The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has recently transitioned to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This change has led to the announcement of the results from its inaugural immigration draw, which took place on March 25, 2026. A total of 65 candidates were invited to apply through the Employer-Driven Stream, marking a significant milestone for the territory’s immigration framework.
This update is essential for potential immigrants and employers in the Northwest Territories, as it outlines new procedures for candidate selection and the upcoming draw schedule. Understanding these changes is crucial for those interested in moving to this region of Canada.
Results of the NTNP’s March 25 Draw
During the first draw, the NTNP invited 65 candidates from a pool of 295 profiles. The invitations were distributed among various pathways within the Employer-Driven Stream:
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- NWT Express Entry: 32 invitations
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- Skilled Worker: 20 invitations
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- Entry Level/Semi-Skilled: 13 invitations
The EOI scores for this draw ranged from 417 to 597, with approximately 49% of the invitations issued through the NWT Express Entry pathway.
Upcoming Employer-Driven Stream Draws
The NTNP has planned two additional draws for the Employer-Driven Stream in 2026. Each draw will allow up to 65 candidates to submit a complete nomination application. The scheduled dates for these draws are:
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- June 25, 2026
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- September 25, 2026
To participate in these draws, candidates must submit their EOI profiles by specific deadlines: June 22 for the June draw and September 22 for the September draw. The NTNP has indicated that cutoff scores may vary depending on the candidate pool at the time of each draw.
How to Be Considered Under the NTNP’s Employer-Driven Stream
Due to increased demand, the NTNP transitioned to an EOI intake system for the Employer-Driven Stream in February 2026. Candidates now need to submit an EOI that will be scored based on several criteria:
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- Skills and Experience (max 375 points): This includes age, language ability, work experience, and education.
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- Connections to the NWT (max 340 points): This involves current job or employment status, job offers in trades, or past work experience in the NWT.
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- Likelihood of Settling in the NWT (max 130 points): Factors include family members residing in the NWT or having previously studied in the territory.
The process is employer-driven, meaning both the candidate and their employer must take specific actions. Here are the steps to be considered for the upcoming draws:
- Obtain a job offer.
- Ensure both you and your employer meet the stream requirements.
- Your employer must register and create an account in the NTNP’s online application portal, selecting “Employer-Driven Stream.”
- Using your employer’s login information, complete your EOI profile.
Profiles will be assessed by the Government of the Northwest Territories based on the scoring criteria mentioned earlier. Candidates selected in the draws can have their employers submit a nomination application on their behalf. Unselected profiles will remain in the pool until they expire after 12 months.
FAQ
What is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program?
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allows employers in the Northwest Territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada, based on their skills and job offers.
How does the Expression of Interest system work?
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system requires candidates to submit a profile that is scored based on various factors. Higher-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for nomination during scheduled draws.
What are the benefits of applying through the Employer-Driven Stream?
This stream enables candidates to secure a nomination based on a job offer from an employer in the Northwest Territories, increasing their chances of obtaining permanent residency.
What happens if my profile is not selected?
If your EOI profile is not selected, it will remain in the pool for 12 months. You can reapply or update your profile before it expires.
Reality Check
While the new EOI system and draws present opportunities for potential immigrants, it is essential to recognize the inherent risks and limitations. The selection process can be competitive, and not all candidates will receive invitations. The cutoff scores may fluctuate, and there is no guarantee of success. Therefore, individuals should carefully review the official NTNP guidelines and ensure they meet all requirements before proceeding. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the official NTNP website.
