NWT Nominee Program announces nomination allocation for 2026, introduces EOI selection model

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has granted the Northwest Territories a nomination allocation of 197 for 2026—the same number of slots it ended 2025 with post-nomination increase.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has also changed its selection process for 2026, introducing an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for all pathways under its Employer-Driven Stream.

The Program will open for intake on March 9, 2026 (9 a.m. MST), for both the Employer-Driven Stream and Francophone Stream.

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The Northwest Territories made these announcements on its provincial news page on February 18, 2026.

How will this new EOI model work?

The NTNP's new EOI selection system will only be applicable to the Employer-Driven Stream, which consists of the following pathways:

• Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations;
• Skilled Worker; and
• NWT Express Entry.

The process requires the employer and the individual they wish to nominate to take certain steps.

Employer: The employer must begin the process by registering and creating an online account, then selecting the relevant stream (Employer-Driven).

Candidate: Once the employer has completed their portion, the candidate must complete an EOI survey which generates a profile for them that is then entered into a candidate pool.

The Northwest Territories will assign candidates a score based on points accumulated for factors like work experience, language skills, in-territory connections, and alignment with local labour market needs.

Each profile will be ranked by score, and the highest-scoring profiles will receive an invitation to apply in an upcoming EOI draw.

Here is a high-level overview of the 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

You can view the full breakdown of how points are distributed here.

The Francophone Stream and the Business Stream will continue to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: Applications from those invited will be assessed in the order in which they are received.

Why has the NWT switched to an EOI model for its Employer-Driven Stream?

The EOI system was introduced following public consultations held in September 2025.

Participants—including employers, potential newcomers, and community members—asked for a more straightforward intake process, improved transparency, and a nominee program that is more aligned with territorial labour market needs.

This updated screening approach will help the NWT manage high program demand, particularly for the Employer-Driven Stream, as this stream sees more interest than its other two—which, as such, would not benefit from an EOI model, the Government of the NWT notes.

“These changes will ensure the NWT benefits from the talent it needs and help more newcomers build lasting roots in our communities—strengthening the both the territory’s social and economic vibrancy for the long term,” says Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland.

About the Northwest Territory’s upcoming EOI draws

There will be several EOI draws under the Employer-Driven stream throughout 2026, with the first slated to occur on March 25.

The exact number of draws that will be conducted by the Northwest Territories remains unclear as of the time of this writing.

The province does note, however, that its first draw will see up to 65 eligible candidates invited.

Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams