Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
The NLPNP accepts immigration applications from skilled workers, international graduates and entrepreneurs who meet program-specific criteria such as a job or job offer, intent to reside, and the ability to become economically established in the province.
Overview of the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) has been in operation since 1999. It was one of the first PNPs to launch.
Like with other PNPs, this program looks to attract more immigrants to the province to address economic and labour market needs.
The NLPNP attracts skilled workers, entrepreneurs and international graduates who have the skills, experience and education to succeed in the Atlantic province.
The PNP as well as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Newfoundland and Labrador are welcoming an increasing number of immigrants.
The AIP is a fast-track immigration program that allows employers in the Atlantic provinces to hire foreign nationals. The Atlantic provinces are New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
The province welcomes 1,200 new immigrants every year, and is looking to welcome 1,700 new immigrants annually.
The NLPNP has one enhanced category, the NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category. The remaining categories are base categories.
An enhanced category is one that is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Contrastingly, a base category is one that is not aligned with the Express Entry system.
Express Entry is the system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage the main economic class immigration programs.
Those who have an Express Entry profile are given a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
During regular Express Entry draws, Canada invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
If you are nominated through a provincial program such as the NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category, you are awarded an additional 600 CRS points.
This means that you will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent draw.
You will also get your nomination through the Express Entry profile, which you will have to accept before you get the additional points.
The advantage of enhanced streams is that processing is much quicker. It may take just six months for you to get your Canadian permanent residence.
Base streams make up most immigration streams under PNPs. These streams are not aligned with the Express Entry system. If you get a provincial nomination through a base stream, you will need to apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Unlike enhanced streams, base streams tend to have a processing standard of 12 months or more.
Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Streams
If you wish to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador, then you have five options to choose from:
- Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker;
- Skilled Worker Category;
- International Graduate Category;
- International Entrepreneur Category;
- International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker is for skilled workers who have a job offer and who have an Express Entry profile.
The Skilled Worker Category is for skilled workers who have a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. This includes workers who are currently in the province with a valid work permit.
The International Graduate Category is for recent international graduates who are staying in Canada on a Post-Graduate Work Permit, and who have a job or a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
The International Entrepreneur Category is for foreign nationals who want to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador and start, co-manage or purchase a business in the province. You must have been operating your business for a year on a Temporary Work Permit before applying for a provincial nomination.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category is for international graduates of a Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution, who want to establish, co-own or run a business in the province, with a pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
Needs job offer? Yes
Application Fee: CAD $250
Processing Time: 25 business days
Minimum Requirements:
- Must have an Express Entry profile;
- Must have a full-time job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer (NOC level 0, A or B)
- Must have a valid work permit, or can apply for one;
- Must have a post-secondary degree or diploma;
- Must meet the minimum level of work experience based on your profession;
- Must be eligible for provincial licensure or certification if needed;
- Must show genuine intention to settle in the province;
- Must meet the minimum language requirements;
- Must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the PNP points assessment grid;
- Must have enough money to establish yourself and your family in the province;
- Your employer must meet certain requirements.
How it works:
If you meet the minimum requirements outlined above, the next step would be to apply online on the province’s webpage.
Make sure that your passport and work permits are valid.
Before submitting your application, double check your application as well as your document checklist.
When you complete your online application, you may be required to participate in an interview with an immigration officer from the province.
If you are successful, you will receive a provincial nomination in the Express Entry system, which you must accept.
When you accept your nomination, you will get an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
This effectively guarantees that you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
