Canada has announced a significant increase in immigration opportunities for the Northwest Territories (NWT), creating additional possibilities for foreign workers seeking Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
On November 10, 2026, the Government of the Northwest Territories confirmed that it had received an additional 50 nomination spaces from the federal government. This brings the territory’s total Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allocation for 2026 to 350, its highest allocation ever.
The increase also comes with an additional immigration selection round scheduled for November 18, 2026, under the Employer-Driven Stream. This development may benefit eligible foreign workers who have secured employment with an employer in the Northwest Territories.
1. Northwest Territories Receives 350 Immigration Nomination Spaces
The Northwest Territories initially received 197 nomination spaces for 2026. Following discussions with the federal government, the allocation increased to 300 in August.
Now, another 50 spaces have been approved, bringing the annual total to 350.
This increase reflects the territory’s ongoing need for skilled workers to support its economy, address labour shortages and strengthen communities.
For individuals exploring Canada PNP immigration pathways, the NTNP is another option worth considering, particularly for those willing to live and work in Canada’s northern regions.
2. Additional NWT Immigration Draw on November 18
To accommodate the additional nomination spaces, the territory has scheduled another Northwest Territories immigration draw for November 18, 2026.
The draw will take place under the Employer-Driven Stream’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Important dates for interested candidates:
- Draw date: November 18, 2026.
- EOI submission deadline: November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Northwest Territories time.
- Stream: Employer-Driven Stream.
- Application preparation: Selected candidates should be ready to submit their complete applications within one week of receiving an invitation.
Candidates should remember that submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation or provincial nomination.
3. How Does the NTNP Employer-Driven Stream Work?
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) helps employers recruit foreign workers who can contribute to the territory’s labour market.
The Employer-Driven Stream uses a points-based Expression of Interest system to identify candidates who meet local employment needs.
Candidates are assessed across three main categories:
A. Skills and Experience – Maximum 375 Points
Points are awarded based on factors such as:
- Age
- Educational qualifications
- Language proficiency
- Previous work experience
B. Connections to the Northwest Territories – Maximum 340 Points
This category considers:
- Current employment in the territory
- Relevant trades-related job offers
- Previous work experience in the Northwest Territories
C. Ability to Settle in the NWT – Maximum 130 Points
Candidates may receive points for:
- Family connections in the territory
- Previous post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories
Candidates with higher EOI scores may receive invitations through scheduled selection rounds.
4. How Can Foreign Workers Apply?
To enter the Employer-Driven Stream’s EOI pool, candidates must first have a qualifying job offer from an eligible Northwest Territories employer.
The general process involves:
- Obtain a qualifying job offer from an NWT employer.
- Confirm that both the employer and candidate meet the program requirements.
- The employer registers the candidate through the NTNP online portal.
- The candidate’s Expression of Interest profile is completed and submitted.
- The territory assesses and ranks submitted profiles.
- Selected employers receive invitations to submit a complete nomination application.
Employers receiving invitations generally have 30 days to submit the complete application.
5. Previous Northwest Territories Immigration Draw Results in 2026
Before the additional November selection round, the territory had conducted four Employer-Driven Stream draws, inviting a combined 353 candidates.
| Draw date | Invitations |
|---|---|
| March 25, 2026 | 65 |
| June 25, 2026 | 79 |
| August 26, 2026 | 104 |
| September 25, 2026 | 105 |
| Total | 353 |
The selected candidates included NWT Express Entry, Skilled Worker and Entry Level/Semi-Skilled categories.
The territory has not yet disclosed the total number of nominations issued in 2026. Details of the 2027 selection schedule will be announced after the federal government confirms the next allocation.
6. What Does This Mean for People Planning to Immigrate to Canada?
The increase in Northwest Territories immigration spaces provides another opportunity for foreign workers exploring Canadian PR through Provincial Nominee Programs.
However, applicants should understand that each provincial and territorial immigration program has different eligibility requirements. A job offer, relevant experience, language proficiency and the intention to settle in the territory can all be important considerations.
Individuals already working in Canada should also explore whether their experience and qualifications make them eligible for other immigration options, including Express Entry and other PNP streams.
For those who genuinely require protection, Canada’s asylum system serves a separate humanitarian purpose. It should not be treated as an alternative to an economic immigration program.
7. How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Choosing the right immigration pathway is an important step towards building a stable future in Canada. At ICC Immigration, we help individuals and families understand their options and identify immigration programs that align with their qualifications, employment history and long-term goals.
Our services include:
- Permanent Residency Applications: Guidance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other eligible PR pathways.
- Work Permits: Assistance with work permit applications and available employment-based immigration options.
- Study Permits: Guidance for individuals planning to pursue education in Canada.
- Family Sponsorship: Assistance with eligible family reunification and permanent residence applications.
- Immigration Consultation: Professional guidance on eligibility, documentation and current Canadian immigration requirements.
Whether you are already living in Canada or planning to immigrate from overseas, our team can help you understand the available options and prepare your application.
Take the next step towards your Canadian immigration journey with ICC Immigration. Explore your options, make informed decisions and work towards a pathway that supports your future in Canada.