Newfoundland And Labrador Provincial Nominee Program

Don't know what to do ?

Get Free Counseling

Last Updated 30 October 2026

Newfoundland And Labrador Provincial Nominee Program

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) helps skilled workers, international graduates and entrepreneurs get Canadian permanent residence. All applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Immigration Accelerator Portal at gov.nl.ca/immigration. The province has 2,854 nomination spaces, there is no provincial application fee for the main categories, and Express Entry-linked nominations add 600 CRS points.

67/100 in Canada points grid.
Processing times of NL PNP quicker under Express Entry.
Specifically designed to assist skilled professionals.
Mining, Real Estate & Healthcare are top-in-demand occupations.

About the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador

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 been the last province to join the Canadian confederation. The province's name was later 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:

St John’s
Torbay
Conception Bay South
Paradise
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Gander
Mount Pearl
Conception Bay South
Corner Brook
Grand Falls-Windsor
Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP

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 applicants to the federal government for permanent residence. Newfoundland and Labrador currently has 2,854 nomination spaces: 2,379 for the NLPNP and 475 for the AIP. This is up from 2,525 spaces the previous year.

NL PNP streams

The NLPNP runs the following streams, all accessed only through the EOI system at gov.nl.ca/immigration:

Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
Skilled Worker
International Graduate
International Entrepreneur
International Graduate Entrepreneur

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, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply from IRCC in the next Express Entry draw for provincial nominees.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent federal immigration program run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It replaced the earlier Atlantic Immigration Pilot. The AIP is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in Atlantic Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. You need a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a designated employer. No LMIA is required.

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”.

Like all NLPNP streams, Priority Skills NL uses the EOI process. Candidates with the strongest profiles in high-demand sectors, such as technology and healthcare, are invited to apply.

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply, the candidate must submit a complete application through the Immigration Accelerator Portal within the deadline stated in the ITA. 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 eligibility criteria

22-55 years of age
Job offer for full-time and/or permanent employment from an NL employer.
Minimum 2 years of work experience.
Required scores in a language proficiency test.
An intention of living and working in NL.
A valid work permit or authorisation to work in Canada, or eligibility to apply for one.
Proof of legal residence in their home country.

Requirements for NL PNP Streams

NL PNP Streams	Requirements
Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker	An Express Entry profile; Full-time job or job offer from an NL employer in a NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation; Valid work permit, or ability to apply for one; Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, or a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA); 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.

Steps to Apply for the NL PNP

All NLPNP streams now use a two-step Expression of Interest (EOI) system. You can no longer apply directly to the province.

STEP 1: Check your eligibility through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator and identify the right NLPNP stream for your profile.

STEP 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Immigration Accelerator Portal at gov.nl.ca/immigration. If your job offer needs a Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) space, you must include an employer invite code. EOIs stay in the pool for 12 months.

STEP 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) holds regular draws and invites selected candidates.

STEP 4: Submit a complete application through the portal within the deadline in your ITA. This is 30 days for the Express Entry Skilled Worker category and 60 days for categories such as International Graduate.

STEP 5: Receive your provincial nomination, then apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence. Express Entry-linked nominations add 600 CRS points.

Latest NLPNP Draws

Month	No. of Draws	Total No. of Invitations
October	3	342
September	4	236
August	3	470
July	2	502
June	1	108
May	3	479
April	1	210
March	2	690
February	NA	NA
January	NA	NA

How Can Y-Axis Help You

Y-Axis, the world’s best overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements.

The impeccable services of Y-Axis include the following:

Free eligibility check through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator.
Expert guidance/counseling for Canada Immigration.
Coaching services: Expert CELPIP coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching.
Free career counseling; book your slot today.
Complete guidance for Canada PR visa.
Resume Marketing services to find jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Y-Axis snapshot

1M

Successful applicants

1500+

Experienced counselors

25Y+

Expertise

50+

Offices

Don't know what to do ?

Get Free Counseling

Looking for Inspiration

Explore what Global Indians have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future

Load more testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)?

The NLPNP is Newfoundland and Labrador's immigration program for skilled workers, international graduates and entrepreneurs. Through an agreement with IRCC, the province nominates candidates who meet its economic and labour needs. A nomination lets you apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. All NLPNP streams are now accessed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted on the Immigration Accelerator Portal at gov.nl.ca/immigration.

How do I apply for the NLPNP?

Fist, check your eligibility and choose the right stream. Next, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Immigration Accelerator Portal at gov.nl.ca/immigration. If you are selected in a draw, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You must then submit a complete application within the deadline in your ITA. Once nominated, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Direct applications to the province are no longer accepted.

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI), and how long does it stay valid?

An Expression of Interest is an online profile that tells Newfoundland and Labrador you want to immigrate through the NLPNP or the AIP. You submit it through the Immigration Accelerator Portal. The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism reviews EOIs and invites selected candidates in regular draws. An EOI stays in the pool for 12 months from the date you submit it. After that, it expires, and you must submit a new one.

Do I need an employer invite code to submit an NLPNP EOI?

