Newfoundland and Labrador Nominee Program
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) nominates skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who intend to live and work in the province. It operates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) model — candidates submit a profile, and the province issues Invitations to Apply based on labour market priorities. The province also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program, a federal employer-driven pathway to permanent residence.
5
NLPNP Categories
No fee
Expression of Interest (EOI)
60 days
ITA Response Window
+600
CRS Boost (Express Entry)
What is the NLPNP?
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is the province's economic immigration program, offering a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers, international graduates, and business immigrants who meet the province's labour market needs and intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program is administered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism and operates under a two-step process: first, the applicant receives a provincial nomination from the province; then, they apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. Applications are submitted through the Immigration Accelerator Portal, using an Expression of Interest (EOI) model — candidates submit a profile, are ranked, and the province issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on labour market and economic priorities. If selected, applicants have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Newfoundland and Labrador currently offers the following immigration pathways:
Skilled Worker — for foreign workers with a full-time job offer from an eligible NL employer in any TEER occupation. PGWP holders are not eligible.
Express Entry Skilled Worker — an expedited pathway for candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool, with a TEER 0–3 job offer in NL. Requires a minimum 67 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid.
International Graduate — for recent graduates holding a valid PGWP, with a full-time NL job offer in a TEER 0–4 (in-demand) occupation related to their field of study.
International Entrepreneur — for experienced business owners or senior managers who will start or buy an NL business. Requires net assets of at least $600,000 CAD and a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD.
International Graduate Entrepreneur — for graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or College of the North Atlantic (CNA) who already own and operate an NL business.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — a permanent federal program allowing designated NL employers to support eligible foreign workers and international graduates for permanent residence.
What Sets Newfoundland & Labrador Apart
The NLPNP has a distinct selection model and priorities worth understanding before you choose a category.
Expression of Interest Model
All categories use an EOI system through the Immigration Accelerator Portal — candidates submit a profile, are ranked, and the province issues Invitations to Apply based on labour market priorities.
+600 CRS Through Express Entry
A nomination through the Express Entry Skilled Worker category adds 600 CRS points to your federal profile, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply from IRCC.
Priority Sectors for Entrepreneurs
The province prioritizes entrepreneurs focused on regional development and high-demand sectors — agriculture, aquaculture, technology, and natural resources.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Designated Newfoundland and Labrador employers can support skilled workers and international graduates for permanent residence without a provincial nomination.
NLPNP Categories
Newfoundland and Labrador offers five nominee categories plus the federal Atlantic Immigration Program. Use the navigator below to jump to any of them and review its eligibility criteria.
Skilled Worker
For foreign workers who have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. The job may be in any TEER level occupation. Candidates holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit are not eligible under this category.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders are not eligible for the Skilled Worker category — recent graduates on a PGWP should apply under the International Graduate category instead.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NL employer; minimum 30 hours/week; at least 1 year in duration with a reasonable expectation of extension |
| Wage | Salary or hourly wage (not commission); meets provincial employment standards and regional prevailing wage rates |
| Qualifications | Relevant qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job; must meet the NOC code employment requirements |
| Age | 21 to 59 |
| Language | Valid English or French language test required for TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations |
| Settlement funds | Sufficient funds to establish yourself and any dependents |
| Intent | Plan to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Immigration status | If in Canada, must hold a valid permit with at least 4 months remaining at time of NLPNP application |
| Job Vacancy Assessment | Employer must have a valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) if the applicant does not hold a valid work permit or alternate federal authorization to work in the position |
| Business ownership | If you hold an ownership stake in the employer business, it cannot exceed 10% |
Additional Notes
Who Can Be Included in Your Application
You Are Not Eligible If You:
Express Entry Skilled Worker
An expedited pathway for highly skilled applicants who are already accepted into IRCC’s federal Express Entry pool and hold a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job offer from an eligible NL employer. Applicants must score a minimum of 67 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid.
