The Northwest Territories invites 105 candidates to pursue nomination for permanent residence.

The Northwest Territories nomination process reached an important moment on September 25, 2026, when the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) invited 105 foreign workers to move forward with a territorial nomination application. For skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and employers across the territory who are hoping to turn a temporary work permit into Canadian permanent residence, this draw is more than a headline. It is a clear signal of how the territory is selecting candidates under its new Expression of Interest model, which workers are being prioritised, and how competitive the pool has become as the year closes.

The draw was also the last one scheduled for 2026, which makes it a useful point to look back at everything the program has done this year and to plan for what may come next. If you are working in the Northwest Territories, thinking about moving there, or supporting an employee who wants to settle in Canada for the long term, this guide explains what happened, why it matters, and how to prepare a strong case. Prestige Law has prepared this article to help you understand each stage in plain language, so you can make confident decisions about your immigration future. Northwest Territories Invites 105 Candidates

Key takeaways from the draw Northwest Territories Invites 105 Candidates

• The NTNP invited 105 candidates on September 25, 2026, through three pathways of its Employer-Driven Stream.
• Invited candidates had profile scores ranging from 317 to 492.
• The draw considered 197 profiles and was the last scheduled draw of 2026.
• Across 2026, the program has invited a total of 353 candidates under the Employer-Driven Stream.
• A territorial nomination is not permanent residence. It is a major step that allows a nominee to apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
• Employers play a central role because the employer submits the nomination application on the candidate’s behalf after an invitation.

What happened in the September 25 Northwest Territories nomination draw?

On September 25, the NTNP held a selection round under the Employer-Driven Stream and issued 105 invitations. These invitations do not grant nomination on their own. Instead, they allow the employer of each selected candidate to submit a complete nomination application to the territory. The territory then reviews that application before deciding whether to nominate the worker.

The candidates who received invitations had Expression of Interest scores between 317 and 492. The territory reviewed 197 active profiles for this draw, which means that more than half of the profiles in the pool were selected. That ratio is notable. In many provincial and territorial programs across Canada, only a small share of the pool receives an invitation in any single round. In this case, roughly 53 per cent of the profiles considered led to an invitation.

The invitations were distributed across three pathways, as shown below.

Pathway

Invitations issued

Entry Level/Semi-Skilled 58

NWT Express Entry 26

Skilled Workers 21

Total 105

The largest share of invitations, 58 out of 105, went to candidates in the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled pathway. This is an encouraging result for workers in roles that are sometimes overlooked by federal programs but are essential to northern communities, including positions in hospitality, retail, food service, transportation support, and other front-line sectors. The NWT Express Entry pathway received 26 invitations, and the Skilled Workers pathway received 21.

Understanding the Northwest Territories Nominee Program

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program is the territory’s economic immigration program. It allows the Government of the Northwest Territories to nominate foreign nationals who have the skills, experience, and employer support needed to fill genuine labour needs in the territory. Like other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada, the NTNP is designed to share the benefits of immigration beyond the largest cities. The Northwest Territories has a small population, a vast geography, and an economy that depends on mining, public services, health care, education, transportation, tourism, and trades. Employers in these sectors often struggle to recruit and retain workers, and the nominee program is one of the main tools available to help them.

A territorial nomination is not the same as permanent residence. The process has two distinct stages:

1. Territorial stage. The candidate is invited, the employer submits a complete nomination application, and the territory decides whether to issue a nomination certificate.
2. Federal stage. After receiving a nomination certificate, the nominee applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. IRCC reviews medical, security, and admissibility requirements before issuing a confirmation of permanent residence.

Both stages matter. A strong territorial application can still be delayed or refused at the federal stage if there are problems with documents, admissibility, or the accuracy of information. That is why careful preparation from the beginning is so important.

How the Expression of Interest system works

Earlier in 2026, the NTNP moved to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Under this approach, interested workers first create a profile and submit it to the territory. They do not apply for nomination right away. Instead, each profile receives a score, with a maximum of 845 points available across three broad areas. The Government of the Northwest Territories evaluates and scores all active profiles, then holds periodic draws in which it invites candidates from the pool.

This system is similar in spirit to the way Express Entry works at the federal level, but it is tailored to the needs of the territory. The key features are straightforward:

• Profiles come first. A worker submits an EOI profile before any nomination application is requested.
• Scores decide the order. The territory ranks profiles based on the points awarded.
• Draws happen periodically. The territory selects candidates from the pool at set times during the year.
• Employers submit the application. If a candidate is selected, the employer completes and submits the nomination application on the worker’s behalf.

