Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s easternmost province and an increasingly important contributor to the country’s economy. The province consists of Labrador, which is connected to mainland Canada, and Newfoundland, an island known for its rich culture and natural beauty.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) allows the province to nominate individuals who have the skills, experience, and entrepreneurial ability needed to support local economic growth.
Overview of the NLPNP
The NLPNP has been in operation since 1999, making it one of the earliest Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada. Since its launch, the program has played a key role in attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to the province.
Like other PNPs, the NLPNP is designed to:
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Address local labour shortages
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Support economic development
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Encourage newcomers to settle permanently in the province
Newfoundland and Labrador also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which further supports immigration to Atlantic Canada.
Express Entry and Base Streams Explained
The NLPNP includes both Enhanced (Express Entry-aligned) and Base immigration streams:
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Enhanced Streams are linked to Canada’s Express Entry system and offer faster processing (often around 6 months).
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Base Streams operate outside Express Entry and typically take 12 months or longer.
Candidates nominated through an Express Entry-aligned stream receive 600 additional CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Immigration Streams Under the NLPNP
Newfoundland and Labrador offers five main immigration pathways:
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Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
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Skilled Worker Category
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International Graduate Category
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International Entrepreneur Category
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International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Each stream is designed for a specific group of applicants.
Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
Job Offer Required: Yes
Application Fee: CAD $250
Processing Time: Approximately 25 business days
Minimum Requirements
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Active Express Entry profile
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Full-time job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador (NOC 0, A, or B)
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Valid work permit or eligibility to obtain one
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Relevant education, training, and work experience
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Required professional licensing (if applicable)
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Minimum language proficiency
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At least 67 points on the NLPNP assessment grid
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Sufficient settlement funds
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Genuine intention to live in the province
How It Works
Eligible candidates submit an online application. If nominated, the candidate must accept the nomination through Express Entry, gaining 600 CRS points and an ITA for permanent residence.
Skilled Worker Category
Job Offer Required: Yes
Application Fee: CAD $250
Processing Time: Approximately 25 business days
Eligibility Criteria
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Full-time job offer for at least two years from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer
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Valid work permit (minimum four months remaining)
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Required education, skills, and certifications
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Basic language proficiency
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Ability to financially support yourself and your family
Application Process
Applications are submitted online and reviewed by provincial officers. Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination and apply directly to IRCC for permanent residence.
International Graduate Category
Job Offer Required: Yes
Application Fee: No fee
Processing Time: Approximately 25 business days
Eligibility Requirements
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Completion of at least 50% of studies in Canada
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Graduation from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution
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Full-time job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer
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Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
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Required education, skills, and certifications
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Basic language proficiency
Application Process
Qualified graduates apply online. If nominated, they may apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
International Entrepreneur Category
Application Fee: CAD $1,000
Processing Time: Varies
Key Requirements
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Age between 21 and 59
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Minimum net worth of CAD $600,000
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Minimum investment of CAD $200,000 (33.3% ownership) or CAD $1,000,000 equity investment
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Minimum score of 72/120 on the EOI grid
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Business ownership or senior management experience
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Business plan and required documentation
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Creation of at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR
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Mandatory exploratory visit to the province
Application Steps
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply, undergo net worth verification, and submit a full application. Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Application Fee: CAD $250
Processing Time: Varies
Eligibility Criteria
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Graduation from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic (minimum two-year program)
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Graduation within the last two years
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Valid work permit
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Minimum CLB 7 language proficiency
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Ownership of at least 33.3% of a local business for at least one year
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Creation of at least one full-time job
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Proof of profitable business operations
Application Process
Applicants submit an EOI, followed by a full application with financial verification reports if invited. Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal initiative that helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign workers without requiring an LMIA.
How the AIP Works
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Employer offers a job to a qualified candidate
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Candidate works with a designated settlement service provider
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Candidate may apply for a temporary work permit while PR application is processed
Participating provinces include Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NLPNP?
The NLPNP allows Newfoundland and Labrador to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence based on local labour and economic needs.
How many NLPNP categories are there?
There are five main NLPNP categories covering skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs.
What are the benefits of an NLPNP nomination?
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, greatly increasing the chance of receiving an ITA.
How long does processing take?
Initial assessments typically take around 25 business days, depending on the category.
Do all categories have application fees?
No. Fees vary by category, with some streams being free.
