Northwest Territories Adds 103 Nomination Spots to Boost 2026 Immigration
Northwest Territories Boosts 2026 Immigration Capacity With 103 More Nomination Spaces
The Northwest Territories (NWT) has secured a major increase in its immigration capacity for 2026, creating additional opportunities for skilled foreign workers seeking Canadian permanent residence. The federal government has granted the Northwest Territories 103 additional nomination spaces, taking the territory’s total allocation for the year to 300 nominations, up from the earlier allocation of 197.
The increase comes as the territory continues to use immigration to address workforce shortages and attract workers who can contribute to its economy and communities.
NTNP Adds 103 Nomination Spaces for 2026
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) will now be able to nominate up to 300 candidates in 2026. The revised figure brings the territory back to the same annual allocation it ultimately reached in 2025 after receiving two separate increases during that year.
For prospective immigrants, the additional spaces mean more room for the NTNP to select candidates through its available immigration pathways during the remainder of the year.
Additional NTNP Draw Scheduled for August
The increase in nomination capacity has resulted in an additional selection round being added to the 2026 NTNP schedule. The territory will conduct an Expression of Interest draw on August 26, 2026, through its Employer-Driven Stream.
Applicants who have a qualifying job offer and want to be considered in this round need to ensure their supporting employer submits the required application by August 24, 2026.
This deadline is particularly important because candidates cannot rely solely on submitting their own EOI profile. Employer participation is an essential part of the Employer-Driven Stream process.
NTNP Will Hold Four Draws in 2026
The latest update changes the selection calendar for the program. The NTNP initially scheduled fewer selection rounds for 2026, but the additional nomination spaces have allowed the territory to introduce another draw. So far, two Employer-Driven Stream draws have taken place:
| Draw Date | Invitations | NWT Express Entry | Skilled Workers | Entry-Level/Semi-Skilled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 25, 2026 | 65 | 32 | 20 | 13 |
| June 25, 2026 | 79 | 40 | 20 | 19 |
The March selection issued 65 invitations, while the June round resulted in 79 invitations.
Across both rounds, the NWT Express Entry pathway accounted for the largest share of invitations.
A further selection round is scheduled for August 26, followed by the final planned draw of the year on September 25, 2026. For the September round, eligible EOI profiles must be submitted to the pool by September 22.
What Happened in the First Two Draws?
The selection results also show that candidates with connections to the Northwest Territories and profiles aligned with the territory’s labour needs have been important in the nomination process. The March 25 round selected candidates with scores ranging from 417 to 597. Of the 65 invitations, 37 went to candidates in Yellowknife and 28 were issued to candidates outside the capital.
The June 25 draw was larger, with 79 invitations. Candidate scores ranged from 336 to 590, while 52 selections were made in Yellowknife and 27 came from outside the city. The NWT Express Entry category recorded the highest number of invitations in both rounds, making it a significant route for eligible candidates who already have an Express Entry profile.
Information Sessions Planned for Applicants and Employers
The Northwest Territories is also organizing two online information sessions for foreign nationals and employers who want to understand the updated process. The sessions will be held through Zoom:
| Date | Time | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| August 18, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | August 17 at 5:00 p.m. |
| August 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | August 19 at 12:00 p.m. |
People interested in attending can contact immigration@gov.nt.ca to receive the Zoom access details. French interpretation will also be available during the sessions.
Francophone and Business Streams Continue Separately
Not every NTNP pathway follows the new EOI-based selection system. The Francophone Stream and Business Stream will continue to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants interested in these pathways should therefore pay close attention to their respective intake requirements and availability rather than assuming that the Employer-Driven EOI process applies to them.
What the Higher Allocation Means for Prospective Immigrants
The additional 103 nomination spaces are significant for people hoping to use a territorial nomination as part of their Canadian immigration strategy.
The Northwest Territories has a smaller population and labour market than many Canadian provinces, meaning its nomination capacity is comparatively limited. An increase from 197 to 300 gives the territory greater flexibility to respond to employer needs and select additional workers.
For candidates with an eligible NWT employer, the August EOI draw provides another opportunity to enter the selection process this year. However, receiving an invitation remains dependent on factors such as eligibility, EOI ranking, employment circumstances and the number of available nomination spaces.
Key Dates to Remember
Applicants and employers considering the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream should keep the following dates in mind:
- August 17: Registration deadline for the first session.
- August 18: First NTNP information session.
- August 19: Registration deadline for the second session.
- August 20: Second information session.
- August 24: Employer application deadline for consideration in the August draw.
- August 26: Additional Employer-Driven Stream EOI draw.
- September 22: Deadline for profiles intended for the final 2026 draw.
- September 25: Final scheduled NTNP draw of 2026.
Conclusion
With the total allocation now reaching 300 nominations, the NTNP has added another Employer-Driven Stream selection round to its 2026 calendar. Candidates with qualifying employment in the territory should pay close attention to employer deadlines, EOI requirements and upcoming selection dates.
The August 26 draw is the immediate opportunity, while the September 25 round will provide another selection window before the end of the year.
3. Full-Time Equivalency Standard
Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours per week. Candidates must accumulate the equivalent of 12 months at this standard.
- 30 hours per week for 12 months qualify.
- Part-time work is acceptable if it equals the same total number of hours (for example, 15 hours per week over 24 months).
