Northwest Territories Opens Employer-Driven and Francophone Streams
The Government of the Northwest Territories has reopened two immigration streams under its Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) as of March 9 at noon. The Employer-Driven and Francophone Streams are now accepting candidates under updated program structures.
The reopening follows the introduction of an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Employer-Driven Stream, which was implemented in late February. The first EOI draw is scheduled for March 25 and will invite up to 65 eligible candidates to apply for nomination.
- Employer-Driven and Francophone Streams reopened on March 9
- First Expression of Interest draw set for March 25
- Up to 65 candidates expected to receive invitations
- Francophone Stream continues on a first-come, first-served basis
- 197 federal nomination spaces allocated to the Northwest Territories for 2026
- Several EOI draws anticipated throughout the year
Program Overview
The NTNP allows the Northwest Territories to nominate foreign workers for Canadian permanent residence based on local labour market needs. The Employer-Driven Stream is intended for employers seeking to fill skilled or semi-skilled positions, while the Francophone Stream supports economic immigration for French-speaking candidates who can contribute to the territory’s communities and workforce.
Expression of Interest System
Under the new EOI framework, employers seeking to support a candidate must first register through the NTNP’s online portal. Once registered, employers complete an EOI submission on behalf of their prospective employee. The system assigns points to candidates based on several factors, and those with the highest scores will be selected in scheduled draws.
The EOI scoring grid allocates up to 375 points for human capital factors, including education, work experience, age, and language proficiency. Connections to the local labour market can earn up to 340 points, while adaptability factors—such as family ties or education in the territory—can contribute up to 130 points.
Employer-Driven Stream Pathways
The Employer-Driven Stream consists of three pathways: the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream, the Skilled Worker Stream, and the NWT Express Entry Stream. Each requires a job offer from an employer based in the Northwest Territories. Applications must be submitted by the employer, not by the candidate directly.
Once an EOI profile is submitted, the government evaluates and ranks it. Employers associated with top-scoring profiles receive invitations to apply for nomination. Applications are assessed in the order they are received, and only employers who receive invitations may proceed to submit full applications.
Francophone Stream and Business Stream
The Francophone Stream continues to operate independently of the EOI model. It accepts applications directly on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach is designed to encourage the settlement of French-speaking immigrants in the territory, supporting bilingual growth and cultural diversity.
The NTNP’s Business Stream also remains outside the EOI system. It is aimed at entrepreneurs interested in establishing or acquiring businesses in the Northwest Territories and continues to accept applications in the order they are received.
Nomination and Permanent Residence Process
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination gain access to federal permanent residence pathways through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The process differs depending on whether a nomination is obtained through a base or an enhanced stream.
Nominees under base streams, such as the Francophone Stream or the Skilled Worker and Entry Level/Semi-Skilled pathways, apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence. Those nominated through the Express Entry pathway receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System points in the federal pool, which typically results in an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent federal draw.
Background and Context
The shift to an EOI model aligns the Northwest Territories with several other Canadian jurisdictions, including Manitoba, which uses a similar system under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. Such systems allow provinces and territories to better manage intake levels and focus on candidates most aligned with current labour and demographic needs.
For 2026, the federal government has allocated 197 nomination spaces to the Northwest Territories, allowing the territory to continue supporting key sectors such as trades, healthcare, and hospitality. The government has indicated that several EOI draws will take place throughout the year, though future dates have not yet been confirmed.
Public Significance
The reopening of these NTNP streams provides renewed opportunities for employers and skilled workers seeking to contribute to the Northern economy. It also supports Canada’s broader objectives of regional immigration distribution and labour market balance across provinces and territories.
Further updates on draw results and nomination statistics are expected as the EOI system continues to operate through 2026, reinforcing the Northwest Territories’ role in supporting Canada’s immigration and workforce development strategies.
Readers can explore additional coverage on Canadian immigration programs and nominee pathways across provinces for the latest updates and data-driven insights.