The EOI model gives the territory more control over who advances. It also gives candidates a clearer picture of where they stand, because the pool is assessed against a consistent scoring system. At the same time, it means that profile accuracy is critical. A profile that understates your experience, misreports your job duties, or contains inconsistencies can lower your score or cause problems later in the process.

The first draw and the schedule for 2026

The territory’s first draw under the new system took place on March 25, 2026. In that round, the NTNP invited 65 of the highest-ranking candidates from a pool of 295 profiles. The government then announced that more draws would follow during the year. The September 25 draw was the last of the scheduled rounds for 2026.

The contrast between the two draws is striking. In March, the territory invited roughly 22 per cent of the profiles in the pool. By September, it invited just over half of the profiles it considered. That does not necessarily mean the process became easier for every candidate, because the pool itself changes over time and the territory’s priorities shift with labour market needs and available nomination spaces. It does show, however, that the program remains active and responsive.

Nomination spaces and the 2026 allocation

Every PNP in Canada operates within an annual allocation of nomination spaces set by the federal government. In August 2026, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced that it had received 103 additional nomination spaces for the year, raising its allocation from 197 to 300. The territory described this as a return to the level it had reached at the end of 2025, and it linked the increase to its ongoing advocacy for the territory’s unique labour market needs.

This increase also led to an additional EOI draw on August 26, 2026, under the Employer-Driven Stream. Together with the March and September draws, it helped bring the total number of invitations issued under the stream to 353 over the course of 2026.

Allocation levels matter because they shape how many candidates can be invited. When a territory receives more spaces, it can hold more draws or issue more invitations. When allocations fall, competition rises. Workers and employers should follow allocation news closely, because it can change the timing and size of future selections.

What the 2026 numbers reveal

Looking at the full year gives a more useful picture than any single draw. Here are the main points worth noting.

The program favours employer-backed candidates. Every invitation issued this year has come through the Employer-Driven Stream. This reflects the territory’s focus on filling real vacancies with workers who already have an employer committed to supporting them. For candidates, the lesson is simple: a stable job offer or current employment in the territory is the foundation of a successful profile.

Entry-level and semi-skilled workers are in demand. The September draw gave the largest number of invitations to the Entry Level/Semi-Skilled pathway. For many workers in these roles, federal immigration pathways can be difficult to access, so provincial and territorial programs are often the best route to permanent residence.

NWT Express Entry remains a valuable pathway. Workers who already have a profile in the federal Express Entry system may benefit from a nomination, because an Express Entry-aligned nomination can add a very large number of points to a federal profile and lead to a fast invitation to apply for permanent residence. Candidates should confirm how this works for their own situation before relying on it.

Skilled workers should not be discouraged. Although the Skilled Workers pathway received fewer invitations in September than the other two, it remains an important route for professionals, tradespeople, and technicians whose experience matches the territory’s needs.

Scores vary widely. The range of 317 to 492 in the September draw shows that candidates with different profiles can be successful. However, this does not mean that a lower score is always enough. Each draw depends on who is in the pool, which pathways the territory wants to prioritise, and how many invitations it decides to issue.

Who may benefit from the Northwest Territories nomination pathways?

The NTNP is not designed for everyone, but it may be an excellent option for several groups of workers.

Workers already employed in the Northwest Territories.

If you are already working in the territory on a valid work permit, you may have the strongest foundation for an application. Your employer knows your skills, your work history is documented, and you may already be integrated into the local community. Because the employer submits the nomination application after an invitation, a good working relationship and a clear commitment from your employer are essential.

Entry-level and semi-skilled workers

Many workers in lower-skilled occupations assume that permanent residence is out of reach. The September results show otherwise. With 58 invitations issued in this pathway, the territory has demonstrated that it values workers who fill essential roles. If you work in a front-line position and your employer is willing to support you, it is worth exploring whether you can build an eligible profile.

Skilled professionals and tradespeople

Workers with specialised training, such as technicians, health care support staff, tradespeople, and administrative professionals, may qualify through the Skilled Workers pathway or through NWT Express Entry. These candidates often have stronger education and language results, which can improve their scores.

Candidates with Express Entry profiles

If you already have a federal Express Entry profile, the NWT Express Entry pathway may allow you to combine territorial nomination with the federal system. This can be one of the fastest routes to permanent residence for eligible workers, but it requires careful coordination between the territorial and federal processes.

