Immigration Announcement
Northwest Territories Launches New EOI System for 2026 Nominee Program
The Northwest Territories (NWT) is modernizing its immigration process with the introduction of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Employer-Driven Stream under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). The updated system will officially launch when the program reopens on March 9, 2026, marking one of the most significant reforms to territorial immigration in recent years.
The federal government has allocated 197 nominations to the territory for 2026, prompting the government to adopt a more structured selection process designed to improve fairness, transparency, and alignment with local labour needs.
Table of Contents
How the New EOI System Works
Under the new model:
- Employers submit an Expression of Interest on behalf of a foreign worker.
- Candidates complete an online survey profile.
- Profiles receive scores based on:
- Work experience
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Labour market demand
- Connection to the Northwest Territories
Top-ranking candidates will be invited through scheduled draws.
The first draw is planned for March 25, 2026, with up to 65 applicants expected to receive invitations.
Why NWT Made These Changes
Interest in the program has grown rapidly, often exceeding available nomination spaces. Following public consultations in September 2025, employers and community members requested:
- Greater transparency
- Clearer intake rules
- Predictable selection criteria
- Stronger labour market alignment
The new EOI system responds directly to this feedback, helping officials manage demand more effectively while prioritizing candidates likely to settle long-term.
Streams That Remain Unchanged
While the Employer-Driven stream transitions to the EOI model, the following streams continue operating as before:
- Francophone Stream – First-come, first-served
- Business Stream – First-come, first-served
These streams remain unchanged because they are not currently oversubscribed.
Benefits of the New Selection Model
The updated system offers several advantages:
- Program remains open year-round
- More predictable invitation rounds
- Higher transparency in scoring
- Better matching of candidates to labour needs
- Improved long-term retention outcomes
NWT joins many other provinces and territories that already use EOI-based immigration systems.
Labour Market Impact
Immigration plays a critical role in supporting workforce needs across the Northwest Territories. Key industries facing shortages include:
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Skilled trades
- Community services
By introducing structured ranking and scheduled draws, the GNWT aims to attract workers who are committed to building long-term lives in northern communities. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s new Expression of Interest system marks a major step toward modernizing immigration selection in the region. With only 197 nominations available this year, the updated model ensures that candidates best suited to local labour demands and long-term settlement are prioritized.
As the first draw approaches in March 2026, employers and workers now have a clearer, more transparent pathway to permanent residency through one of Canada’s most unique immigration programs.
