest Territories announced the additional allocation and upcoming draw in a news release published on August 7, 2026.

NTNP Information Sessions for Candidates and Employers

The Northwest Territories government will also hold two online information sessions for foreign nationals and employers who want to learn more about the NTNP application process.

The sessions will take place through Zoom:

• August 18, 2026: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: August 17 at 5:00 p.m.
• August 20, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  Registration deadline: August 19 at 12:00 p.m.

Four NTNP Draws Planned for 2026

With the additional draw, the Northwest Territories will conduct a total of four NTNP draws in 2026.

The territory has already completed two draws this year, on March 25 and June 25.

NTNP Draw Results for 2026

Draw Date	Invitations Issued	Invitations by Pathway	Location	Candidate Score Range
March 25	65	NWT Express Entry: 32Skilled Workers: 20Entry Level/Semi-Skilled: 13	Yellowknife: 37Outside Yellowknife: 28	417–597
June 25	79	NWT Express Entry: 40Skilled Workers: 20Entry Level/Semi-Skilled: 19	Yellowknife: 52Outside Yellowknife: 27	336–590

The NWT Express Entry pathway under the Employer-Driven Stream issued the highest number of invitations in both draws.

The final NTNP draw of 2026 is scheduled for September 25, 2026. Candidates must have submitted their EOI profiles by September 22 to be considered.

The NTNP’s Francophone Stream and Business Stream will continue to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to the Northwest Territories government, returning to 300 nomination spaces reflects its continued efforts to ensure that the territory’s immigration allocation supports its labour market requirements and immigration priorities.

How Does the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream Work?

The Northwest Territories moved its Employer-Driven Stream to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system in February 2026 because of high demand for the program.

Under the EOI system, candidates submit their profiles and receive a score based on several factors.

1. Skills and Experience – Up to 375 Points

Candidates can receive points based on factors including:

• Age
• Education
• Language proficiency
• Work experience

2. Ties to the Northwest Territories – Up to 340 Points

Points may be awarded for:

• Current employment or employment status in the territory
• A trades-related job offer
• Previous employment in the Northwest Territories

3. Ability to Establish in the Northwest Territories – Up to 130 Points

Candidates may receive points for:

• Family connections in the Northwest Territories
• Previous post-secondary education in the territory

EOI profiles remain valid for 12 months after submission. Candidates are notified when their profiles are approaching expiry and may submit a new EOI profile.

Steps to Apply Through the Employer-Driven Stream

Both the candidate and the supporting employer have responsibilities during the NTNP application process.

The process generally involves:

1. The candidate obtains a qualifying job offer from an eligible employer in the Northwest Territories.
2. The candidate and employer make sure they meet the requirements of the Employer-Driven Stream.
3. The employer registers and creates an account for the candidate through the NTNP online application portal and selects the Employer-Driven Stream.
4. The candidate uses the employer’s login credentials to complete and submit their EOI profile.
5. The NTNP assigns the candidate a score based on the EOI points system.
6. During scheduled draws, the NTNP reviews the highest-ranking candidates and invites their employers to submit complete nomination applications.
7. Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination certificate.
8. The candidate can then apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence.
9. If the permanent residence application is approved, the applicant receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

What This Means for Immigration Candidates

The increase from 197 to 300 nomination spaces gives eligible foreign workers another opportunity to pursue permanent residence through the Northwest Territories.

Candidates with qualifying employment and strong connections to the territory may benefit from the additional EOI draw scheduled for August 26, 2026.

If you are considering immigration to Canada through a provincial or territorial nominee program, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements, EOI scoring system and application deadlines before submitting a profile.

Oasis Visas can help you understand your Canadian immigration options and assess which pathway may be suitable for your profile.

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