This update is part of the Express Entry draws hub, with the Express Entry guide. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program issued 105 invitations to foreign workers on September 25. These invitations are for territorial nomination, a crucial step toward Canadian permanent residence. Successful nominees may also qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit after submitting their permanent residence application.

The September 25 draw targeted candidates with profile scores between 317 and 492. Invitations were distributed across three pathways within the Employer Driven Stream: Entry Level/Semi Skilled, NWT Express Entry, and Skilled Workers. Of the 105 invitations, 96 went to workers in Yellowknife, with eight issued to those outside the city. The program considered 197 profiles for this specific draw.

A total of 58 invitations were issued to Entry Level/Semi Skilled candidates, 26 to NWT Express Entry, and 21 to Skilled Workers. This draw marked the fourth for the Employer Driven Stream in 2026, following previous draws on August 26, June 25, and March 25. The program has invited 353 candidates under this stream throughout 2026. The annual quota for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program was increased to 300 in 2026, up from 197. Candidates submit an Expression of Interest profile and can earn up to 845 points across three categories: Skills and experience up to 375 points, Connections to the NWT up to 340 points, and Likelihood of settling in the NWT up to 130 points.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program transitioned its Employer Driven Stream to an Expression of Interest system in late February 2026. This change was implemented due to high demand, replacing a previous first come, first served intake model. A temporary federal measure, effective since June 9, 2026, allows nominees applying for permanent residence from within Canada through a base Provincial Nominee Program to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit months sooner. This measure removes the prior requirement of first receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt. The federal government also increased the program's annual quota to 300 in August, up from 197.

Successful nominees gain the ability to apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. The eligibility for a Bridging Open Work Permit after submitting their permanent residence application provides a significant benefit. The temporary federal measure further expedites this process, allowing nominees to apply for the work permit months earlier.

The Northwest Territories has scheduled its next Employer Driven Stream draw for early 2027. The exact date for this draw is expected to be confirmed in late 2026. Expression of Interest profiles remain active in the pool for 12 months before expiring.

The September 25 draw concluded the Northwest Territories Nominee Program's scheduled draws for 2026. It invited 105 foreign workers to pursue territorial nomination, moving them closer to Canadian permanent residence.