Last Updated 09 September 2026
Named ‘Newfoundelande’ or New Found Land by explorers in the late 15th century, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is the newest of Canada’s ten provinces, having joined the confederation only in 1949. In 2001, the province’s name was officially changed to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lying across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland is separated from Labrador by the Strait of Belle Isle. While to the north and east of Labrador can be found the Labrador Sea (the northwestern arm of the Atlantic Ocean), the province of Quebec lies towards the south and west.
Newfoundland and Labrador province is made up of 9 distinct regions. Seven of these are located on the island of Newfoundland. Being the most easterly part of North America, the positioning of NL in the Atlantic Ocean has granted it strategic importance in defense, communications, and transportation.
“St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Prominent cities in Newfoundland and Labrador include:
A part of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Newfoundland, and Labrador has its own immigration program, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) for the induction of newcomers into the province.
Through an agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the province can nominate – with an annual allocation of 1,050 certain applicants to the federal government of Canada for permanent residency. Newfoundland PNP selects applicants based on economic needs and provincial labor requirements.
Newfoundland and Labrador PNP streams available:
Linked with the federal Express Entry system, a nomination through the NLPNP’s Express Entry Skilled Worker pathway fetches an individual 600 additional points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, thereby guaranteeing an ITA from IRCC in the next federal draw to be held.
Launched in 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates that intend to work and live in any of the Atlantic Provinces in Canada. While the AIP had been launched as a 3-year pilot, it has since been extended until December 2021.
The NLPNP launched a new Canada immigration program on January 2, 2021. As per the NL PNP, the new pathway – Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador – “will attract highly educated, highly skilled newcomers with specialized experience working in sectors such as technology, where a growing demand has outpaced local training and recruitment”.
Priority Skills NL follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) process wherein those with the highest scores and the most significant interest from employers are invited to apply.
Upon receiving an NLPNP invitation, the candidate must submit their application through the online portal. Those meeting the eligibility criteria for the NLPNP’s Express Entry Skilled Worker or Skilled Worker category will be issued a nomination certificate. This NLPNP nomination certificate can be included in the application for Canadian permanent residence.
The province believes that “immigration is a key component of economic and labor market growth, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to doing its part to increase immigration to the province.”
Prospective skilled immigrants have many options when selecting a new place to work, settle and raise a family in the province. Newfoundland and Labrador are being positioned to compete as a destination of choice for many immigrating to Canada for a better future.
| NL PNP Streams | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker | An Express Entry profile; Full-time job or job offer from a NL employer (NOC level 0, A or B); Valid work permit, or can apply for one; Post-secondary degree or diploma; Minimum 2 years of work experience related to the profession; Eligible for provincial licensure or certification, if required; Strong intention to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador; Meet the minimum language requirements; Score at least 67/100 points on the Canada points grid; Proof of settlement funds; Employer must meet specific program requirements. |
| Skilled Worker Category | Full-time job offer for at least two years from an eligible NL employer; Required qualifications, training, skills, and accreditation for the position; Valid work permit with at least four months remaining; Relevant work experience; Proof of settlement funds; Meet the minimum language requirements. |
| International Graduate Category | Completed at least half of studies in Canada and graduated from an eligible college or university; Completed a full-time diploma or degree program of at least two years; Full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador; Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP); Required qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation for the position; Sufficient funds to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador; Meet the minimum language requirements. |
| International Entrepreneur Category | Age between 21 and 59 years; Meet English or French language requirements; Minimum net business and personal assets of CAD 600,000; Score at least 72 out of 120 on the Expression of Interest (EOI) assessment grid; Invest at least CAD 200,000 and hold at least 33.3% ownership of the business; At least two years of active business management experience within the last ten years; Submit a business plan with supporting documentation; Minimum high school diploma; Strong intention to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador; Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Operate a profitable business; Conduct an exploratory visit to the province before starting or purchasing a business. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Category | At least 21 years old; Submit a business continuity plan with supporting financial documentation; Graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic within the last two years; Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP); Meet minimum language requirements in English or French (CLB 7); Minimum one year of business management experience; Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit enterprise. |
STEP 1: Check your eligibility through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator.
STEP 2: Review the NL PNP selection criteria
STEP 3: Arrange the checklist of requirements
STEP 4: Apply for NL PNP
STEP 5: Settle in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| Month | No. of Draws | Total No. of Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| September | 1 | 97 |
| August | 3 | 470 |
| July | 2 | 502 |
| June | 1 | 108 |
| May | 3 | 479 |
| April | 1 | 210 |
| March | 2 | 690 |
| February | NA | NA |
| January | NA | NA |
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