The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is an immigration program managed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It facilitates the nomination of skilled foreign workers for Canadian permanent residency who intend to settle and contribute to the province’s economy.

The NLPNP offers various streams tailored to specific skills and experience sought by the province. Successful nominees receive provincial support in their journey towards Canadian permanent residency.

Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Streams

Seeking permanent residency in Newfoundland and Labrador? Several immigration streams provide potential pathways. These options align with your qualifications and professional goals:

  1. Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker:
  • Ideal for skilled workers with a valid job offer in the province and an active Express Entry profile.
  1. Skilled Worker Category:
  • Open to skilled workers with a secured job offer from a local employer, including those currently holding valid work permits within Newfoundland and Labrador.
  1. International Graduate Category:
  • Designed for recent international graduates holding Post-Graduate Work Permits who have secured employment or possess a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
  1. International Entrepreneur Category:
  • Aimed at foreign nationals seeking to establish, co-manage, or acquire a business in the province. Applicants must have demonstrably operated their business for at least one year under a Temporary Work Permit prior to nomination.
  1. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category:
  • Exclusively for international graduates of Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions who wish to establish, co-own, or operate a business within the province, leading to potential permanent residency in Canada.

Navigating these options can be complex. We encourage you to explore our website’s immigration resources or contact our office for personalized guidance.

Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker

Eligibility:

  • Express Entry profile required.
  • Full-time job offer or employment within Newfoundland and Labrador (NOC level 0, A, or B).
  • Valid work permit, or ability to apply for one.
  • Post-secondary degree or diploma.
  • Minimum work experience specific to your profession.
  • Eligibility for provincial licensure or certification if applicable.
  • Demonstrated intention to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Meeting minimum language requirements (English or French).
  • Scoring at least 67 points on the PNP points assessment grid.
  • Sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents.
  • Employer compliance with specific program requirements.

Application details:

  • Fee: CAD $250
  • Processing timeframe: 25 business days (estimated)

Skilled Worker Category

Pathway to Permanent Residence:

The Skilled Worker Category offers skilled foreign workers an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Newfoundland and Labrador, provided they meet the program’s requirements and secure a job offer.

Key Requirements:

  • Full-time job offer or employment within Newfoundland and Labrador for at least two years with an eligible employer.
  • Required qualifications, training, skills, and accreditation that meet the job’s standards.
  • Valid work permit with at least four months remaining at application time.
  • Relevant experience commensurate with the job duties.
  • Sufficient financial resources to establish yourself and any dependents in the province.
  • Meeting minimum language proficiency requirements (English or French).

Next Steps:

  1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet all program requirements before applying.
  2. Application: Complete the application form available on the Newfoundland and Labrador immigration website.
  3. Assessment: Immigration officials will review your application and assess your eligibility against the program criteria.
  4. Decision: Based on the assessment, a designated authority will make a final decision on your application.
  5. Notification: You will receive a notification within approximately 25 business days regarding your application status.
  6. Permanent residence: If approved, you can use your provincial nomination to directly apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration authority.

Additional Information:

  • Application fee: CAD $250
  • Processing timeframe: Approximately 25 business days (estimated)

International Graduate Category

Pathway to Permanent Residence for International Graduates:

The International Graduate Category offers a streamlined path to permanent residency for international graduates who have studied and gained work experience in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

  • Completed at least 50% of your post-secondary studies in Canada at an eligible college or university.
  • Graduated with a two-year diploma or degree program completed full-time.
  • Secured a full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • Possess the qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation necessary for the offered job.
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to establish yourself in the province.
  • Meet the minimum language proficiency requirements (English or French).

Application Benefits:

  • No application fee: Unlike some provincial nominee programs, this category does not require an application fee.
  • Faster processing: Decisions are typically reached within approximately 25 business days.
  • Potential pathway to permanent residency: Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, accelerating their route to permanent residency in Canada.

Getting Started:

  1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet all program requirements before applying.
  2. Secure a job offer: Find a full-time employment opportunity with an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
  3. Review application materials: Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador immigration website for detailed application instructions and documentation requirements.
  4. Submit your application: Complete the online application form and submit it along with the necessary supporting documents.
  5. Await decision: Your application will be reviewed by immigration officials who will assess your eligibility against the program criteria.
  6. Next steps: Based on the assessment, you will receive a notification regarding your application status. If approved, you can proceed with further steps towards obtaining permanent residency.

International Entrepreneur Category

Invest. Settle. Thrive in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The International Entrepreneur Category welcomes foreign nationals with established business experience and financial resources to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador and build a successful business in the province.

