Expression of Interest System for the Employer-Driven Stream
"The Northwest Territories Nominee Program has an Expression of Interest Comprehensive Ranking System for the Employer-Driven Stream application intake" (Expression of Interest). The Francophone and Business streams are applied for separately: "Both the Francophone and Business streams will continue to operate separately and remain open on a first-come, first-served basis" (NWT news). Since February 2026, the employer registers in the online portal and the worker completes the Expression of Interest survey. Points are awarded for human capital factors, connections to the NWT labour market, and adaptability to the NWT. "Successfully completing the Expression of Interest does not guarantee a nomination or the ability to submit a full application to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program." Profiles remain in the pool for up to 12 months. For draw information, see the official Expression of Interest page.
NTNP Streams
- "This category is for occupations that fall under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3" (Skilled Worker).
- The skilled worker must "Have one (1) year of full-time experience within the last 10 years in the same or similar occupation" and "Have a valid work permit."
- Language: CLB 6 for NOC TEER 0 and 1, and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3, "across all four categories: listening, speaking, reading and writing" (Employer-Driven Stream guidelines, effective March 9, 2026).
- Job offer: "The term of employment must be permanent, non-seasonal and full-time. Full-time means at least 30 hours per week. Work must take place within the NWT."
- Wage: "It must meet or exceed the median wage listed on Job Bank for the NWT."
- The employer must have been registered and operating in the NWT for at least one year on a full-time basis, be in good standing with the WSCC and the Employment Standards Act, and show a critical labour shortage through an LMIA or required job advertising
Recent Official Changes
August 7, 2026: "The Northwest Territories' 2026 allocation for the Nominee Program was increased by 103 nominees this week, bringing this year's total allocation to 300." The territory said the increase "restores the territory's allocation back to 2024 and 2025 levels" (NWT news). The Expression of Interest page states that the next draw "will be held in early 2027."
March 9, 2026: The Employer-Driven and Francophone streams opened for 2026, with the new Expression of Interest system for the Employer-Driven Stream (announced February 18, 2026). The territory said the system resulted from public engagement in September 2025 (NWT news).
November 19, 2025: The 2025 intake for the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams closed after the program "received enough applications to fill its nomination cap of 300 allocated by the Government of Canada." The Business Stream continued to accept applications (NWT news).
Eligibility Points to Check
Sources: Government of the Northwest Territories (immigratenwt.ca) — Immigrate Here, Employer-Driven Stream, Skilled Worker, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations, NWT Express Entry, Expression of Interest, Francophone Stream, Business Stream, Employer-Driven Stream program guidelines (effective March 9, 2026), and NWT news of November 19, 2025, February 18, April 16 and August 7, 2026. This page is general information provided by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and is not a substitute for the official requirements at immigratenwt.ca. Last reviewed by Amer Rehman, RCIC (R515343): October 13, 2026.