Newfoundland and Labrador is a province at the farthest eastern end of Canada and is famous for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and friendly people. The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.
Given that the province is currently facing challenges regarding the growing population and labor market, the NLPNP provides different immigration streams that aim at attracting potential immigrants who can add value to the province’s economy and society.
The NLPNP was founded in 1999 and has become a major player in Canada’s immigration system. This program is part of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, under the broader Atlantic Immigration Program that allows fast-track immigration for employers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
The NLPNP offers five main streams for potential immigrants, each designed to target different types of applicants. Let us discuss the specific requirements and operations of each of these streams.
This stream is designed for skilled workers who have a job offer in the province and an Express Entry profile.
Requirement | Description |
Express Entry Profile | Must have an Express Entry profile. |
Job Offer | Must have a full-time job offer (NOC level 0, A, or B). |
Valid Work Permit | Must have a valid work permit. |
Education | Must have a post-secondary degree or diploma. |
Work Experience and Language Requirements | Must meet minimum work experience and language requirements. |
Points Assessment | Must score at least 67/100 on the PNP points assessment grid. |
Settlement Funds | Must have enough funds to establish oneself in the province. |
Application Process | |
Step | Description |
Verify Eligibility | Verify eligibility and create an Express Entry profile. |
Obtain Job Offer | Obtain a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. |
Apply Online | Apply online through the provincial immigration portal. |
Participate in Interview | Participate in an interview if required. |
Receive Provincial Nomination | Receive provincial nomination and accept it through the Express Entry profile. |
Obtain Additional CRS Points | Obtain an additional 600 CRS points and an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. |
The Skilled Worker Category targets those with specialized skills and a job offer in the province.
Requirement | Description |
Job Offer | Must have a full-time job offer. |
Qualifications and Training | Must have the required qualifications, training, and experience for the job. |
Valid Work Permit | Should have a four-month valid work permit. |
Language Requirements | Must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4 for NOC C or D jobs). |
Application Process | |
Step | Description |
Ensure Eligibility | Ensure eligibility and gather necessary documents. |
Complete Application | Complete the online application on the provincial immigration portal. |
Application Review | Wait for application review and decision within 25 business days. |
Provincial Nomination | If approved, use the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with IRCC. |
This stream is for international graduates from Canadian institutions who wish to stay and work in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Requirement | Description |
Graduation | Must have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution. |
Job Offer | Must have a full-time job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. |
Post-Graduation Work Permit | Must hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
Language Requirements | Must meet minimum language requirements. |
Settlement Funds | Must have enough funds to settle in the province. |
Application Process | |
Step | Description |
Verify Eligibility | Verify eligibility and gather required documents. |
Complete Application | Complete the online application through the provincial immigration portal. |
Application Review | Wait for application review and decision within 25 business days. |
Provincial Nomination | If approved, use the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with IRCC. |
This category is designed for experienced business owners who want to invest in and manage a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Requirement | Description |
Age | Must be between 21 and 59 years old. |
Net Assets | Must have CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets. |
Investment | Must invest at least CAD $200,000 in a business. |
Business Management Experience | Must have at least two years of experience managing a business or five years in a senior management role. |
Job Creation | Must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. |
Language Requirements | Must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 5). |
Application Process | |
Step | Description |
Ensure Eligibility | Ensure eligibility and complete an Expression of Interest (EOI). |
Receive ITA | Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the province. |
Gather Documents | Choose a Net Worth Verifier and gather the required documents. |
Submit Application | Submit the application along with a Business Establishment Plan. |
Provincial Nomination | If approved, use the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with IRCC. |
This stream targets international graduates from Newfoundland and Labrador institutions who have started a business in the province.
Requirement | Description |
Graduation | Must have graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic in the past two years. |
Business Ownership | Must have started or purchased a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. |
Business Operations | Must have been involved in day-to-day operations for at least one year. |
Post-Graduation Work Permit | Must hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
Job Creation | Must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. |
Language Requirements | Must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7). |
Application Process | |
Step | Description |
Ensure Eligibility | Ensure eligibility and complete an Expression of Interest (EOI). |
Receive ITA | Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the province. |
Gather Documents | Gather required documents, including a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report. |
Submit Application | Submit the application and, if approved, use the provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with IRCC |
The Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador stream aims to attract highly educated and skilled individuals with experience in in-demand occupations. It operates as an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Here are the eligibility requirements:
Must have a year of work experience in an in-demand occupation.
Must be at least 60 points on the EOI system.
Must have a CLB of at least 5 in language proficiency.
Has to be over 21 years old and wants to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) offers various avenues for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence. By offering streams that target diverse groups of applicants, the NLPNP supports the province’s economy and its population’s ethnicities. For the Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker (Express Entry), or Entrepreneur categories, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program offers an easy and fast immigration process to those wanting to move to the province.