Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, has implemented significant changes to its immigration application intake system, affecting thousands of prospective immigrants.
As of February 25, 2025, foreign nationals can no longer apply directly to the province’s permanent residency pathways.
These changes impact both the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), two key immigration routes that have helped address labor shortages and population growth in this Atlantic province.
The provincial government announced these modifications to streamline the application process, improve processing times, and better align immigration with labor market needs.
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Recent Changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration System
The End of Direct Applications
Newfoundland Immigration Overhaul 2025: How EOI System Affects PNP & AIP Applicants
The most significant change is that foreign nationals can no longer submit applications directly to Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration programs.
Previously, eligible candidates could apply directly to the province through various streams of the Provincial Nominee Program or seek endorsement through the Atlantic Immigration Program without prior approval.
New Expression of Interest System
Replacing the direct application approach is an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Under this new framework, interested candidates must first submit their profiles to the provincial immigration authorities.
The province will then review these profiles and invite the most qualified candidates to submit full applications based on labor market needs, skills alignment, and other selection factors.
Impact on Pending Applications
Some applications that were already in the system but had not reached certain processing milestones will not proceed further.
The province has established specific criteria to determine which pending applications will continue through the process and which will be returned to applicants.
This decision has caused concern among those with applications in the system who now face uncertainty about their immigration prospects.
Refocus on Employer-Driven Selection
The new system places greater emphasis on employer involvement in the selection process.
Employers in Newfoundland and Labrador with labor needs must now play a more active role in identifying and supporting potential candidates through the province’s immigration programs.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Overview of the Program
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program is a key immigration pathway that allows the province to nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the local economy.
Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination certificate, which significantly increases their chances of obtaining permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
NLPNP Streams Affected by Changes
Skilled Worker Stream
This stream targets skilled workers with job offers from Newfoundland and Labrador employers.
Under the new system, employers must first identify candidates and support their EOI submissions before candidates can be invited to apply.
Learn more about the Skilled Worker Stream
Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream
This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system.
Candidates already in the Express Entry pool can be selected by the province based on their skills and experience matching provincial labor needs.
The new process requires candidates to indicate their interest in Newfoundland and Labrador in their Express Entry profile.
International Graduate Stream
This stream is designed for international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Graduates must now submit an EOI and wait for an invitation before applying for provincial nomination.
International Entrepreneur Stream
Foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador now face a more competitive selection process.
Their business proposals will be evaluated through the EOI system before receiving an invitation to apply.
New Application Process for NLPNP
- EOI Submission: Candidates create a profile in the provincial immigration portal and submit an Expression of Interest.
- Employer Connection: For employer-driven streams, securing a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer is crucial.
- Invitation to Apply: The province reviews EOI profiles and invites the most qualified candidates to submit a complete application.
- Application Submission: Invited candidates submit comprehensive documentation and pay application fees.
- Assessment: The province assesses applications based on eligibility criteria, genuineness of job offers, and alignment with labor market needs.
- Nomination: Successful candidates receive a nomination certificate.
- Federal Application: Nominees apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Changes
Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador.
Unlike the PNP, the AIP is a federal program that requires provincial endorsement.
New Endorsement Process
The process for obtaining a certificate of endorsement from Newfoundland and Labrador has fundamentally changed:
- Employer Designation: Employers must first become designated under the AIP by demonstrating their commitment to supporting newcomers.
- Candidate Identification: Designated employers identify suitable candidates for positions they cannot fill locally.
- EOI Submission: Employers and candidates jointly submit an Expression of Interest to the province.
- Invitation for Endorsement: The province invites qualified candidates to apply for endorsement.
- Endorsement Application: Complete application packages are submitted for provincial review.
- Certificate of Endorsement: Successful candidates receive provincial endorsement.
- Federal Application: Endorsed candidates apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Differences Between Previous and Current AIP Processes
Previously, once a candidate secured a job offer from a designated employer, they could directly apply for provincial endorsement. The new system adds an additional layer of competition through the EOI process, where the province selects candidates based on their potential contribution to the local economy and labor market needs.
Implications for Different Types of Applicants
Current Applicants with Files in Process
The changes have created different scenarios for applicants who submitted their applications before February 19, 2025:
Applications That Will Continue Processing
- Applications that received acknowledgment of receipt and passed initial screening
- Applications that received a nomination or endorsement
- Applications from candidates with job offers in healthcare, education, or other critical sectors as determined by the province
Applications That Will Not Proceed
- Applications received but not yet acknowledged
- Applications that failed initial screening
- Applications without strong labor market connections or in oversupplied occupations
Current applicants should check the official provincial immigration website for updates on their specific situation or contact provincial authorities directly.
Prospective Applicants
For those who were planning to apply but hadn’t submitted applications before the changes took effect, the new reality involves:
- More Competition: The EOI system creates a competitive ranking system where only the most qualified candidates receive invitations.
- Greater Employer Involvement: Securing a job offer has become even more crucial for immigration success.
- Longer Planning Horizon: The additional step of waiting for an invitation means prospective immigrants should plan for potentially longer timelines.
- Strategic Approach: Candidates must now strategically highlight their skills, experience, and potential contributions to maximize their chances of selection.
Why Newfoundland and Labrador Made These Changes
Addressing Processing Backlogs
Like many Canadian provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador has faced challenges managing the increasing volume of immigration applications.
The new EOI system aims to control intake numbers and focus resources on processing the most promising applications.
