Northwest Territories sets 2026 nomination quota, launches EOI model
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the Northwest Territories will retain 197 nomination spaces for 2026 under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). The figure matches the territory’s closing allocation for 2025 following a year-end increase.
The Government of the Northwest Territories also announced a major procedural update, unveiling an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for all streams under its Employer-Driven category. The change was detailed in a February 18, 2026, government release.
The NTNP will begin accepting new applications on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time for both the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams.
- IRCC maintains 197 nomination spaces for the Northwest Territories in 2026.
- New Expression of Interest model introduced for the Employer-Driven Stream.
- Application intake opens March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST.
- First EOI draw scheduled for March 25, 2026.
- Francophone and Business streams continue with first-come, first-served intake.
Program overview and nomination allocation
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) provides a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals with job offers or business interests in the territory. With its 2026 allocation confirmed at 197, the number of available nominations remains consistent with last year’s post-adjustment total.
Nominee allocations are determined annually by IRCC in coordination with provincial and territorial governments. These figures outline how many candidates can be nominated for permanent residency within a given year.
Introduction of the Expression of Interest system
Beginning in 2026, the NTNP’s Employer-Driven Stream will operate through a new Expression of Interest framework. This model introduces a points-based ranking system designed to prioritize candidates who best match territorial labour market requirements.
The EOI system applies to three pathways under the Employer-Driven Stream: the Skilled Worker Stream, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations, and the NWT Express Entry route. Employers must first register and create an online account before selecting the relevant stream. Once an employer’s registration is complete, the prospective nominee submits an EOI survey that generates a profile for scoring and ranking.
EOI scoring structure
Profiles will be evaluated on a points grid incorporating factors such as work experience, education, language ability, and community connections. The maximum points for each category are as follows:
- Language proficiency: up to 125 points
- Age: up to 50 points
- Work experience: up to 100 points
- Education: up to 100 points
- Labour market connections: up to 340 points
- Adaptability: up to 130 points
Applicants with the highest scores will receive invitations to apply during scheduled draws. Invitations will be issued based on ranking, and complete applications will be processed in the order received.
Streams continuing under existing intake
While the Employer-Driven Stream transitions to a points-based intake, the Francophone Stream and the Business Stream will continue to operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach maintains accessibility for applicants targeting French-language or entrepreneurial pathways.
Rationale behind the switch to an EOI model
The new selection process follows territory-wide consultations conducted in September 2025 with employers, prospective immigrants, and community stakeholders. Feedback from those sessions indicated strong interest in a more transparent and predictable application system aligned with workforce priorities.
According to the territorial government, the Employer-Driven Stream consistently receives higher application volumes than other NTNP streams, creating processing challenges. The EOI model is intended to help manage demand and ensure that nominations reflect genuine labour needs within the territory.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland stated that the updates aim to strengthen local communities and the economy by attracting and retaining skilled workers suited to the region’s labour market.
Upcoming EOI draws and intake schedule
The territory confirmed that several EOI draws will occur throughout 2026. The first round is scheduled for March 25, when up to 65 eligible candidates are expected to receive invitations to apply. The number of subsequent draws will depend on program needs and available nomination spaces.
Applications submitted following invitations will undergo assessment under standard program criteria, ensuring compliance with federal and territorial immigration requirements.
Context within Canada’s nominee programs
The shift to an EOI framework aligns the Northwest Territories with other jurisdictions that use similar models, such as Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program. These systems enable provinces and territories to better target skilled labour and manage application volumes through competitive ranking draws.
As Canadian regions refine their nominee programs, adjustments to intake systems and nomination limits continue to reflect evolving demographic and economic priorities nationwide.
Public relevance and next steps
The NTNP’s adoption of an EOI structure marks a notable development in Canada’s provincial and territorial immigration landscape. The model is expected to streamline selection processes and improve alignment between immigration and regional workforce needs.
Further program updates, including draw results and allocation changes, are expected to be published by the Government of the Northwest Territories as the 2026 intake year progresses.
For continued coverage of Canadian immigration program changes and nomination updates, readers can follow related reporting across Canada’s provincial nominee frameworks.