PNP
Northwest Territories Releases 2026 Immigration Draw Schedule Under New EOI System
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) 2026 draws are now more structured and transparent with the introduction of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. The Government of the Northwest Territories has officially announced upcoming draw dates while also sharing detailed results from its first round conducted in March 2026.
This development strengthens the role of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in selecting candidates who can contribute to the region’s economy and successfully settle in northern communities.
Table of Contents
NTNP March 2026 Draw Results
The first draw under the new system took place on March 25, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Total profiles submitted: 295
- Invitations issued: 65 candidates
- Score range: 417 to 597
Category Breakdown
- 32 candidates under Express Entry
- 20 candidates under Skilled Worker
- 13 candidates under Entry Level/Semi-Skilled
This indicates a highly competitive selection process, with only top-ranking profiles receiving invitations.
Upcoming NTNP Draw Dates
The Northwest Territories has announced future draw schedules to improve transparency.
Confirmed dates:
- June 25, 2026
- September 25, 2026
Candidates must submit their Expression of Interest profiles before the respective deadlines to be considered.
How the New EOI System Works
The NTNP Expression of Interest system is designed to rank candidates based on multiple economic and settlement factors.
Selection criteria include:
- Education and qualifications
- Work experience and skill level
- Language proficiency
- Job offer from an NWT employer
- Connections to the territory
- Likelihood of long-term settlement
Profiles are scored and ranked, and only the highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply.
Why the New System Matters
The introduction of the EOI system allows the Northwest Territories to:
- Manage high application volumes efficiently
- Select candidates aligned with labour market needs
- Improve transparency in the selection process
- Ensure better long-term retention of immigrants
Given the limited 197 nomination allocations for 2026, competition remains high.
Express Entry and NTNP Connection
The NTNP includes an Express Entry-linked stream, allowing candidates from:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
to benefit from provincial nomination.
A nomination significantly increases the CRS score, improving chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The NTNP 2026 draw system represents a more organized and competitive approach to immigration. With limited nomination spaces and increasing demand, candidates must focus on building strong profiles aligned with territorial needs.
For skilled workers looking to settle in Canada’s northern regions, the Northwest Territories offers a unique opportunity through its evolving immigration system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many candidates were invited in the first NTNP draw of 2026?
A total of 65 candidates were invited from a pool of 295 profiles in the March 2026 draw. Only the highest-ranking candidates were selected, making the process highly competitive.
2. What is the score range for NTNP draws?
The score range for the March 2026 draw was between 417 and 597. However, this range may vary in future draws depending on the quality and number of profiles in the pool.
3. When are the next NTNP draws scheduled?
The next draws are scheduled for June 25 and September 25, 2026. Candidates must submit their EOI profiles before the respective deadlines to be considered.
4. How does the NTNP Expression of Interest system work?
The EOI system ranks candidates based on factors like education, work experience, language skills, and job offers. Only top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for nomination.
5. Is NTNP linked to the Express Entry System?
Yes, the NTNP includes an Express Entry stream that allows candidates to receive a provincial nomination and gain additional CRS points.
6. How long does an EOI profile remain valid?
An EOI profile remains active for up to 12 months. If not selected within this period, candidates can submit a new profile.
7. What are the chances of selection in NTNP draws?
Selection depends on factors such as score, job offer, and alignment with labour market needs. Since nomination spaces are limited, competition is high.
