Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Nominee Program
NL Provincial Nominee Program
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is an immigration pathway designed to attract skilled professionals, graduates, and entrepreneurs who can support the province’s economic growth and address local labor market needs. Through this program, Newfoundland and Labrador nominates eligible foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence, enabling them to settle and build long-term futures in the province.
Prospective immigrants can pursue nomination under the NLPNP through two primary routes. The first option is to apply directly to the NLPNP outside the federal Express Entry system via the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism of Newfoundland and Labrador. Upon receiving a provincial nomination, candidates may then create or update their Express Entry profile by entering the nomination certificate details and the nominating province.
The second and more streamlined approach is to first create a profile in the federal Express Entry pool and formally indicate interest in immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador. If the province identifies a candidate whose skills align with its labor market priorities, it may issue a Notification of Interest (NOI). Once nominated, the province submits the nomination electronically through the Express Entry system. Candidates only need to accept the nomination online, after which their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score increases by 600 points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Immigration Categories Under NLPNP
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program offers several immigration pathways tailored to different applicant profiles. These include the Express Entry Skilled Worker Pathway, Skilled Worker Pathway, International Graduate Pathway, Priority Skills NL Pathway, International Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway, International Entrepreneur Pathway, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Pathway
This pathway is for skilled professionals already in the federal Express Entry pool with a high-skilled job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants need an active Express Entry profile and a full-time job offer from a provincial employer for at least two years, with potential for extension. Compensation must meet provincial wage standards.
Besides meeting Express Entry eligibility, applicants must score at least 67 points on the NLPNP points assessment grid. They should have a valid IRCC work permit with at least four months’ validity or be eligible to apply for one. A post-secondary diploma or degree from Canada or an equivalent foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required. Additionally, applicants must show sufficient settlement funds, valid language test results matching their Express Entry profile, and a genuine intention to reside permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
NLPNP Skilled Worker Pathway
The Skilled Worker Pathway is intended for individuals who either have a guaranteed full-time job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer or are already working in the province on a valid work permit. Applicants must possess the education, training, and professional qualifications necessary for the position and demonstrate that their skill set is needed by the employer and the provincial labor market.
Candidates must hold or be eligible for an IRCC work permit, demonstrate adequate settlement funds, and show intent to settle permanently in the province. Language proficiency in English or French sufficient to perform job duties is also required. In certain cases, international graduates may apply even if their job is not directly related to their field of study, provided they graduated from North Atlantic College or Memorial University and meet additional criteria related to career progression and labor market demand.
NLPNP International Graduate Pathway
This pathway is for recent graduates with a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit who have a job offer or are employed by an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants need at least four months left on their permit when applying. Employment must be full-time, offering a minimum of 30 hours per week for at least one year, with potential for extension. Positions should fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, or selected TEER 4 occupations in demand. Graduates from outside Newfoundland and Labrador must work in the province for a year before applying, while those from Memorial University or North Atlantic College can apply for unrelated positions if they show career advancement potential. Applicants must be aged 21 to 59, have sufficient settlement funds, demonstrate language proficiency if needed, and show intent to settle permanently.
NLPNP Priority Skills NL Pathway
The Priority Skills NL Pathway aims at attracting highly educated individuals in occupations with long-term labor shortages in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and only top-ranking candidates who attract employer interest will receive invitations to apply. Eligible candidates typically have at least one year of relevant work experience within the last ten years or hold a master’s or doctoral degree from Memorial University in fields like technology, healthcare, agriculture, or aquaculture. Applicants should be aged 21 to 59, demonstrate a minimum CLB level 5 in language proficiency, and express a clear intent to reside permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
NLPNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway
This pathway is for international graduates of Memorial University or North Atlantic College who have started or bought a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must be aged 21 to 59 and have completed a two-year, full-time diploma or degree within the last two years. A valid post-graduation work permit is required, along with at least one year of continuous ownership (minimum 33.3%) and active management of the business.
Applicants need to submit a detailed business plan with financial documents, create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and show that the business is for-profit and benefits the province economically. Language proficiency at CLB level 7 is necessary, along with an Expression of Interest and an Invitation to Apply from provincial immigration authorities.
NLPNP And The Atlantic Immigration Program
Newfoundland and Labrador also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a federal–provincial initiative aimed at addressing labor shortages and supporting economic growth across Atlantic Canada. This employer-driven program allows designated employers to hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), offering a faster and more accessible pathway to permanent residence.
NLPNP International
Entrepreneur Pathway
The International Entrepreneur Pathway is intended for experienced business owners or senior managers who plan to establish or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador and reside in the province permanently. Applicants must have at least a high school education or equivalent, a minimum net worth of $600,000 in legally obtained assets, and the ability to invest at least $200,000 into a business with a minimum ownership stake of 33.3 percent or make an equity investment of $1 million.
Candidates must demonstrate significant business ownership or senior management experience, submit a comprehensive business plan, create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meet language proficiency requirements at CLB level 5. The application process includes submitting an EOI and receiving an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
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Newfoundland And Labrador Points Assessment Grid Overview
Applicants applying under the NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Pathway must score a minimum of 67 points on the provincial assessment grid to be eligible. Points are awarded based on several core factors, including education level, language proficiency in English or French, age, years of relevant work experience, and adaptability factors such as prior work or study in the province and connections to the local labor market. Achieving the minimum score is mandatory, in addition to meeting all stream-specific eligibility requirements.
