Northwest Territories immigration 2026
The Northwest Territories has invited 105 foreign workers to apply for territorial nomination through its latest 2026 selection round, providing eligible candidates with another opportunity to pursue Canadian permanent residence. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) issued the invitations on September 25, 2026, through three pathways under its Employer-Driven Stream: Entry Level/Semi-Skilled, NWT Express Entry and Skilled Workers.
According to the published draw results, the program considered 197 candidate profiles, with selected candidates recording Expression of Interest (EOI) scores ranging from 317 to 492. The September selection round was the final scheduled draw under the Employer-Driven Stream for 2026. The next draw is expected in early 2027, with the exact date to be confirmed by the territorial government.
For foreign workers interested in settling in northern Canada, the results highlight the importance of qualifying employment, relevant work experience and a strong connection to the Northwest Territories.
Northwest Territories Immigration Draw: September 2026 Results
Draw detail | Result |
Draw date | September 25, 2026 |
Invitations issued | 105 |
Candidate profiles considered | 197 |
Reported EOI score range | 317–492 |
Entry Level/Semi-Skilled invitations | 58 |
NWT Express Entry invitations | 26 |
Skilled Worker invitations | 21 |
Next expected draw | Early 2027 |
The three pathways accounted for all 105 invitations. The September draw followed three earlier selection rounds held in March, June and August.
How Many Candidates Has the Northwest Territories Invited in 2026?
Across its four 2026 Employer-Driven Stream selection rounds, the Northwest Territories invited a total of 353 candidates to apply for territorial nomination.
The annual results are summarised below.
| Draw date | Invitations issued | Profiles considered |
| March 25, 2026 | 65 | 295 |
| June 25, 2026 | 79 | 300 |
| August 26, 2026 | 104 | 260 |
| September 25, 2026 | 105 | 197 |
| Total | 353 | 1,052 profile entries across the four rounds |
The total of 1,052 represents the sum of the profile counts reported for the four individual draws; it should not be interpreted as 1,052 unique individuals, because profiles may have remained in the selection pool between rounds.
The September round had the highest number of invitations among the four draws. However, the number of invitations issued in a selection round does not establish an ongoing or guaranteed invitation rate for future applicants.
Which Immigration Pathways Were Included in the September Draw?
The September selection round covered three pathways under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s Employer-Driven Stream.
1. Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Pathway
The Entry Level/Semi-Skilled pathway accounted for 58 invitations, making it the largest category in the September selection round. This pathway is intended for eligible workers in qualifying entry-level and semi-skilled positions who meet the applicable program requirements. Applicants should not assume that any entry-level job qualifies. Eligibility depends on the occupation, employment circumstances, employer requirements and the current NTNP guidelines.
2. NWT Express Entry Pathway
The NWT Express Entry pathway accounted for 26 invitations. This pathway is relevant to eligible candidates who meet the applicable territorial requirements and federal Express Entry conditions. Candidates should confirm that their Express Entry profile and employment circumstances satisfy the relevant criteria. An invitation through a territorial selection process is not itself an invitation to apply for permanent residence from the federal government.
3. Skilled Worker Pathway
The Skilled Worker pathway accounted for 21 invitations.
This pathway is intended for eligible foreign workers whose qualifications and employment circumstances meet the requirements for skilled positions in the territory.
Applicants should review the current occupational, work experience, job offer and employer criteria before deciding whether this pathway is appropriate.
What Were the EOI Scores for the September 2026 Draw?
The Northwest Territories reported an EOI score range of 317 to 492 for the September 25 selection round. The EOI system ranks candidate profiles using a points-based assessment. According to the territorial program information, the scoring framework considers three broad areas:
- Skills and experience: Factors such as age, language proficiency, education and work experience.
- Connections to the Northwest Territories: Factors such as current employment, qualifying job offers and previous work experience in the territory.
- Likelihood of settling in the territory: Factors that may include family connections and previous post-secondary study in the Northwest Territories.
The EOI framework has a maximum score of 845 points. A candidate’s score is only one part of the selection process. Meeting a previous draw’s minimum score does not guarantee an invitation in a future round because the ranking of candidates and the number of available nomination spaces can change.
Does the Northwest Territories Immigration Program Require a Job Offer?
For candidates pursuing the Employer-Driven Stream, qualifying employment and employer participation are central requirements. The Northwest Territories government states that candidates applying through this stream generally need a valid work permit and a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer in the territory. The employer must also satisfy the program requirements and participate in the nomination process.
