Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) 2025 | Eligibility | Processing Time

Last Updated On : July 12 , 2025

Introduction & 2025 Highlights

The NLPNP is a critical immigration pathway designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to Newfoundland and Labrador. The province seeks to address labor shortages, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen community development through targeted immigration.

Highlights for 2025 include:

• Three draws completed so far:
• April 3: 256 ITAs
• May 8: 328 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
• May 29: 405 ITAs
• June 24: 320 ITAs
• Total to date: 1309 ITAs

Increased Annual PNP Allocation:

• Previous allocation: 1,200 nominations annually.
• New allocation (2025): Expanded to 2,525 nominations.
• An additional 1,000 federal immigration slots have been added, significantly increasing opportunities for prospective immigrants.

NLPNP & Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) – New EOI Intake

Effective February 19, 2025, Newfoundland & Labrador transitioned to an online Expression of Interest (EOI) model to streamline the immigration process.

EOI Process Explained:

• Initial Submission: Candidates submit an online EOI highlighting education, work experience, skills, and language proficiency.
• Invitation to Apply: Candidates selected based on provincial labor market needs, occupational priorities, and regional considerations.
• Application Submission: Invited candidates submit a full application within 60 days.

EOI Validity:

• EOIs remain valid for 12 months.
• Selection criteria are updated regularly to match local employment needs.

Immigration Streams Under NLPNP

A. Express Entry – Skilled Worker (Enhanced Stream)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid Express Entry profile.
• Job offer in a position classified under NOC TEER 0–3.
• Score at least 67 points on the province’s points grid.

Advantages:

• Rapid processing (~6 months).
• 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly enhancing your chance of federal Express Entry selection.

B. Skilled Worker (Base Stream)

Criteria:

• Full-time, permanent job offer (minimum one year).
• Occupations accepted in NOC TEER 0–5.
• Language proficiency, appropriate age, settlement funds, and meeting employer-specific criteria (e.g., Job Vacancy Assessment and competitive wages).

Processing Time: Typically 12–18 months.

C. International Graduate Stream

Specifically designed for international students holding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP):

• Must have a job offer in occupations classified TEER 0–3 or selected in-demand TEER 4 occupations.
• Graduates from recognized Newfoundland & Labrador institutions have broader job eligibility.

Processing Duration: Approximately 12–18 months.

D. International Entrepreneur (Base)

Eligibility:

• Applicants aged 21–59.
• Submit EOI.
• Personal net worth requirement of at least CAD $600,000.
• Minimum investment of CAD $200,000 with at least 33% ownership.
• Minimum two years of relevant business management experience.
• Commitment to creating local employment.

E. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Tailored for Newfoundland & Labrador graduates:

• Hold PGWP.
• Operated a business in NL for at least one year.
• Meet similar investment and employment creation requirements as outlined in the Entrepreneur stream.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a collaborative program between the federal government and the Atlantic provinces, including Newfoundland & Labrador. Designed to address acute labor shortages, the AIP provides a streamlined pathway for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

AIP Categories:

• Skilled Workers: For individuals with job offers in high-skilled occupations under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Intermediate-skilled Workers: Includes job offers in TEER 4 and 5, which are essential in fields like hospitality, caregiving, and transportation.
• International Graduates: Specifically for students who have completed at least a two-year program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.

Key Requirements:

• A valid, full-time job offer from a designated Atlantic employer in any TEER 0–5 occupation.
  
  
• Completion and submission of a detailed settlement plan that outlines how the applicant and their family will adapt to life in Newfoundland & Labrador.

The AIP simplifies the immigration process, making it easier for employers to fill vacancies and for newcomers to integrate into the community with structured support and job security.

2025 NLPNP Draw Data (Detailed)

Total Issued: 1095 NLPNP invitations; 214 AIP invitations.

EOI & Application Process Steps

7. Eligibility Checklists & Points Grid

To determine eligibility for the NLPNP, candidates are assessed against a provincial points-based system with a maximum score of 67 points. Applicants must meet or exceed this score to be considered for nomination. The evaluation is based on five core categories:

• Education Level and Credentials: Higher education credentials (such as a master's degree or Ph.D.) receive more points. Points are also awarded for diplomas, bachelor's degrees, and trade certifications from recognized institutions.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French, measured through standardized tests like IELTS or TEF, is essential. Higher language scores translate to more points, reflecting readiness to integrate into the local labor market.
  
  
• Age Bracket: Applicants between 21 and 49 typically receive the highest points. This reflects their potential for long-term contribution to the provincial economy and community.
• Relevant Work Experience: Points are allocated based on the number of years of full-time, relevant work experience. More extensive experience in occupations aligned with provincial needs will increase the score.
• Adaptability: This includes factors such as previous work or study in Newfoundland & Labrador, or having close family ties in the province. These indicators show a higher likelihood of successful settlement.

Why Immigrate to Newfoundland & Labrador?

Newfoundland & Labrador offers several compelling reasons for immigration, making it an increasingly attractive destination for international immigrants. Here's a detailed breakdown of why choosing Newfoundland & Labrador could be the right decision for you:

Accelerated Processing

One of the significant advantages of immigrating to Newfoundland & Labrador is the expedited processing times, particularly through the Express Entry pathway. Applicants under the Express Entry system often see their applications processed in approximately six months, significantly quicker than many other immigration pathways. This rapid processing ensures a smoother transition, helping newcomers settle quickly into their new life.

Lower Living Costs

Compared to many other Canadian provinces, Newfoundland & Labrador boasts a significantly lower cost of living. Housing, transportation, and day-to-day expenses are generally more affordable, enabling newcomers to achieve a higher quality of life with less financial strain. Lower living expenses allow immigrants to allocate more resources towards building their lives, pursuing education, or investing in businesses.

Targeted Immigration for Rural Employment

Newfoundland & Labrador has a strong focus on addressing labor shortages in rural and high-demand sectors. The province strategically selects candidates who can directly contribute to its local economies, particularly in areas facing workforce shortages, such as healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, technology, and trades. This targeted approach ensures immigrants secure meaningful employment swiftly, benefiting both their personal growth and local communities.

Increasing Immigration Quotas & Frequent Draws

The province has significantly increased immigration quotas for 2025, nearly doubling previous nomination capacities and introducing additional federal immigration slots. Frequent draws and expanded quotas reflect Newfoundland & Labrador’s commitment to welcoming qualified candidates and growing its immigrant population. These enhanced opportunities increase the likelihood of candidates receiving invitations to immigrate, making the province an attractive and accessible destination for prospective immigrants.

Professional Immigration Assistance

The immigration process is intricate. Expert advice ensures:

• Robust EOI preparation.
• Optimal immigration stream selection.
• Effective employer coordination.
• Accurate documentation preparation.

Professional guidance significantly enhances success rates and smoothens your immigration journey.

Summary

The updated NLPNP 2025 immigration pathways offer enhanced quotas, streamlined processes, and targeted selection criteria. Newfoundland & Labrador remains committed to welcoming skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who significantly contribute to the province’s thriving economy and communities.