Newfoundland and Labrador Issues More Than 300 Invitations to Apply for Provincial Immigration

In a significant step to address labor shortages and bolster its economy, Newfoundland and Labrador has issued over 300 invitations to apply for permanent residency through its Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in recent draws. This move reflects the province’s growing emphasis on skilled immigration as a key driver of economic and demographic growth.

The invitations were extended through two primary pathways: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). These programs are designed to attract skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs whose skills align with the province’s labor market needs.

Recent Immigration Draws Show Strong Momentum

Recent draws conducted by Newfoundland and Labrador highlight the province’s commitment to accelerating immigration efforts. Between April and August 2025, the province issued a total of 1,796 invitations across multiple draws. The NLPNP accounted for the majority of these invitations, with 1,499 candidates receiving invitations to apply, while the AIP issued 297 invitations.

The most recent draw on August 29, 2025, issued 202 invitations, with 125 going through the NLPNP and 77 through the AIP. This follows a draw on August 13, 2025, which saw 231 invitations issued, including 180 through the NLPNP and 51 through the AIP. These numbers demonstrate the province’s consistent effort to attract skilled immigrants to address critical labor gaps.

Understanding the Immigration Programs

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is tailored to skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs whose skills and experience match the province’s labor market needs. The program allows the province to nominate candidates for permanent residency, ensuring that newcomers can contribute effectively to the local economy.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), on the other hand, facilitates permanent residence for candidates who have job offers from designated employers within the Atlantic provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is particularly beneficial for candidates who already have employment opportunities in the region.

Application Process and Requirements

Since February 2025, applicants have been required to use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to apply for these programs. This system streamlines the process by allowing candidates to outline their qualifications, work experience, and alignment with provincial needs. The EOI system prioritizes candidates whose profiles best match the province’s current labor market requirements.

For the NLPNP, selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email, enabling them to submit a complete application through the “Immigration Accelerator” portal. For the AIP, designated employers must endorse the candidate’s job offer before the application can proceed. Applicants outside Canada typically require an employer-issued invite code to submit their EOI.

Eligibility and Priority Factors

Eligibility for these programs is based on several factors, including job offers from Newfoundland and Labrador employers, in-demand occupations, and a points-based system evaluating education, work experience, and language skills. International graduates also benefit from these draws, as the province seeks to retain talent and address labor shortages.

In-demand occupations include healthcare, IT, trades, and skilled workers, reflecting the province’s strategic focus on sectors critical to its economic and demographic priorities.

Increased Allocation for Immigration

In 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador increased its annual provincial nomination allocation by 1,000, bringing the total to 2,525 spaces available through both the NLPNP and AIP. However, the endorsement cap for the AIP remains at 475. This expansion underscores the province’s aggressive approach to recruiting international talent amid an aging workforce and persistent labor shortages.

By leveraging both the NLPNP and AIP, Newfoundland and Labrador aims to fill key job gaps, support local employers, and attract families seeking to settle permanently in Canada’s easternmost province. These efforts highlight the province’s strategic focus on skilled immigration as a tool for economic and demographic renewal.

For more details on Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration initiatives, visit CIC News.

Structure of the Immigration Programs

Newfoundland and Labrador operates two primary economic immigration pathways designed to address labor shortages and support economic growth. These programs are structured to attract skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs whose skills align with the province’s labor market needs.

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

The NLPNP is tailored to skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs whose skills and experience match the province’s labor market requirements. This program allows the province to nominate candidates for permanent residency, ensuring that newcomers can effectively contribute to the local economy.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP facilitates permanent residence for candidates who have job offers from designated employers within the Atlantic provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is particularly beneficial for candidates who already have employment opportunities in the region, streamlining their path to permanent residency.

Recent Draws and Invitation Numbers

Newfoundland and Labrador has conducted several recent draws, issuing a significant number of invitations to apply for permanent residency through both the NLPNP and AIP. The table below outlines the details of these draws:

These draws demonstrate the province’s consistent effort to attract skilled immigrants to address critical labor gaps. The NLPNP has been the primary pathway, accounting for the majority of invitations issued.

Application Process and Requirements

Since February 2025, applicants must use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to apply for these programs. This system streamlines the process by allowing candidates to outline their qualifications, work experience, and alignment with provincial needs. The EOI system prioritizes candidates whose profiles best match the province’s current labor market requirements.

For the NLPNP, selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email, enabling them to submit a complete application through the “Immigration Accelerator” portal. For the AIP, designated employers must endorse the candidate’s job offer before the application can proceed. Applicants outside Canada typically require an employer-issued invite code to submit their EOI.

Eligibility and Priority Factors

Eligibility for these programs is based on several factors, including job offers from Newfoundland and Labrador employers, in-demand occupations, and a points-based system evaluating education, work experience, and language skills. International graduates also benefit from these draws, as the province seeks to retain talent and address labor shortages.

In-demand occupations include healthcare, IT, trades, and skilled workers, reflecting the province’s strategic focus on sectors critical to its economic and demographic priorities. The points-based system ensures that candidates with the most relevant skills and experience are prioritized for invitations.

Increased Allocation for Immigration

In 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador increased its annual provincial nomination allocation by 1,000, bringing the total to 2,525 spaces available through both the NLPNP and AIP. However, the endorsement cap for the AIP remains at 475. This expansion underscores the province’s aggressive approach to recruiting international talent amid an aging workforce and persistent labor shortages.

By leveraging both the NLPNP and AIP, Newfoundland and Labrador aims to fill key job gaps, support local employers, and attract families seeking to settle permanently in Canada’s easternmost province. These efforts highlight the province’s strategic focus on skilled immigration as a tool for economic and demographic renewal.

For more details on Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration initiatives, visit CIC News.

Conclusion

Newfoundland and Labrador’s issuance of over 300 invitations to apply for provincial immigration marks a significant step in addressing labor shortages and driving economic growth. Through the NLPNP and AIP, the province is strategically attracting skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs whose skills align with its labor market needs. The consistent issuance of invitations across multiple draws demonstrates the province’s commitment to leveraging immigration as a tool for economic and demographic renewal. With increased allocation for provincial nominations and a focus on in-demand occupations, Newfoundland and Labrador is positioning itself as an attractive destination for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada.

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