Canada’s northern territories are stepping into a new chapter. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program 2026 is officially opening on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST with a redesigned selection process that brings more structure and clarity to employer-driven immigration.

For 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has allocated 197 nominations to the Northwest Territories. With demand consistently exceeding available spaces, the Government of the Northwest Territories has introduced an Expression of Interest system for the Employer-Driven Stream.

This update changes how candidates are selected. It creates a more organized intake model. It also allows the territory to focus on applicants who are most likely to live and work long-term in the North.

If you are an employer in the Northwest Territories or a skilled worker with a valid job offer, this development matters.

How the New NWT Nominee Program 2026 Expression of Interest System Works

The biggest change in the NWT Nominee Program 2026 is the introduction of an Expression of Interest system for the Employer-Driven Stream. Here is how the updated process works:

• Employers register online and select the Employer Driven Stream
• The employer submits an Expression of Interest on behalf of a foreign national
• The foreign national completes an Expression of Interest survey
• The Government of the Northwest Territories reviews profiles
• Profiles are scored using a points-based system

The scoring system considers:

• Work experience
• Education
• Language skills
• Labour market needs in the Northwest Territories
• Connection to the territory

Candidates are ranked based on their scores. Employers of the highest-ranking candidates will receive invitations to apply through scheduled Expression of Interest draws. Applications will then be assessed in order of work permit expiry date. Only invited employers may proceed to submit a full nomination application. This model allows the program to remain open year-round while managing demand effectively.

First Draw Details Under NWT Nominee Program 2026

The Government of the Northwest Territories plans to begin Expression of Interest draws on March 25, 2026. For the first draw:

Detail	Information
Maximum candidates selected	65
Selection method	Points based ranking
Assessment priority	Work permit expiry date

Information about selected candidates and score ranges will be shared publicly after each draw. This adds transparency and predictability for applicants.

Streams Available Under the NWT Nominee Program 2026

The NWT Nominee Program continues to offer three streams:

Stream	Application Method
Employer Driven	Expression of Interest system
Francophone	First come first served
Business	First come first served

The Francophone and Business streams are not oversubscribed. Therefore, they will continue operating without the Expression of Interest model. To qualify for the program, applicants 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.

Why the NWT Nominee Program 2026 Matters

Immigration plays a vital role in addressing workforce shortages in the Northwest Territories. Key sectors continue to face hiring challenges. Skilled workers are essential to economic growth and community development.

The updated NWT Nominee Program 2026 aims to:

• Improve fairness and transparency
• Align immigration with territorial labour needs
• Prioritize candidates likely to settle long term
• Manage limited nomination spaces effectively

Expression of Interest systems are already used across many provinces. The Northwest Territories now joins this structured approach to immigration selection. With only 197 nominations available in 2026, preparation is critical. Employers and foreign nationals must ensure their profiles are accurate, complete, and competitive.

What Applicants Should Do Now

If you are planning to apply under the Employer-Driven Stream:

• Secure a valid job offer from an NWT employer
• Ensure work experience and education match labour needs
• Prepare language test results
• Confirm work permit validity

Employers should register early and understand the Expression of Interest submission process.

The NWT Nominee Program 2026 will remain competitive. Those who prepare strategically will have stronger chances in scheduled draws. The updated NWT Nominee Program 2026 introduces a structured Expression of Interest system designed to improve transparency and better align immigration with territorial workforce priorities. With only 197 nomination spaces available this year, careful planning and timely action are essential. If you are considering applying under the NWT Nominee Program, professional guidance can strengthen your application strategy. Connect with ImmigCanada, recognized among the Best RCIC teams, offering trusted ImmigCanada Immigration Consulting Services tailored to your goals.