Canada’s easternmost province, Newfoundland and Labrador, has evolved into a major economic force and welcoming new immigrants is key to its continued growth.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) offers a pathway for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency and contribute their talents to the province.
What is the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)?
The NLPNP is one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It empowers provinces to nominate immigrants to their region based on local labor market needs. The province’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) manages it.
When a candidate is nominated through the NLPNP, they receive priority visa processing from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to gain permanent resident status faster. The program’s goal is to attract immigrants who are most likely to succeed economically and integrate into local communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What are the Different Categories Under NLPNP?
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) contains the following immigration categories:
| Category | Description |
| Express Entry Skilled Worker | For skilled workers in the Express Entry pool who have a full-time job offer from an NL employer |
| Skilled Worker | For skilled workers with a full-time job offer in NL or currently working in NL with a valid work permit |
| International Graduate | Recent graduates from a Canadian university or college living in NL with a post-graduate work permit and full-time job offer |
| International Entrepreneur | For experienced business owners or senior managers who want to start or purchase a business in NL |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | Recent graduates from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic who want to operate a business in the province |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot | A federal program that allows employers to hire foreign nationals for jobs they can’t fill locally in any of the four Atlantic provinces |
What Are the Eligibility Requirements For Each NLPNP Category?
To qualify for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the specific immigration category they are applying under:
Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Have an active Express Entry profile
- At least 2 years of full-time (minimum 30 hours/week) skilled work experience in the last 5 years
- A post-secondary credential such as a degree, diploma or certificate from Canada or abroad
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer for at least 1 year
- Meet minimum language test score requirements (IELTS 6.5, CELPIP 9)
- Show a genuine intention to settle in the province
Skilled Worker
- Have at least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience related to the job offer
- Completed high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least 1 year
- Meet minimum language test score requirements (IELTS 5, CELPIP 7)
International Graduate
- Graduated from an eligible Canadian college or university located in Newfoundland and Labrador with a program at least 2 years long
- Currently hold a valid post-graduate work permit
- Have a full-time job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer in your field of study
- Completed at least half your studies in Canada
- Meet minimum language test score requirements (IELTS 6, CELPIP 8)
International Entrepreneur
- Have a minimum personal net worth of CAD $600,000
- Make an investment of at least CAD $200,000 to establish or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador where you will assume at least 33.3% ownership
- Have at least 2 years of experience as an active business owner-operator or senior business manager in the last 5 years
- Intend to permanently reside in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Complete an exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador before establishing or purchasing your business
International Graduate Entrepreneur
- Graduate from either Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic within the past 2 years, having completed at least 2 years of full-time study
- Operate an active, for-profit business in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year on a valid post-graduate work permit where you held at least 33.3% ownership
- Create at least one full-time job in your business for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Submit a business continuity plan detailing your intentions for establishing your business permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador
In addition to category requirements, all applicants must:
- Demonstrate intent to permanently live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Have sufficient settlement funds and income sources
- Pass health and security screenings
- Not have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada
- Not have an unresolved custody or child support dispute affecting children in Canada
How Does the NLPNP Application Process Work?
The application process has some key differences depending on whether you apply through an enhanced or base Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) category:
Enhanced Category (Express Entry Skilled Worker) Process
Ensure your Express Entry profile is active and up-to-date: You must have an eligible Express Entry profile to apply through this NLPNP category. Keep your profile updated with any changes in personal details, education, work experience etc.
Get notified of your eligibility by Newfoundland and Labrador: The province will assess your Express Entry profile and notify you if you meet the category requirements. This Notification of Interest does not guarantee nomination.
Apply online to NLPNP and submit the required documents: If you receive a Notification of Interest, you can then proceed to submit a full application to the NLPNP through their online portal. Double-check that you include all required supporting documents.
Obtain nomination through the Express Entry system: If approved, the province will review your application and nominate you under Express Entry.
Accept the nomination within 30 days: You must accept the nomination within 30 days through your Express Entry account. Doing so will earn you an additional 600 CRS points.
Get an Invitation to Apply for PR in the next Express Entry draw: The extra 600 CRS points will guarantee you are issued an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for PR status in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Submit PR application to IRCC within 90 days: Finally, you must submit your application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada within 90 days of getting an ITA.
Estimated processing time: 6 months from nomination to PR approval
Base Category Process (Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entrepreneur)
Confirm your eligibility for the category: Verify that you meet the required criteria for the specific base category you plan to apply under.
Submit an online application through the OIM portal: Complete and submit your application through the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism’s online portal.
Receive a decision within 25 business days: The provincial office will assess your application against eligibility criteria and issue a decision within around 25 business days.
Apply directly to IRCC if approved: If you obtain provincial nomination, you can apply for permanent residence directly through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
Wait for IRCC to finalize PR processing: Permanent residence application processing times through base categories generally take 12 months or longer through IRCC.
The International Entrepreneur category has an extra pre-application step where you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online and be invited by the province to submit a complete application.
