Provincial Nominee Programs
Northwest Territories Nominee Program
Employer, Francophone and business pathways in the North
NTNP operates three streams, with a 2026 EOI system for employer-driven cases and direct intake for Francophone and business applicants.
Program overview
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program requires either qualifying permanent employment with an NWT employer or a credible plan to establish, purchase or invest in an eligible NWT business.
In 2026, the Employer-Driven Stream moved to an EOI system. The Francophone and Business streams continue separately on a first-come, first-served basis because they are not oversubscribed.
Current Pathways
Explore Northwest Territories’s program structure
Open a pathway for a concise explanation. Full eligibility is confirmed only against the current government guide and the applicant’s facts.
Employer-Driven — NWT Express Entry
For eligible federal Express Entry candidates with qualifying permanent NWT employment.EOI category
The worker must satisfy the federal program and the territorial employer-driven requirements.
Employer-Driven — Skilled Worker
For qualifying skilled occupations supported by an NWT employer.EOI category
Education, experience, language, employment and territorial connection affect eligibility and ranking.
Employer-Driven — Entry Level/Semi-Skilled
For eligible lower-TEER employment supported by an NWT employer.EOI category
Current work history, occupation, employer and settlement factors are assessed.
Francophone Stream
For bilingual candidates with qualifying NWT employment.Direct intake
French and English ability, job offer, qualifications and settlement intention must meet the stream rules.
Business Stream
For experienced entrepreneurs establishing, purchasing or investing in an NWT business.Direct intake
Investment, net worth, ownership, business experience, community location and active management are assessed.
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
A complementary pathway for eligible skilled refugees and displaced people with employer support.Related pilot
This is presented separately from the three core NTNP streams and has its own candidate and employer requirements.
At a Glance
What matters before choosing this province
Employer EOI
Profiles remain open year-round and compete in scheduled draws.
2026 draw
The final scheduled employer draw is September 25.
Direct routes
Francophone and Business streams remain first come, first served.
Allocation
The 2026 allocation increased to 300 in August.
September 2026 Position
The NWT’s 2026 process is active and selective
The final scheduled Employer-Driven EOI draw is September 25, 2026, with the published cutoff on September 22. Profiles can remain in the pool for up to 12 months. Francophone and Business applications follow separate direct-intake processes.
Last reviewed September 9, 2026. Verify current intake, invitations and program instructions before taking action.Official Sources
Current government instructions
These links are provided for verification. CanLink applies the rules in force to the client’s circumstances and filing date.
Assess your Northwest Territories nomination options
A province should be selected because your employment, experience, community connection or business plan genuinely fits—not simply because a stream appears easier.