On This Page You Will Find
- 2026 Northwest Territories draw schedule
- Expression of Interest deadlines
- How the Employer-Driven Stream works
- Insights from the first 2026 draw
- Eligibility requirements for applicants
- What the schedule means for candidates
The Northwest Territories has set out a clear schedule for its 2026 Expression of Interest draws under the Employer-Driven Stream, offering greater predictability for employers and foreign workers planning their immigration pathway.
The move marks a shift toward a more structured selection system, following the launch of the Expression of Interest model earlier this year. By publishing draw dates in advance, the territory is aiming to improve transparency and help candidates better plan their applications.
What The 2026 Draw Schedule Looks Like
The Government of the Northwest Territories has confirmed the next two draw dates:
- June 25, 2026
- September 25, 2026
Each draw comes with a firm submission deadline:
- June 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT
- September 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT
Up to 65 candidates will be invited in each round. Only employers of selected candidates can submit a full nomination application.
This scheduled approach allows the territory to manage high demand while maintaining a consistent intake throughout the year.
Why The Schedule Matters
The introduction of fixed draw dates reflects a more strategic approach to immigration selection in the Northwest Territories.
The system now:
- Keeps the program open year-round
- Controls application volumes
- Prioritises candidates who meet labour market needs
- Improves fairness by ranking candidates based on clear criteria
Interest in the program continues to exceed available spaces, making timing and preparation increasingly important for candidates.
How The Expression of Interest System Works
The Employer-Driven Stream now operates through a points-based Expression of Interest system.
Employers must first create an online account for a candidate. The candidate then completes their profile using the employer’s login.
Profiles are scored based on:
- Skills and experience, including language ability, education and work history
- Connections to the Northwest Territories, such as a job offer or previous work experience
- Likelihood of settling in the territory, including family ties or past study
Candidates are ranked in a pool, and the highest-scoring profiles receive invitations during scheduled draws.
Profiles remain valid for up to 12 months. If not selected, candidates can stay in the pool and be considered in future rounds.
First Draw Offers Insight Into Selection Trends
While the focus is now on the schedule, the first draw provides useful context on how the system is working.
The inaugural Expression of Interest draw took place on March 25, 2026.
A total of 295 profiles were submitted, with 65 selected:
- 32 under the Express Entry category
- 20 under the Skilled Worker category
- 13 under the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category
Scores ranged from 417 to 597, highlighting the competitive nature of the system. Future cut-offs will depend on the quality of candidates in the pool.
Who Can Apply
To qualify under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, candidates must:
- Have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer, or
- Plan to establish or invest in a business in the territory
Both employers and candidates must meet all program requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest.
A Smaller Program With High Demand
The Northwest Territories remains one of Canada’s smaller immigration destinations, with limited nomination spaces.
For 2026, the territory has an allocation of 197 nominations from the federal government.
With only around 65 invitations issued per draw, competition is expected to remain strong. The scheduled draw system helps ensure those spaces are filled efficiently with candidates most likely to succeed in the territory.
What This Means For Candidates
The release of a draw schedule gives candidates a clearer roadmap.
Instead of waiting for unpredictable rounds, applicants can now:
- Prepare documents in advance
- Submit profiles before known deadlines
- Improve their score before upcoming draws
However, the limited number of invitations means candidates still need strong profiles to be competitive.
FAQ
When is the next Northwest Territories PNP draw?
The next Expression of Interest draw is scheduled for June 25, 2026. Candidates must submit their profile by June 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time to be considered for that round. Another draw is planned for September 25, 2026.
How many candidates are invited in each draw?
Up to 65 candidates are invited in each draw under the Employer-Driven Stream. Only those selected can move forward to submit a full nomination application through their employer.
What is the Expression of Interest system?
The Expression of Interest system ranks candidates based on factors such as skills, work experience, connections to the Northwest Territories and settlement potential. Higher-ranking candidates are invited during scheduled draws.
What were the results of the first 2026 draw?
The first draw took place on March 25, 2026. A total of 65 candidates were selected from 295 profiles, with scores ranging from 417 to 597 across different immigration categories.
How long does a profile stay in the pool?
Profiles remain valid for up to 12 months. If a candidate is not selected within that period, they can submit a new profile and re-enter the pool for future draws.
