It has been announced that the Northwest Territories’ allocation for the Nominee Program in 2026 will be increased by 103, bringing the total to 300, the same level that was available in 2024 and 2025.
The Nominee Program allows the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency if they plan to live and work in the NWT and contribute to the territory’s labour-market needs. It functions through three streams, Employer-Driven, Francophone, and Business.
The GNWT says this increase in the allocation reflects their advocacy for the needs of the territory, given the NWT’s immigration priorities and unique labour market needs. The full allotment was used by the GNWT in 2024 and 2025.
The Nominee Program’s Employer-Driven Stream selection process uses an Expression of Interest system, implemented in February of 2026 after immigrants and employers expressed the need for a clearer and fairer process.
Two Expression of Interest draws were held earlier this year and with the increase to the allocation a new draw will be held at the end of August, bringing the total number of draws to four.
The new draw will be held on August 26, with applications needing to be submitted by August 24. The final draw will be held on September 25 with a cut-off date of September 22.
The Francophone and Business streams do not use the Expression of Interest system and will operate on a first-come first-serve basis.
More information about the system can be found at the GWNT’s website.