Key Requirements:

  • Age: Between 21 and 59 years old.
  • Language: Meet English or French language proficiency requirements.
  • Financial resources: Possess CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets.
  • Expression of Interest: Achieve at least 72 points on the Expression of Interest (EOI) assessment grid.
  • Investment: Invest a minimum of:
    • CAD $200,000 to establish a business with 33.3% ownership (or CAD $1 million in equity investment).
  • Business experience: Have at least two years of experience actively managing or owning a business in the past five years, or five years of experience in a senior business management role in the last ten years.
  • Business plan: Submit a comprehensive business plan with supporting documentation.
  • Education: Possess at least a high school diploma.
  • Intention: Demonstrate a genuine intention to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Job creation: Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Business type: Establish a for-profit business.
  • Exploratory visit: Conduct an initial visit to the province before starting or purchasing a business.

Additional Considerations:

  • Specific requirements may apply depending on whether you are starting or purchasing a business.
  • Your business must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Application Information:

  • Application fee: CAD $1,000
  • Processing time: Varies based on document verification timelines.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

Pathway to Permanent Residence for International Graduates:

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category offers international graduates from select Newfoundland and Labrador institutions a streamlined path to permanent residency through establishing or managing a business in the province.

Key Requirements:

  • Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Education: Graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic within the past two years with a completed program of at least two years.
  • Work permit: Hold a valid post-graduate work permit.
  • Language: Meet minimum English or French language proficiency requirements (Canadian Language Benchmark 7).
  • Business experience: Possess at least one year of experience managing a business in Newfoundland and Labrador with at least one-third ownership.
  • Job creation: Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Business plan: Submit a comprehensive business continuity plan with supporting financial documentation demonstrating a for-profit business model.

Additional Considerations:

  • Specific requirements may apply depending on whether you are starting or purchasing a business.
  • Your business must meet eligibility criteria established by the program.

Application Information:

  • Application fee: CAD $250
  • Processing time: Varies based on document verification timelines.

Pathway to Permanent Residence for International Graduates

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category offers international graduates from select Newfoundland and Labrador institutions a streamlined path to permanent residency through establishing or managing a business in the province.

Key Requirements:

  • Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Education: Graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic within the past two years with a completed program of at least two years.
  • Work permit: Hold a valid post-graduate work permit.
  • Language: Meet minimum English or French language proficiency requirements (Canadian Language Benchmark 7).
  • Business experience: Possess at least one year of experience managing a business in Newfoundland and Labrador with at least one-third ownership.
  • Job creation: Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Business plan: Submit a comprehensive business continuity plan with supporting financial documentation demonstrating a for-profit business model.

Additional Considerations:

  • Specific requirements may apply depending on whether you are starting or purchasing a business.
  • Your business must meet eligibility criteria established by the program.

Application Information:

  • Application fee: CAD $250
  • Processing time: Varies based on document verification timelines.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Work and Settle in Atlantic Canada:

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot offers foreign skilled workers an expedited pathway to permanent residency in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. Designed to address employer needs in the region, the program streamlines the immigration process for eligible candidates.

Key Features:

  • Targeted recruitment: Employers in the Atlantic provinces can hire foreign nationals to fill skilled positions they have been unable to fill locally.
  • Simplified process: Employers are not required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), reducing administrative burden and accelerating application processing.
  • Settlement support: Designated service providers offer needs assessments and develop settlement plans to assist newcomers in integrating into their new communities.
  • Fast-track options: Eligible candidates may qualify for temporary work permits to begin working in Canada while their permanent residency application is processed.

How it Works:

  1. Job offer: An employer in an Atlantic province offers a full-time job to a qualified foreign national.
  2. Settlement plan: The employer connects the candidate with a designated service provider to develop a personalized settlement plan.
  3. Temporary work permit (optional): If desired for quicker onboarding, the candidate may be eligible for a temporary work permit while their permanent residency application is reviewed.
  4. Permanent residency application: The candidate submits their application for permanent residency through the program, supported by the employer and settlement service provider.
What support services are available for newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Newfoundland and Labrador offers various settlement services to help newcomers integrate into their communities. These can include housing assistance, language training, employment support, and cultural orientation programs. Designated settlement service providers throughout the province can connect newcomers with relevant resources and guidance.

How long does it take to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Processing times can vary significantly depending on the chosen program and individual circumstances. Some programs like the International Graduate Category offer faster processing within 25 business days, while others like the International Entrepreneur Category may take longer due to document verification requirements.

What are the language requirements for immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Most immigration programs require proficiency in either English or French, typically demonstrated through standardized tests like IELTS or TEF. Specific minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores may vary depending on the program.

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Several programs require a full-time job offer from an eligible employer within Newfoundland and Labrador, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker and Skilled Worker Category. However, programs like the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category don’t necessitate a job offer but require establishing or managing a business in the province.

How can I immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador?

There are various immigration programs available, tailored to different skills, qualifications, and work experience. Some popular options include the Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker Category, International Graduate Category, and International Entrepreneur Category. Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador immigration website for detailed information on each program and eligibility requirements.