Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s easternmost province and has evolved into a significant economic force in the Canadian landscape.

The province consists of two distinct land masses: Labrador, which is connected to the mainland, and the island of Newfoundland. The NLPNP is Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Nominee Program. Through this program, prospective immigrants with the skills and experience targeted by the province may receive a Newfoundland and Labrador provincial nomination.

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    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 Saskatchewan, then you have nine 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.

      Skilled Worker Category

      Needs job offer? Yes

      Application Fee: CAD $250

      Processing Time: 25 business days

      Minimum Requirements:

      • Must have a full-time job or job offer from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer for at least two years
      • Must have the required qualifications, training, skills and accreditation for the job;
      • Must have a valid work permit with at least four months left;
      • Must have the relevant experience for the job;
      • Must have enough money to settle in the province;
      • Must meet the minimum language requirements.

          How it works:

          First, you must make sure that you are eligible for the program.

          The next step would be to complete an application on the province’s webpage.

          Once you submit your application, it will be assigned to an immigration officer, who will review your application and will make a recommendation to a delegated authority.

          The delegated authority will then review the officer’s assessment of the application and make a final decision.

          Within around 25 business days after submitting your application, you will be notified if your application is approved or denied.

          If your application is approved, you can then use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

          IRCC is Canada’s federal immigration department.

          International Graduate Category

          Needs job offer? Yes

          Application Fee: No fee 

          Processing Time: 25 business days

          Minimum Requirements:

          • Must have completed at least half of your studies in Canada, and graduated from an eligible college or university;
          • Must have completed at least a two-year diploma or degree program (full-time);
          • Must have a full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador;
          • Must hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit from IRCC;
          • Must have the qualifications, training, skills and/or accreditation needed for the job;
          • Must have enough money to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador;
          • Must meet the minimum language requirements.

                How it works:

                First, make sure that you are indeed eligible and that you meet the minimum requirements outlined above.

                Once you are satisfied that you are eligible, the next step is to gather the required documents, and complete your online application through this webpage.

                After around 25 business days, you will find out whether your application is approved or denied.

                If your application was approved, you will be able to use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Canada’s federal immigration department, IRCC.

                International Entrepreneur Category

                Application Fee: CAD $1,000

                Processing Time: Depends on the time required for document verification.

                Minimum Requirements:

                • Must be between 21 and 59 years old;
                • Must meet English or French language requirements;
                • Must have CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets;
                • Must score at least 72 out of 120 in the Expression of Interest (EOI) assessment grid;
                • Must be able to invest at least CAD $200,000 to establish a business with 33.3 per cent ownership (or CAD $1 million in equity investment);
                • Must have at least two years of experience actively managing or owning a business in the last five years, or five years of experience in a senior business management role in the last ten years;
                • Must have a business plan with the required documentation;
                • Must have at least a high school diploma;
                • Must intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador;
                • Must create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
                • Must show that the business will be for-profit;
                • Must conduct an exploratory visit to the province before starting or purchasing a business;

                You may need to meet additional criteria for if you are purchasing or starting a business. In addition, your business must need particular criteria.

                        How it works:

                        The first step is to make sure that you are eligible for the International Entrepreneur Category. Once you are satisfied that you are, you must first complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) online.

                        Submitting an EOI does not count as an application, and does not guarantee that you will become a permanent resident. It is a pre-application screening process.

                        If you are successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply from the province’s immigration office.

                        At this point, you will have to choose a Net Worth Verifier, who will verify your net worth.

                        You will then have to gather the required documents, including a Business Establishment Plan, and submit your application.

                        You will also need to submit your Net Worth Verification Report.

                        If your application was approved, you will be able to use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Canada’s federal immigration department, IRCC.

                        International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

                        Application Fee: CAD $250

                        Processing Time: Depends on the time required for document verification.

                        Minimum Requirements:

                        • Must be at least 21 years old;
                        • Must provide a business continuity plan with supporting financial documents;
                        • Must have graduated from Memorial University of College of the North Atlantic in the last two years, from a program that is at least two years long;
                        • Must have a valid post-graduate work permit;
                        • Must meet minimum language requirements in English or French (CLB 7);
                        • Must have at least one year of experience managing a business where they hold at least one third ownership in the province;
                        • Must create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
                        • Must show that the business is for-profit.

                        You may need to meet additional criteria for if you are purchasing or starting a business. In addition, your business must need particular criteria.

                                  How it works:

                                  First, make sure that you are eligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category. The next step is to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI).

                                  Submitting an EOI is not the same as an application. It is a pre-application screening process and does not guarantee that you will become a permanent resident.

                                  If you are successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply from the province’s immigration office.

                                  You will then have to gather the required documents and submit your application. This includes a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report.

                                  These must be provided by a verifier that is licensed to provide this service. You may choose the verifier.

                                  A Review Engagement consists of a review of your business’s financial statements. The Special Purpose Report includes an opinion about the financial viability of the business, recommendations for the business to improve its viability, a determination of any issues or challenges regarding the financial statements, as well as a business review.

                                  If your application was approved, you will be able to use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Canada’s federal immigration department, IRCC.

                                  Atlantic Immigration Pilot

                                  The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a federal fast-track immigration program that allows employers in Atlantic provinces to hire foreign nationals for jobs they weren’t able to fill locally.

                                  The Atlantic provinces are:

                                  • New Brunswick;
                                  • Newfoundland and Labrador;
                                  • Nova Scotia;
                                  • Prince Edward Island.

                                  Step 1: When an employer finds a suitable candidate, they must first offer them a job. Employers aren’t required to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This makes the process faster.

                                  Step 2: When the candidate accepts the job, the employer will connect him or her with a designated settlement service provider for a needs assessment, and to develop a settlement plan.

                                  Step 3: If the employer needs to fill the position quickly, the candidate will be eligible for a temporary work permit, so that the candidate can come to Canada and start work as soon as he or she can.

                                  Contact us for Assistance

                                  Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law features over 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals who are dedicated to helping you immigrate to Canada.

                                  OSI was founded as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. Since its launch in 1994, CanadaVisa has grown into one of the globe's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. If you want to immigrate to Canada through the PNP or another skilled worker pathway, the first step is to complete a free CanadaVisa assessment form. If you are eligible for Canadian immigration, a member of the Cohen Immigration Law team will reach out to provide you with as much assistance as possible.