The Northwest Territories Nominee Program has received a significant boost from the federal government, gaining 103 additional nomination spaces for 2026. This increase raises the territory’s total allocation for the year from 197 to 300 nominations—matching the level the Northwest Territories Nominee Program ultimately reached by the end of 2025 following two separate increases that year.
As a direct result of this expanded allocation, the NTNP will hold an additional Expression of Interest draw on August 26, 2026, under its Employer-Driven Stream, giving candidates and employers a new opportunity to participate in the program this year.
Quick Highlights : Northwest Territories Nominee Program
- The Northwest Territories Nominee Program allocation has increased from 197 to 300 nominations for 2026
- A new EOI draw has been added for August 26, 2026 under the Employer-Driven Stream
- Job offer holders must have their employers submit an application by August 24, 2026 to be considered
- Two online information sessions are scheduled for August 18 and August 20 via Zoom
- The territory has completed two draws so far in 2026, on March 25 and June 25
- The NTNP will now hold four total draws in 2026, with the final round scheduled for September 25
- NWT Express Entry candidates received the most invitations in both completed draws this year
Why This Allocation Increase Matters
The Government of the Northwest Territories confirmed the news through a release on the NTNP news page on August 7, framing the increase as a direct result of sustained advocacy efforts. According to the release, “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.”
This context matters significantly for anyone tracking the Northwest Territories Nominee Program throughout the year. The jump from 197 to 300 represents more than a modest adjustment—it’s a substantial 52% increase in the territory’s total nomination capacity for 2026, directly translating into an entirely new draw round that would not otherwise have taken place.
The New August 26 Draw
With this expanded capacity, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program will conduct an additional Expression of Interest draw on August 26, 2026, specifically under the Employer-Driven Stream. Candidates with job offers must have their employer submit an application by August 24, 2026 to be eligible for consideration in this new round.
To support candidates and employers preparing for this draw, the territory has scheduled two online information sessions via Zoom:
- August 18, 2026, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (registration deadline: August 17 at 5:00 p.m.)
- August 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (registration deadline: August 19 at 12:00 p.m.)
Those interested in attending can request the Zoom link by emailing immigration@gov.nt.ca, and French interpretation will be made available for both sessions.
Four Total Draws Now Scheduled for 2026
With this addition, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program will now conduct four total draws in 2026, up from the previously scheduled three. The territory has already completed its first two rounds this year, on March 25 and June 25, with results as follows:
| Date of Draw | Invitations Issued | Breakdown by Pathway | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 25 | 65 | NWT Express Entry: 32, Skilled Workers: 20, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled: 13 | 417–597 |
| June 25 | 79 | NWT Express Entry: 40, Skilled Workers: 20, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled: 19 | 336–590 |
In both completed rounds, candidates under the NWT Express Entry pathway of the Employer-Driven Stream received the highest number of invitations, confirming this pathway as the current dominant route within the Northwest Territories Nominee Program this year. Geographically, Yellowknife-based candidates accounted for the majority of selections in both draws—37 of 65 in March and 52 of 79 in June—though candidates outside Yellowknife also received meaningful representation in each round.
With the newly added August 26 draw now confirmed, the final scheduled round of the year will take place on September 25, 2026, considering profiles submitted to the EOI pool by September 22.
How to Be Considered Under the Employer-Driven Stream
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program shifted its Employer-Driven Stream to a formal Expression of Interest intake system in late February 2026, a response to increasingly high demand for the program. Under this system, candidates submit an EOI and receive a score based on three weighted categories:
Skills and experience (max 375 points): age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
Ties to the NWT (max 340 points): current employment or employment status, a trades-related job offer, or previous employment within the territory.
Ability to establish in the NWT (max 130 points): family ties to the territory or previous post-secondary study there.
A detailed points breakdown is available through the territory’s official website for candidates wanting to calculate their expected score before submitting an EOI.
EOI profiles submitted through the Northwest Territories Nominee Program remain valid for 12 months from the date of submission. As a profile approaches expiry, the candidate receives notice of the withdrawal date and may then submit a new EOI to remain under consideration for future draws.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Consideration under the Employer-Driven Stream requires coordinated action from both the candidate and their employer:
- The candidate obtains a job offer from a supporting employer
- Both the candidate and employer confirm they meet all Employer-Driven Stream requirements
- The employer registers and creates an account for the candidate in the NTNP’s online application portal, selecting “Employer-Driven Stream”
- Using the employer’s login credentials, the candidate completes and submits the EOI profile, receiving a candidate score
- The NTNP reviews EOI submissions and invites employers of the highest-ranking candidates to submit a complete nomination application through periodic draws
Successful applicants receive a nomination certificate and can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Upon approval, the successful PR applicant receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Other Pathways Within the NTNP
Beyond the Employer-Driven Stream covered by these EOI draws, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s Francophone Stream and Business Stream continue to operate independently on a first-come, first-served basis, rather than through the periodic draw system used for the Employer-Driven Stream.
What Candidates and Employers Should Do Now
Given the new August 26 draw, candidates with job offers from Northwest Territories employers should ensure their EOI profile is complete and accurate, and coordinate closely with their employer to confirm the required application submission occurs before the August 24 deadline.
Anyone still uncertain about their eligibility or the application process should register for one of the two upcoming Zoom information sessions, given the relatively tight turnaround before the August 26 draw itself. Employers considering supporting a candidate for the first time should familiarize themselves with the portal registration process well in advance, given the coordinated, multi-step nature of the Employer-Driven Stream application.
Key Takeaways Of Northwest Territories Nominee Program
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program has received a meaningful capacity increase for 2026, jumping from 197 to 300 total nominations and directly enabling a new draw round on August 26. With two draws already completed this year favouring NWT Express Entry candidates, and a final round scheduled for September 25, the territory now offers four distinct opportunities for candidates and employers to participate in 2026—a genuine expansion driven by the territory’s ongoing advocacy for its specific labour market needs.
FAQs : Northwest Territories Nominee Program
Why did the Northwest Territories Nominee Program receive additional nomination spaces?
The federal government granted 103 additional spaces, raising the territory’s 2026 allocation from 197 to 300, reflecting the Government of the Northwest Territories’ advocacy for its immigration priorities and unique labour market needs.
When is the new EOI draw taking place?
The additional draw is scheduled for August 26, 2026, under the Employer-Driven Stream, with employer applications due by August 24, 2026.
How many total draws will the NTNP hold in 2026?
The program will now hold four total draws in 2026: completed rounds on March 25 and June 25, the newly added August 26 draw, and a final round on September 25.
Which pathway has received the most invitations so far in 2026?
NWT Express Entry candidates under the Employer-Driven Stream received the highest number of invitations in both completed 2026 draws.
How long does an EOI profile remain valid under the NTNP?
EOI profiles remain valid for 12 months from submission. Candidates receive notice as their profile nears expiry and may submit a new EOI to remain under consideration.
Source : CIC News
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