The NTNP includes other streams with different eligibility conditions, including the Francophone Stream and Business Stream. Their requirements and application processes differ from those of the Employer-Driven Stream. Foreign nationals living outside Canada should carefully review the requirements before assuming that they can apply directly from abroad through a particular pathway.
A general interest in moving to the Northwest Territories, without meeting the relevant employment or other stream requirements, is not sufficient to qualify for nomination.
How Does the Northwest Territories Expression of Interest System Work?
The Northwest Territories introduced an Expression of Interest system for its Employer-Driven Stream in February 2026, replacing the previous first-come, first-served intake model. The system enables the territorial government to rank profiles and invite candidates whose qualifications and circumstances align with local labour market needs. The general process is as follows:
Step 1: Identify an eligible pathway. Review the NTNP requirements and determine whether your occupation, employment circumstances and qualifications meet the criteria.
Step 2: Secure qualifying employment. Candidates pursuing the Employer-Driven Stream must meet the applicable job offer and employer requirements.
Step 3: Complete the EOI profile. The employer initiates the relevant process through the program portal, and the candidate completes the required profile using the applicable access credentials.
Step 4: Receive a score and enter the selection pool. The territorial government evaluates profiles against its scoring criteria. Profiles generally remain active for up to 12 months.
Step 5: Wait for selection. The government periodically ranks profiles and issues invitations according to program priorities and available spaces.
Step 6: Submit the nomination application if invited. The employer submits the full application under the program’s instructions. An invitation does not guarantee nomination.
Step 7: Apply for permanent residence if nominated. Successful nominees may proceed with the appropriate federal permanent residence process, subject to federal eligibility and admissibility requirements.
Candidates should consult the official program guidelines for the complete requirements and instructions that apply to their individual circumstances.
Northwest Territories Receives More Nomination Spaces for 2026
In August 2026, the federal government increased the Northwest Territories’ annual nomination allocation by 103, bringing the total to 300 nominations for the year. The increased allocation provided additional capacity for the territory to nominate eligible candidates in response to labour market needs.
However, a nomination allocation is not the same as the number of invitations issued in a draw. Candidates must still meet the applicable program criteria, receive an invitation where required, submit the necessary application and obtain approval.
The number of invitations issued should therefore not be interpreted as a guarantee that every invited candidate will receive a nomination or permanent residence.
When Will the Next Northwest Territories Immigration Draw Take Place?
The territorial government has indicated that the next Employer-Driven Stream EOI draw is expected in early 2027. The exact date is to be confirmed. Candidates interested in future selection rounds should monitor the official NTNP website for announcements about draw dates, submission deadlines and program requirements.
Since EOI profiles can expire after 12 months, candidates should also monitor their profile status and follow the program’s instructions if they need to withdraw, update or resubmit a profile. Applicants should avoid relying on unofficial predictions about future draw dates or minimum scores.
What Should Foreign Workers Do Next?
The September results may be relevant to foreign workers exploring opportunities in northern Canada. Before proceeding, prospective applicants should:
- Review the eligibility criteria for the specific NTNP pathway.
- Determine whether their occupation and work experience meet the program requirements.
- Understand the job offer and employer participation requirements.
- Assess their language proficiency and educational qualifications.
- Prepare accurate employment, education and identity documentation.
- Monitor official announcements about the next selection round.
- Compare the NTNP with other Canadian immigration pathways for which they may qualify.
The best route depends on each applicant’s background, employment situation, qualifications and eligibility under current immigration rules.
Explore Your Canadian Immigration Options with Canada Immigration Global
The Northwest Territories’ September 2026 selection round demonstrates how regional immigration programs can provide opportunities for eligible workers who meet local employment needs. However, the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream is not a general immigration route for every foreign worker. A qualifying employment situation and compliance with the relevant program requirements are essential.
Canada Immigration Global helps prospective applicants explore Canadian immigration pathways, review their circumstances and understand the requirements associated with potential options. Interested in exploring your eligibility for Canadian immigration? Contact Canada Immigration Global to discuss your background and identify pathways that may be suitable for further assessment.
Need help with your Canada immigration application?
Request an Immigration Assessment today.
Call / Whats App : +1 639 307 3007
Email: info@canada-immigration.global
Website: www.canada-immigration.global
Canada Immigration Global — Your Trusted Partner for Canadian Immigration Success.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee eligibility, an invitation, a provincial nomination or permanent residence. Immigration rules, selection criteria and program availability can change.