Targeting Labor Market Needs
The province has specific workforce gaps in healthcare, technology, construction, and other sectors.
The revised system gives the province more control to select candidates who directly address these labor shortages.
Improving Settlement Success
By strengthening the connection between employers and immigration candidates, the province hopes to enhance integration outcomes and retention rates for newcomers.
Aligning with Federal Immigration Priorities
The changes bring Newfoundland and Labrador’s processes more in line with federal immigration objectives and systems used in other provinces, creating greater consistency across Canada.
How to Maximize Your Chances Under the New System
Tips for Creating a Strong EOI Profile
- Highlight Relevant Work Experience: Emphasize experience in in-demand occupations for Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Showcase Education and Credentials: Ensure all educational qualifications are properly documented and, if necessary, evaluated through Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Demonstrate Language Proficiency: Strong English or French language skills significantly boost your profile. Take official language tests and aim for high scores.
- Establish Connections in the Province: Having family members, previous study experience, or work history in Newfoundland and Labrador can strengthen your profile.
- Secure a Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer remains one of the strongest factors for selection.
Strategies for Employers
- Become Familiar with the New Process: Employers should thoroughly understand the new requirements for supporting immigration candidates.
- Demonstrate Genuine Labor Need: Provide clear evidence of recruitment efforts and inability to fill positions locally.
- Develop Strong Settlement Plans: Create comprehensive plans to help new immigrants integrate into the workplace and community.
- Maintain Compliance: Ensure ongoing compliance with program requirements to maintain good standing with immigration authorities.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Labor Market and Immigration Needs
Current Labor Market Situation
Newfoundland and Labrador faces significant demographic challenges, including an aging population and outmigration of younger workers. These factors have created labor shortages across multiple sectors, particularly in:
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Information technology
- Construction and skilled trades
- Aquaculture and fishing
- Tourism and hospitality
- Engineering and natural resources
Provincial Immigration Targets
The province has set ambitious immigration targets to address population decline and labor shortages.
In recent years, Newfoundland and Labrador has aimed to welcome approximately 5,100 new permanent residents annually by 2026, a significant increase from previous levels.
Priority Occupations
While the new system doesn’t explicitly list priority occupations, historical data suggests that the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories receive favorable consideration:
- Healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, personal support workers)
- Information technology specialists
- Engineers and technologists
- Early childhood educators
- Skilled trades workers
- Business services professionals
Applicants with experience in these fields may have stronger prospects under the new selection system.
Comparing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Approach with Other Provinces
Similar Systems in Other Provinces
Newfoundland and Labrador’s move to an EOI system mirrors approaches already implemented in several Canadian provinces:
- British Columbia: The BC PNP has used an EOI system for years, with regular invitation rounds for different occupation categories.
- Manitoba: The MPNP uses an EOI system with a points-based ranking system.
- Saskatchewan: The SINP employs an EOI system for most of its immigration categories.
- Ontario: The OINP uses an EOI approach for some of its streams, while maintaining direct application options for others.
Unique Aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Approach
While adopting the EOI framework used elsewhere, Newfoundland and Labrador’s implementation has some distinctive characteristics:
- Comprehensive Application: The changes affect both the PNP and AIP simultaneously.
- Emphasis on Critical Sectors: Special consideration for healthcare and education sectors.
- Regional Focus: Specific attention to addressing the needs of rural and remote communities within the province.
- Settlement Support: Enhanced requirements for employer settlement plans and community integration.
Alternative Immigration Pathways to Consider
Federal Express Entry System
Candidates interested in Newfoundland and Labrador should also consider the federal Express Entry system, which manages applications for three economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Being in the Express Entry pool makes candidates visible to Newfoundland and Labrador for potential provincial nomination through the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream.
Create an Express Entry profile
Other Atlantic Provinces
Candidates specifically interested in Atlantic Canada might explore immigration programs in neighboring provinces:
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program and AIP participation
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program and AIP participation
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program and AIP participation
Each of these provinces has its own selection criteria and processes, but they all participate in the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Study Pathway
For longer-term planning, studying at a post-secondary institution in Newfoundland and Labrador creates a strong foundation for immigration:
- Obtain a study permit for a program at an eligible institution
- Graduate with a qualifying credential
- Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Gain Canadian work experience
- Apply through the International Graduate stream or other applicable pathways
Explore educational institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador
Step-by-Step Guide to the New Application Process
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Before beginning the new process, thoroughly evaluate your qualifications against provincial requirements:
- Education and credentials
- Work experience
- Language proficiency
- Adaptability factors
- Connection to Newfoundland and Labrador
Use the eligibility self-assessment tool
Step 2: Create an Online Account
Register for an account on the Newfoundland and Labrador immigration portal. This will be your platform for submitting your Expression of Interest and tracking your application.
Register for an immigration account
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer (if applicable)
For employer-driven streams, connect with employers in Newfoundland and Labrador who are experiencing labor shortages in your field of expertise. Job search resources include:
- JobsNL
- Government of Canada Job Bank
- Industry-specific recruitment platforms
- Professional networking
Step 4: Submit Your Expression of Interest
Complete all sections of the EOI form, providing comprehensive information about your:
- Personal background
- Education
- Work experience
- Language abilities
- Family information
- Connections to Canada
- Settlement funds
- Employment details (if applicable)
Submit your profile to enter the selection pool.
Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply
The province will review EOI profiles and periodically issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates who meet their selection criteria. There is no set schedule for invitation rounds, so patience is required.
Good luck to you and don’t forget to Ask question if you need more enquiries.