Employers

Employers also benefit from understanding the program. When a business hires and retains a skilled worker through the NTNP, it reduces turnover, protects its investment in training, and supports long-term workforce planning. Employers must be ready to provide accurate documentation, support the worker through the application, and meet the program’s requirements.

From invitation to permanent residence: the full process

Receiving an invitation is exciting, but it is only one step. Here is how the journey usually unfolds.

Step 1: Build and submit your EOI profile

You begin by creating an accurate profile and submitting it to the territory. Your profile should reflect your education, work experience, language skills, and employment in the territory. Take time to gather proof for every claim, because the information will be checked later.

Step 2: Wait for scoring and selection

The Government of the Northwest Territories scores each active profile and periodically selects candidates in draws. Your score determines where you stand in the pool. Staying informed about draw dates, results, and allocation changes can help you decide when to update your profile.

Step 3: Receive an invitation

If you are selected, you move to the nomination stage. The invitation does not guarantee a nomination. It simply allows your employer to submit the full application.

Step 4: Employer submits the nomination application

Your employer completes and submits the application on your behalf, along with supporting documents. Deadlines apply, so you and your employer should be ready to act quickly as soon as an invitation arrives. Missing documents or errors at this stage can lead to delays or a refusal.

Step 5: Receive a nomination certificate

If the territory approves the application, you receive a nomination certificate. This is a major milestone because it confirms that the Northwest Territories supports your application for permanent residence.

Step 6: Apply to IRCC for permanent residence

With your nomination certificate, you submit a permanent residence application to the federal government. IRCC checks your identity, medical results, criminal record, and admissibility. Accuracy is vital. Any misrepresentation, even an unintentional one, can lead to serious consequences.

Step 7: Receive your confirmation of permanent residence

If IRCC approves the application, you receive a confirmation of permanent residence. After you complete the landing process, you become a permanent resident of Canada, with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.

Bridging open work permits for nominees.

One of the most practical developments for nominees in 2026 involves the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). A BOWP allows eligible applicants to keep working in Canada while their permanent residence application is processed, which helps avoid gaps in employment and income.

Since June 9, 2026, nominees who apply for permanent residence from within Canada through a base PNP can apply for a BOWP months sooner than before, under a temporary federal measure. The measure removes the need to first receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. This is an important change because waiting for an AOR could previously take a significant amount of time, leaving workers worried about the expiry of their current permits.

Because this measure is temporary, nominees should confirm the current rules before they apply. Eligibility depends on factors such as your current status, how you applied, and the timing of your permit expiry. A lawyer can review your situation and help you avoid status gaps.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many promising applications run into trouble because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common ones.

1. Submitting an inaccurate profile. Overstating experience, listing the wrong occupation, or reporting incorrect language results can lead to refusal and, in serious cases, a finding of misrepresentation.
2. Waiting too long to prepare documents. Once an invitation arrives, time is limited. Gather employment letters, pay records, education credentials, and language test results in advance.
3. Relying on an unprepared employer. The employer’s role is central. Make sure your employer understands the obligations, the documents required, and the deadlines.
4. Ignoring work permit expiry. An invitation or nomination does not extend your status automatically. Keep track of your permit expiry date and plan.
5. Assuming a nomination guarantees permanent residence. The federal stage still involves a full review of admissibility, so you must continue to provide accurate and complete information.
6. Using unreliable advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm information with official sources or a licensed professional.

How to strengthen your profile

While no one can guarantee an invitation, there are practical steps that can improve your position.

• Improve your language results. Strong English or French test scores often have a major effect on points in economic immigration programs.
• Document your experience in detail. Reference letters should describe your duties, hours, dates of employment, and salary. Vague letters can cause problems.
• Build a long-term relationship with your employer. A committed employer who values your contribution can make the difference between a profile that stays in the pool and one that moves forward.
• Keep your profile current. If your job, education, or language results change, update your profile promptly so that your score reflects your real situation.
• Consider more than one pathway. Some candidates qualify for more than one program, including federal options. A broader strategy can reduce risk.
• Track draw trends. Reviewing results from earlier draws helps you understand how the territory is selecting candidates.
• Plan for your status. Make sure your work permit remains valid and that you understand your options if processing takes longer than expected.

What the end of the 2026 draw schedule means

Because the September 25 draw was the last scheduled round of the year, many candidates are wondering what comes next. While the territory may announce future changes, the best approach is to use the time to prepare. Candidates who remain in the pool should review their profiles, gather supporting documents, and confirm that their employers are ready to move quickly if an invitation arrives.