It depends on your situation. If you are an NLPNP applicant who already has authorisation to work for your employer, you do not need an invite code. If your job offer needs a Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) space, or if you are applying through the AIP, you must include an employer invite code in your EOI. Your employer provides this code to validate the job offer. Source: gov.nl.ca/immigration.

How long do I have to apply after receiving an Invitation to Apply?

The deadline depends on your stream. Candidates in the Express Entry Skilled Worker category have 30 days to submit a complete application. Categories such as International Graduate allow 60 days. Always check the exact deadline stated in your ITA. Missing it means you lose the invitation, so keep your documents ready before you submit your EOI. Source: gov.nl.ca/immigration.

What are the NLPNP streams?

The NLPNP streams include Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador, Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker, International Graduate, International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur. Each stream has its own requirements for work experience, job offers, education, language and funds. All streams are accessed through the EOI system. Check the latest list of active streams and requirements on gov.nl.ca/immigration before you submit your EOI.

Which NOC TEER categories qualify for the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream?

The Express Entry Skilled Worker category needs a full-time job offer in a NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation. TEER 0 covers management, TEER 1 covers roles that usually need a university degree, and TEER 2 and 3 cover roles that need a college diploma or apprenticeship. Canada replaced the older NOC 0, A and B levels with this system. Check your TEER at noc.esdc.gc.ca.

How many nomination spaces does Newfoundland and Labrador have?

Newfoundland and Labrador currently has 2,854 nomination spaces. These are split into 2,379 for the NLPNP and 475 for the Atlantic Immigration Program. This is up from 2,525 spaces the previous year, after the federal government approved 1,000 additional NLPNP spaces. A larger allocation means more candidates can be nominated for permanent residence. Check gov.nl.ca/immigration for the latest official figures.

How many invitations has the NLPNP issued this year?

Newfoundland and Labrador has issued 2,695 invitations from January to September across 16 draws, combining NLPNP and AIP invitations. July had the most at 502, followed by March with 690 across two draws. No draws were held in January or February. The province holds draws regularly, so check gov.nl.ca/immigration and the draws table on this page for the latest results.

Are there provincial fees for the NLPNP?

There is currently no provincial application fee for the main NLPNP categories. However, federal fees still apply when you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. These include the processing fee, the right of permanent residence fee and biometrics. You should also budget for language tests, an Educational Credential Assessment, police certificates and medical exams. Check current federal fees on ircc.gc.ca before you apply.

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a permanent federal immigration program run by IRCC. It replaced the earlier Atlantic Immigration Pilot. The AIP helps skilled workers and international graduates with a job offer from a designated employer move to Atlantic Canada. It covers Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. No LMIA is needed, and the job offer must be full-time and non-seasonal.

What is the difference between the NLPNP and the AIP?

The NLPNP is run by the province, which nominates candidates for permanent residence. The AIP is a federal program in which a designated employer supports your application through a provincial endorsement. In Newfoundland and Labrador, both programs use the same EOI system. If you have a job offer from a designated employer, you may qualify for both. An expert can help you choose the faster route.

How does an NLPNP nomination help my Express Entry profile?

A nomination through the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This places you well above the usual cut-off in most draws, so you are very likely to receive an Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw for provincial nominees. You must still meet all federal eligibility rules and submit a complete application on time.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the NLPNP?

Most NLPNP streams need a full-time job offer from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. This includes the Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories. The International Entrepreneur category does not need a job offer. Instead, you must invest in and actively manage a business in the province. Check each stream's job offer requirements on gov.nl.ca/immigration.

What are the language requirements for the NLPNP?

Each NLPNP stream sets its own minimum language requirement in English or French. You must prove your level with an approved test, such as IELTS, CELPIP or TEF. The International Graduate Entrepreneur category needs at least CLB 7. Higher scores can also improve your Express Entry CRS score. Check the exact Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for your stream before you submit your EOI.

What are the requirements for the International Graduate category?

You must have graduated from an eligible Canadian college or university, after completing at least half of your studies in Canada. Your programme must be full-time and at least two years long. You need a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and a full-time job offer from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. You must also meet the language and settlement fund requirements.

What are the requirements for the International Entrepreneur category?

You must be aged 21 to 59 and meet English or French language requirements. You need at least CAD 600,000 in net business and personal assets. You must also score at least 72 out of 120 on the EOI grid. You must invest at least CAD 200,000, hold at least 33.3% ownership of the business, and create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Who can apply for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category?

This category is for graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland or the College of the North Atlantic who want to run a business in the province. You must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit and meet the CLB 7 language level. You also need at least one year of business management experience and a business that creates at least one local full-time job.

How long does NLPNP processing take?

Processing happens in two stages. First, the province reviews your complete application after your ITA. Once you are nominated, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. Express Entry-linked applications usually move faster than non-Express Entry (base) applications. Processing times change often, so check the current service standards on gov.nl.ca/immigration and the IRCC processing times tool before you plan your move.

Can I apply for the NLPNP from India?

Yes. Indian professionals can apply from India through the EOI system. Most streams need a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. If your job offer needs a Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) space, your employer must give you an invite code to include in your EOI. You also need an approved language test, an Educational Credential Assessment and enough settlement funds.