NWT Nominee Program sets 2026 nomination cap, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has given the Northwest Territories a total nomination allocation of 197 for 2026. This number remains the same as the final allocation the territory had at the end of 2025 after a late increase.
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has also updated how candidates will be selected in 2026. The program is introducing an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for all pathways under the Employer-Driven Stream.
Moreover, the NTNP intake will open on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST for both the Employer-Driven Stream and the Francophone Stream.
The Northwest Territories shared these updates on its official news page on February 18, 2026.
How Will The New EOI System Operate?
The newly introduced EOI system will apply only to the Employer-Driven Stream. This stream includes the following pathways:
- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations
- Skilled Worker
- NWT Express Entry
Under the new process, both employers and candidates must complete specific steps.
Employer: The employer must first register and create an online account. After that, the employer selects the Employer-Driven stream and begins the application process.
Candidate: Once the employer completes their part, the candidate must fill out an EOI survey. This creates a profile that is placed into a candidate pool.
The Northwest Territories will then score candidates based on several factors. These include work experience, language ability, ties to the territory, and how well the candidate matches local labour market needs.
Profiles in the pool will be ranked by score. Candidates with the highest scores will receive invitations to apply in future EOI draws.
High-Level EOI Points Grid
- Language: 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 Francophone Stream and the Business Stream will continue to follow a first-come, first-served intake model.
Note: Applications from invited candidates will be reviewed in the order they are received.
Reason Behind The Shift To An EOI Model
The Northwest Territories introduced the EOI system after holding public consultations in September 2025.
During these consultations, employers, newcomers, and community members asked for a simpler intake process, more transparency, and better alignment with labour market needs in the territory.
Officials noted that the Employer-Driven Stream receives much higher demand than the other streams. Because of this, the EOI model is expected to help the territory better manage application volumes while selecting candidates who best meet local workforce needs.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland said the changes will help the territory attract the talent it requires while supporting newcomers in building long-term futures in northern communities.
Upcoming EOI Draws In 2026
Several EOI draws are planned under the Employer-Driven Stream throughout 2026. The first draw is scheduled for March 25.
The exact number of draws for the year has not yet been confirmed. However, the territory has indicated that up to 65 eligible candidates may receive invitations in the first round.
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