It is also wise to watch for announcements about the 2027 allocation, any changes to eligibility requirements, and the schedule of future draws. The territory has shown that it can adjust its approach during the year, as it did when it received additional nomination spaces in August. Staying informed gives you a real advantage.

Why work with Prestige Law

Immigration applications are rarely simple, and the cost of a mistake can be very high. A refusal can mean lost time, lost income, and an uncertain future. At Prestige Law, we help workers, employers, and families navigate Canadian immigration with clarity, honesty, and care. Our lawyer, Zeesean Sheikh, helps clients understand their options, prepare complete and accurate applications, and respond to challenges as they arise.

When you work with our team, you can expect:

• A careful review of your history, documents, and goals
• Honest advice about your chances and your options
• Support in preparing strong applications that are clear and well-organised
• Guidance on work permit planning, including bridging options where they apply
• Clear communication at every stage of the process

Whether you are a worker hoping to settle in Canada or an employer who wants to support a valued employee, we are ready to help you take the next step with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

How many candidates did the Northwest Territories invite on September 25, 2026?

The NTNP invited 105 candidates through three pathways of the Employer-Driven Stream: 58 in Entry Level/Semi-Skilled, 26 in NWT Express Entry, and 21 in Skilled Workers.

What scores were needed in the latest draw?

Candidates who received invitations had Expression of Interest scores ranging from 317 to 492. Cut-off scores can change from one draw to another, so a past range does not guarantee future results.

Is a territorial nomination the same as permanent residence?

No. A nomination is a recommendation from the territory. After receiving it, the nominee must apply to the federal government for permanent residence and meet all admissibility requirements.

Do I need a job offer to be invited?

The invitations issued this year came through the Employer-Driven Stream, which means employer support is central. If you do not have an employer in the territory, you should speak with a professional about whether another pathway may be a better fit.

Who submits the nomination application?

After a candidate is invited, the employer submits the nomination application on the candidate’s behalf. This is why a strong and cooperative relationship with your employer is so important.

What is the maximum score in the Northwest Territories EOI system?

The maximum is 845 points, awarded across three broad areas. The territory evaluates every active profile and uses the scores to decide who receives an invitation.

Can I apply for a bridging open work permit?

Possibly. Since June 9, 2026, eligible nominees applying for permanent residence from within Canada through a base PNP can apply for a BOWP earlier under a temporary federal measure. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, so you should confirm the current rules before applying.

How many invitations has the program issued in 2026?

Across the year, the NTNP has invited a total of 353 candidates under the Employer-Driven Stream. The first draw in March invited 65 candidates, and an additional draw took place in August after the territory received more nomination spaces.

Was the September 25 draw the last one of the year?

Yes. It was the last scheduled draw of 2026. Candidates should continue to monitor official announcements for updates about future selections and allocations.

Should I hire an immigration lawyer for a PNP application?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but professional guidance can reduce the risk of errors, missed deadlines, and refusals. An experienced lawyer can also help you plan for your work permit and for the federal stage of the process.

Most searched topics related to the Northwest Territories nomination.

If you are researching this subject, these are some of the most common questions and topics people explore:

• Northwest Territories Nominee Program requirements
• NTNP Expression of Interest draw results
• NWT Express Entry pathway explained
• Entry-level and semi-skilled permanent residence in Canada
• Provincial Nominee Program processing times
• Bridging open work permit eligibility
• Employer-driven immigration streams in Canada
• How to move from a work permit to permanent residence

The Northwest Territories nomination draw of September 25 shows that the territory remains committed to welcoming workers who help its communities and businesses grow. With 105 invitations issued, a wide range of scores accepted, and the largest share going to entry-level and semi-skilled workers, the results offer real hope to many people who work in the territory every day. At the same time, the process is competitive, the rules can change, and the stakes are high. A careful, accurate, and well-planned application is the best way to protect your future.

If you are considering the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, or want to understand how your work permit, employer, and long-term goals fit together, Prestige Law is here to help. Contact our team to discuss your situation and take the next step toward building your life in Canada.

Contact Prestige Law

Lawyer: Zeesean Sheikh

📍 Richmond Hill: 100–100 Mural Street, ON.

📍 Toronto: 55 Town Centre Court, Suite 700, ON.

📞 Telephone: +1 (647) 925-2222

🌐 Website: prestigelaw.ca

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules and program details change often, so please speak with a licensed professional about your own circumstances.