Overall, enhanced stream nominees see much faster permanent residency processing compared to base category applicants.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply For NLPNP?
Applicants must prepare the following required documents to submit with their NLPNP application:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Education proof – certificates, diplomas, degrees, transcripts
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP)
- Work experience letters from previous employers
- Job offer or support letter from Newfoundland and Labrador employer
- Settlement funds evidence like bank statements, savings accounts
- Business plan, financial statements (for entrepreneur categories)
- Exploratory visit report (entrepreneurs)
- Police certificates to prove no criminal record
- Identity documents like driver’s license, PR card, etc.
Documents must be clear colour scans or photos of the originals. Any non-English or non-French documents need certified translations.
How Long Does It Take to Process NLPNP Applications?
NLPNP application processing times are:
| Category | Processing Time |
| Express Entry Skilled Worker | 25 business days |
| Skilled Worker | 25 business days |
| International Graduate | 25 business days |
| International Entrepreneur | Varies based on document verification |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | Varies based on document verification |
Once nominated, IRCC aims to process PR applications within 6-12 months or faster. Overall, applicants through the Express Entry pathway get PR approval much faster than those in base categories.
What Are the Benefits of Immigrating Through NLPNP?
The key advantages of NLPNP include:
- Provincial nomination – Get priority visa processing with IRCC through nomination.
- Faster PR – Enhanced categories offer a 6-month PR pathway versus 12+ months for base categories.
- Live and work in NL – Gain PR to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador long-term.
- In-demand skills – Opportunity to utilize your skills where they are most needed.
- Strong economy – NL has a rapidly growing economy with a wealth of job opportunities.
- Welcoming communities – The province has an open and inclusive culture.
- Outdoor lifestyle – Breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Overall, the NLPNP opens the door to a high quality of life and a bright future in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What Is the Cost of Applying for NLPNP?
Application fees for the different NLPNP categories are:
| Category | Fee |
| Express Entry Skilled Worker | CAD $250 |
| Skilled Worker | CAD $250 |
| International Graduate | No fee |
| International Entrepreneur | CAD $1,000 |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | CAD $250 |
Who Is Not Eligible for NLPNP?
You may not qualify for NLPNP if any of 8 following apply:
- Medical inadmissibility – Failed medical exam due to health conditions outlined in the Immigration Act.
- Criminal inadmissibility – Convicted of or have committed criminal acts outlined in the Immigration Act.
- Misrepresentation – Previously provided false information during an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- Unresolved custody disputes – Currently engaged in a custody or child support dispute affecting children in Canada or abroad.
- Unresolved refugee claims – Currently have an ongoing refugee protection claim in Canada.
- Work permit abuse – Current or previous work permit was obtained through misrepresentation.
- Permit overstay – Remained in Canada beyond your period of authorized stay.
- Visa refusals – Previously, there was a visa refusal in Canada within the last 10 years due to misrepresentation.
Meeting any of the above criteria can result in a rejected NLPNP application. All candidates undergo mandatory security and health screening as part of the nomination process.
Summary
The NLPNP offers an excellent opportunity for skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to gain permanent residency in Newfoundland and Labrador – one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces with a thriving job market.
The program is well-structured to select candidates most likely to integrate successfully based on the province’s economic needs. For applicants who meet eligibility criteria, especially through one of the enhanced Express Entry categories, the NLPNP provides a fast-track pathway to achieve PR status and establish a new life in Canada.
Canada offers Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in other provinces that provide pathways to permanent residence based on local economic needs. Some of these other PNPs include:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program
FAQs related to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Who is eligible to apply for the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP)?
The NLPNP is open to skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who meet specific criteria under one of the NLPNP categories.
How can I determine which NLPNP category to apply under?
Review the eligibility criteria for each category to see which one you qualify for based on your education, work experience, job offer, investment funds, and other factors.
What is the step-by-step process to apply for permanent residence through the NLPNP Express Entry category?
You need an eligible Express Entry profile, receive a Notification of Interest from NL, apply to NLPNP, get nominated through Express Entry, accept nomination within 30 days, get an ITA in next EE draw, and apply for PR through IRCC within 90 days.
Approximately how long does it take to get nominated and receive permanent residence through the NLPNP?
It takes about 6 months or less through the Express Entry category, compared to 12 months or more through the base categories. The nomination itself takes around 25 business days.
What are the language test score requirements for each NLPNP category?
The minimum scores are IELTS 5-6.5 or CELPIP 7-9 based on the category. The Express Entry and International Graduate streams require higher scores.
What should I do if my documents for NLPNP are not in English or French?
You will need to get them professionally translated by a certified translator. Translated copies along with original documents must be submitted.
Does the NLPNP allow me to include family members in my application? If yes, which ones?
Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 years old. Their eligibility will also be assessed.
Is medical examination required for applying under the NLPNP? What about police certificates?
Yes, all applicants undergo mandatory medical examinations and police certificate checks to prove medical and criminal admissibility.