Canada raises Northwest Territories nominee allocation to a record 350 for 2026

YELLOWKNIFE — The Canadian government has announced a further increase in the immigration allocation for the Northwest Territories, bringing it to an unprecedented level in 2026. The move is aimed at attracting foreign workers and retaining the skills the region needs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed it has approved 50 additional nominations under the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP). This raises the annual allocation to 350 nominations, the highest level recorded in the program's history.

The decision responds to local labour market needs, amid government efforts to support population stability and help businesses that struggle to hire qualified workers.

Record increase in permanent residence opportunities

The Northwest Territories immigration program saw several adjustments this year. The federal government initially set its allocation at only 197 nominations.

Last August, Ottawa approved an additional 103 nominations, raising the allocation to 300.

With the new increase of 50 nominations, the total allocation is now 350, surpassing the 2025 level of 300 nominations.

These allocations give the territorial government the authority to nominate qualified foreign workers for permanent residence. They do not mean automatic approval of the applications, as the final decision rests with federal immigration authorities.

New immigration draw on November 18

The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced an additional draw under its employer-driven immigration stream on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Authorities set 11:59 p.m. on November 17, local Northwest Territories time, as the deadline to submit expressions of interest (EOI).

Candidates will be ranked using a points system, after which employers linked to the highest-ranked profiles will be invited to submit full nomination applications.

The government said candidates selected in the latest draw should be prepared to complete their files within one week of receiving the invitation, to ensure applications are processed quickly.

How are immigration candidates selected?

Since February 2026, the program has used an online system to assess applications from foreign workers, based on set criteria related to qualifications, experience and ability to settle.

The criteria include skills and work experience, worth up to 375 points, with age, education, language ability and years of work taken into account.

A further 340 points are awarded for connection to the territory, including current employment, job offers and previous work experience there.

Candidates can also receive up to 130 points based on their ability to settle, including family ties and previous study in the region.

Applicants need a qualifying job offer from an employer in the Northwest Territories before completing the expression of interest process online.

Results of earlier immigration draws in 2026

The program has held four draws this year, issuing 353 invitations to candidates through the employer-driven stream.

The invitations were distributed as follows:

• March 25, 2026: 65 invitations
• June 25, 2026: 79 invitations
• August 26, 2026: 104 invitations
• September 25, 2026: 105 invitations
• Total: 353 invitations

The invitations covered candidates in the Express Entry, skilled worker, and entry-level and semi-skilled categories.

The territorial government has not yet disclosed the final number of nominations issued in 2026, as an invitation to apply is different from formal approval of a nomination.

Opportunities for Francophones and business people

Authorities said the immigration streams for French speakers and for business people will continue to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis, without being subject to the expression of interest draw system used for employers.

The program seeks to support the local economy by attracting workers and investors able to meet professional needs and strengthen business activity.

The new policy also aims to help small communities retain residents and qualified workers, particularly in areas facing a persistent labour shortage.

What about 2027 immigration allocations?

The Government of the Northwest Territories said the dates of the 2027 draws will be announced after it receives its new allocation from the federal government.

Authorities have not yet released final figures on the number of nominations allocated for next year.