On this page you will find:
- How the 2026 Northwest Territories Nominee Program works
- Details of the new Expression of Interest system
- Information on nomination allocations for 2026
- How the Employer-Driven, Francophone and Business streams differ
- What the changes mean for employers and foreign nationals
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program is reopening for 2026 with a major overhaul to how candidates are selected.
The Employer-Driven and Francophone streams will open on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST. This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has allocated 197 nominations to the Northwest Territories.
The biggest change is the introduction of a new Expression of Interest system for the Employer-Driven Stream. The Government of the Northwest Territories says the new model will make the program fairer, more transparent and better aligned with labour market needs.
New Expression of Interest System for 2026
For 2026, the Northwest Territories has introduced an Expression of Interest system for its Employer-Driven Stream.
Under the new process:
- Employers submit an Expression of Interest on behalf of a foreign national they wish to nominate
- Employers must register and create an online account
- The foreign national completes an Expression of Interest survey
- The Government of the Northwest Territories assigns a score using a points-based system
The scoring system considers:
- Work experience and alignment with NWT labour market needs
- Education
- Language ability
- Connection to the Northwest Territories
Profiles are ranked based on their scores. The government will conduct scheduled Expression of Interest draws, beginning March 25, 2026. In the first draw, up to 65 eligible applicants will receive invitations to apply.
Only employers whose candidates receive an invitation can submit a full application. Applications will then be assessed in order of work permit expiry date.
The government will publish the number of selected applicants and the range of scores online after each draw.
Officials say this approach will allow the program to remain open year-round while better managing demand, which has recently exceeded available nomination spaces.
Streams That Remain First-Come, First-Served
The Francophone and Business streams will continue to operate separately.
They will remain open on a first-come, first-served basis because they are not oversubscribed and do not require an Expression of Interest system.
To qualify under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, candidates must:
- Have a valid full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer, or
- Be prepared to open, purchase or invest in a business in the territory
The program offers three streams:
- Employer-Driven
- Francophone
- Business
Responding to Public Feedback
The Expression of Interest system follows public engagement in September 2025.
Employers, prospective immigrants and community members called for:
- Clearer intake processes
- Greater transparency
- Stronger alignment with territorial workforce needs
Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, said the new system responds directly to that feedback and will help ensure nominees are more likely to settle and contribute long term.
The government also confirmed it will continue working with Ottawa to ensure federal immigration programs reflect the Northwest Territories’ unique workforce and population needs.
Why Immigration Matters in the Northwest Territories
Immigration remains a key workforce strategy in the territory.
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program allows the territorial government to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence who intend to live and work in the NWT and who meet specific labour market needs.
With just 197 nominations available for 2026, competition is expected to remain strong. The new Expression of Interest system aims to ensure the limited spaces go to candidates most likely to build lasting roots in the territory.
For more details, applicants and employers can visit the official website at immigratenwt.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Northwest Territories Nominee Program open for 2026?
The Employer-Driven and Francophone streams open on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST. The new Expression of Interest system for the Employer-Driven Stream begins immediately, with the first draw scheduled for March 25, 2026.
How many nomination spaces are available in 2026?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has allocated 197 nominations to the Northwest Territories for 2026. These spots are shared across the program’s streams and are expected to be highly competitive.
How does the new Expression of Interest system work?
Employers submit an Expression of Interest on behalf of a foreign national. Candidates complete a survey and receive a score based on work experience, education, language skills and connection to the NWT. The highest-ranked profiles receive invitations to apply.
Do all streams use the Expression of Interest system?
No. Only the Employer-Driven Stream uses the new Expression of Interest model. The Francophone and Business streams remain first-come, first-served because they are not currently oversubscribed.
What is required to apply under the NWT Nominee Program?
Applicants must have a valid full-time, permanent job offer from an NWT employer or be ready to open, purchase or invest in a business in the territory. They must also meet federal and territorial eligibility criteria for permanent residence.
