Key takeaways
- IRCC added 50 nominations for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program. The 2026 total is now 350
- IRCC first allocated 197 nominations for 2026. The number rose to 300, then to 350, the highest the territory has received
- GNWT is adding a fifth Employer-Driven Stream EOI draw on November 18, 2026
- Your EOI profile must be submitted by November 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Northwest Territories Time
- The Francophone and Business streams do not use the EOI system
The allocation: 197, then 300, then 350
GNWT’s November 10, 2026 news release says the Northwest Territories received an additional 50 allocations for its Nominee Program from IRCC. This brings the total nominee allocation for 2026 to 350.
| Step | 2026 nominee allocation |
|---|---|
| IRCC’s original allocation | 197 |
| First increase | 300 |
| Latest increase (November 10) | 350 |
GNWT says 350 is the highest number of allocations the Northwest Territories has received. It says the increases followed sustained territorial advocacy.
The extra EOI draw
To use the extra spaces, GNWT is adding an Expression of Interest (EOI) draw on November 18, 2026. An EOI profile is not an application. It is how you tell the program you are interested.
| Item | What GNWT says |
|---|---|
| Stream | Employer-Driven Stream |
| Draw date | November 18, 2026 |
| Profile deadline | November 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Northwest Territories Time |
| Draw number in 2026 | Fifth |
| Earlier draws (as listed in the release) | March 25, June 25, August 26 and September 22 |
Applicants selected in this draw should be prepared to submit a completed application within one week of receiving an invitation to apply.
Note: other pages on the GNWT site date the fourth draw September 25, with a September 22 profile cutoff. The release lists September 22. Check GNWT’s EOI page for the exact dates.
What “Northwest Territories Time” means
GNWT ended the seasonal time change on November 1, 2026. Northwest Territories Time is now UTC-6 all year. On our research, 11:59 p.m. on November 17 in the territory is 12:59 a.m. on November 18 in Toronto (Eastern Standard Time). Do not wait for the last minute. See GNWT’s page on the end of the seasonal time change.
Other streams
GNWT says the Francophone and Business streams do not use the EOI system. They continue to evaluate applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
What this means for you
- You have an Employer-Driven Stream EOI profile: check that it is accurate and submitted by the deadline.
- You do not have a profile: you must submit one by November 17, 2026 to be considered in this draw. Read the stream rules first.
- You are looking at the Francophone or Business streams: there is no EOI draw. Applications are reviewed in the order received.
A nomination is not permanent residence. It is a step in the process.
What to do next
- Read the GNWT release and the EOI page for the stream rules.
- Confirm your profile details and submit before the deadline.
- If you are invited, prepare your documents so you can apply within one week.
- See our Northwest Territories data page, our PNP draws page and our guide to the Provincial Nominee Program.
Frequently asked questions
How many nominations does the Northwest Territories have for 2026?
350, after IRCC added 50 more. IRCC’s original allocation was 197.
When is the next NWT EOI draw?
November 18, 2026, the fifth Employer-Driven Stream draw of 2026.
What is the deadline to submit an EOI profile?
November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Northwest Territories Time.
Do the Francophone and Business streams use EOI draws?
No. They evaluate applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories: Northwest Territories Nominee Programs increased by 50 allocations (November 10, 2026)
- ImmigrateNWT newsroom
- Government of the Northwest Territories: Northwest Territories ends seasonal time change (for the time zone)
Facts as provided in our research brief dated November 11, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
