On March 9, 2026 (as of 12 p.m.), the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) reopened two immigration options: the Employer-Driven Stream and the Francophone Stream. This matters because the NWT has a limited nomination allocation for 2026, and the Employer-Driven Stream is now using a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system that changes how candidates are selected. If you are a worker, the first step is still the same: you need a qualifying job offer from a Northwest Territories employer.
Internal guidance: If you are not sure how NTNP pathways work (Employer-Driven vs Francophone vs Business), start with Canadianow’s NTNP guide: streams, eligibility, and how to apply.
What changed: Employer-Driven Stream now uses an EOI model
The EOI model applies to the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream. Instead of employers being able to submit a full application at any time, candidates are ranked first, and employers can only submit a full application after receiving an invitation through an EOI draw.
The Employer-Driven Stream includes three pathways:
- Entry Level / Semi-Skilled Occupations
- Skilled Worker
- NWT Express Entry
According to the Government of the Northwest Territories, the first EOI draw is scheduled for March 25, 2026, and up to 65 eligible candidates may be invited for application submission through their employers. The NWT has also said it expects to hold several EOI draws throughout the year.
Official source: Government of the Northwest Territories announcement.
How to be considered for an Employer-Driven EOI draw
To enter the Employer-Driven Stream under the EOI model, you must have a job offer from an eligible NWT-based employer. Because this stream is employer-driven, the employer submits the application (not the worker acting alone).
- Step 1: Your employer registers and creates an account in the NTNP online portal and selects the Employer-Driven Stream.
- Step 2: You complete the EOI survey. Your profile is scored and ranked.
- Step 3: In an EOI draw, employers connected to the highest-ranking candidates are invited to submit a complete application on the candidate’s behalf.
The NWT also notes that applications are assessed in the order they are received once an employer is invited to apply.
Official program website: ImmigrateNWT (NTNP official website).
Internal guidance: If you are trying to use the NWT Express Entry pathway (the Express Entry-aligned option under Employer-Driven), it helps to understand how your score works in the federal pool. Use Canadianow’s CRS calculator to estimate your points and compare your profile against recent cut-offs.
Francophone Stream remains direct (not EOI)
The NTNP Francophone Stream continues to accept applications directly on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not moving into the EOI pool at this time.
Official program website: ImmigrateNWT program information.
What happens after you get nominated
An NTNP nomination is not permanent residence by itself. After nomination, you still apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The steps depend on whether your nomination is through a base (non-Express Entry) pathway or an Express Entry-aligned pathway.
- Base nomination: you apply to IRCC outside Express Entry under the Provincial Nominee Class process.
- Express Entry-aligned nomination: a nomination adds 600 points in Express Entry, which can make an invitation to apply much more likely in a future federal draw.
Official IRCC overview: Immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee.
Internal guidance: If you’re choosing between Express Entry programs (FSW vs CEC), or you’re unsure what counts as qualifying Canadian work experience, review Canadianow’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) guide. For how PNP nominations behave inside Express Entry (and why CRS scores look “high” in PNP rounds), see this Canadianow explanation of an Express Entry PNP draw.
FAQ
Do I need a job offer to use the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream?
Yes. You must have a qualifying job offer from an NWT employer, and the employer is the party that submits the application if invited through an EOI draw.
Can I apply to the Employer-Driven Stream without my employer?
No. Under the Employer-Driven Stream, you cannot submit the full application yourself. The employer must be invited through the EOI draw process and then apply on your behalf.
Is the Francophone Stream also using EOI draws?
No. The Francophone Stream continues to accept direct applications and is not currently operating under the EOI model.
Where do I check official NTNP updates and stream rules?
Use the official NWT sources: GNWT Newsroom and ImmigrateNWT.
Reality check
The NWT’s nomination spaces are limited (197 for 2026), so eligibility does not guarantee an invitation or a quick timeline. Under the EOI model, an employer cannot submit a full application unless invited in a draw. Even after nomination, IRCC still makes the final decision on permanent residence, including medical, criminal, and other admissibility checks. If your situation is time-sensitive, plan for uncertainty and rely on official program pages for the latest draw and intake information.
