The Northwest Territories Nominee Program will be opening applications for the employer-driven and francophone streams starting March 9 at 9am.
The program is an important tool in helping to address the ongoing labor shortage facing the NWT. By allowing businesses to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency, it supports the population growth of northern communities and helps to strengthen local economies.
The 2026 launch will be introducing a new Expression of Interest system to the employer-driven steam.
Employers will be able to submit an Expression of Interest on behalf of foreign nationals they wish to nominate, who will then fill out a survey to allow the GNWT to build a profile.
These profiles will be ranked based on both scores and the employer, and the highest-ranking profiles will be entered into a series of Expression of Interest drawings to determine which candidates will be chosen for the program.
“What we heard clearly through engagement is that people want a system that is fair, transparent, and focused on applicants who are building their lives in the Northwest Territories,” said Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
“These changes will ensure the NWT benefits from the talent it needs and help more newcomers build lasting roots in our communities—strengthening the both the territory’s social and economic vibrancy for the long term.”
The first drawing is expected to take place on March 25 and will select up to 65 candidates.
A total of 197 spots are available in the program.
