The employer starts the process
Under the EOI system, the employer registers and begins the Employer-Driven process before the candidate completes the EOI survey.
PROVINCIAL NOMINEE GUIDE
Northwest Territories Nominee Program
The Northwest Territories nominates workers and entrepreneurs through three program streams. Here is how the NTNP works and how its EOI system selects candidates.
PLAIN-LANGUAGE OVERVIEW
The NTNP in plain language
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is delivered by the territory's Department of Education, Culture and Employment in collaboration with IRCC. It has three streams: the Employer-Driven Stream, the Francophone Stream, and the Business Stream.
The Employer-Driven Stream covers Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker, and NWT Express Entry. Since 2026 it uses an Expression of Interest selection system: candidates enter a ranked pool, and the territory invites selected candidates to apply through draws.
Who this guide may suit
- Workers with a job offer from a Northwest Territories employer
- Entry-level or semi-skilled workers in sectors with labour shortages
- Express Entry candidates with an NWT job offer
- French-English bilingual workers with an NWT job offer
- Entrepreneurs starting, buying, or investing in an NWT business
Eligibility factors to review
Immigration rules change frequently.
These are key factors, not a complete eligibility test. Check the current official instructions and your individual circumstances before applying.
Ranked selection
EOI profiles are scored and ranked in a candidate pool. The highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply in scheduled draws.
French-English ability
The Francophone Stream is for qualified bilingual workers who speak both French and English and hold a valid NWT job offer.
Active business management
The Business Stream is for foreign nationals who will start, purchase, or invest in an NWT business and take part in operating it. It runs separately from the EOI draws.
A careful, step-by-step approach
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Confirm your stream
Match your situation to the Employer-Driven, Francophone, or Business stream.
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Employer registration and EOI
For the Employer-Driven Stream, the employer starts the process and the candidate completes the EOI survey to enter the pool.
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Invitation to apply
Selected candidates submit the full application with supporting evidence within the stated timelines.
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Nomination, then federal PR
After nomination, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Your document starting point
The exact checklist depends on your route, stage, and circumstances. This list helps prepare the discussion; it does not replace IRCC's personalized document requirements.
- Passport and identity documents
- Job offer and NWT employer details
- Current language test results, in French and English for the Francophone Stream
- Educational Credential Assessment for foreign education
- Business plan and financial documents (Business Stream)
- Proof of settlement funds
- Police and medical documents when IRCC requires them
Refusal risks and preparation pitfalls
Eligibility and evidence both matter. The following points deserve attention; this is not an exhaustive list or a prediction of a decision.
- Proceeding without the employer's participation in the process
- Incomplete or inconsistent EOI information
- Missing invitation deadlines after a draw
- Documents expiring before the application is submitted
- Treating the Francophone Stream as a general worker route
Common questions
What is the NTNP EOI system?
Since 2026, Employer-Driven candidates enter a ranked pool through an EOI survey after employer registration. Invitations to apply go to selected candidates.
Does the Business Stream use the EOI system?
No. The Business Stream operates separately from the Employer-Driven EOI draws.
Do I need to live in the NWT already?
The program targets people who will reside in the territory. Check the current criteria on the official site for your stream.
How does NWT Express Entry differ?
It is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, and a nomination strengthens the federal ranking under IRCC's current rules.
Where do I find draw results?
The territory publishes selection information on its official NTNP pages.
Related guides
Go to the official source
Use these links for current government requirements and application instructions.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. It does not assess your eligibility or guarantee an outcome. A review of your full circumstances and current rules is needed before taking action.
PERSONAL GUIDANCE. PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS.
Considering the Northwest
Territories?
Discuss your circumstances with Balpreet Singh, RCIC #R525492.