+600 CRS Points
A nomination through the NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker category adds 600 CRS points to your federal Express Entry profile, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC, which then processes your permanent residence application on a priority basis.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | Active profile accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool |
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NL employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation; minimum 30 hours/week; at least 1 year in duration |
| Wage | Salary or hourly wage (not commission); meets provincial employment standards and regional prevailing wage rates |
| Work permit | Valid work permit or authorization to work in Canada |
| Education | Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, or a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) |
| NLPNP points | Minimum 67 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid |
| Language | Valid English or French language test |
| Settlement funds | Sufficient funds to establish yourself and any dependents |
| Age | 21 to 59 |
| Intent | Plan to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Immigration status | Valid permit with at least 4 months remaining at time of NLPNP application |
| Job Vacancy Assessment | Required if the applicant does not hold a valid work permit or alternate federal authorization for the identified position |
Additional Notes
International Graduate
For recent graduates of a recognized post-secondary institution who hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NL employer. The job must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (in-demand) occupation and related to the applicant’s field of study.
Out-of-province graduates: graduates of recognized public post-secondary institutions outside Newfoundland and Labrador must hold a job offer directly related to their field of study AND have worked in NL for at least 1 year before applying. This one-year NL work requirement does not apply to graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), who have broader field-of-study exceptions.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Work permit | Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) with at least 4 months remaining at time of NLPNP application |
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible NL employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (in-demand) occupation; minimum 30 hours/week; at least 1 year in duration |
| Wage | Salary or hourly wage (not commission); meets provincial employment standards and regional prevailing wage rates |
| Field of study | Job must be related to the graduate’s field of study (exceptions exist for MUN or CNA local graduates) |
| Qualifications | Must meet the NOC code employment requirements |
| Language | Valid English or French language test required for TEER 4 occupations |
| Settlement funds | Sufficient funds to establish yourself and any dependents |
| Age | 21 to 59 |
| Intent | Plan to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador |
Additional Notes
International Entrepreneur
For experienced business owners or senior managers who intend to start or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador and actively manage it day to day. Priority is given to applicants focused on regional development or high-demand sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, technology, and natural resources.
This category is by invitation only. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and the province issues Invitations to Apply.
Exploratory visit: if applying from outside Newfoundland and Labrador, you must visit the province before submitting your official application.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 to 59 |
| Education | Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA required, completed within the last 5 years) |
| Net assets | At least $600,000 CAD in personal and business assets transferable to Canada |
| Investment | Minimum $200,000 CAD personal investment in the business (own at least 33.3% equity), OR invest $1,000,000 CAD in equity |
| Job creation | Create at least 1 full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (not a family member) |
| Business experience | 2+ years of business ownership and management (25%+ ownership) in the last 5 years, OR 5+ years in a senior management role in the last 10 years |
| Language | CLB 5 or higher in English or French (CELPIP, IELTS, or TEF accepted) |
| Intent | Intend to live permanently in NL and actively manage the business |
| Business plan | Must submit a business plan with verified financial documents (at the applicant’s cost) |
| EOI + ITA | Must submit an Expression of Interest and receive an Invitation to Apply |
Starting a New Business
Buying an Existing Business
Businesses Not Permitted Under This Category
You Are Not Eligible If You:
International Graduate Entrepreneur
For graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or the College of the North Atlantic (CNA) who already own and actively manage a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must have operated their NL business for at least one full year and hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Priority is given to applicants in agriculture, aquaculture, technology, or natural resources.
This category is by invitation only. Candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and the province issues Invitations to Apply.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 or older |
| Education | Degree or diploma from MUN or CNA (minimum 2 years, full-time, in-person study), completed within the last 2 years |
| Work permit | Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
| Business ownership | Own and actively manage an NL business (minimum 33.3% ownership) for at least 1 full year |
| Job creation | Create at least 1 full-time, year-round job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (not a family member) |
| Language | CLB 7 or higher in English or French (speaking, listening, reading, writing) |
| Intent | Intend to live permanently in NL while owning and actively managing the business |
| Business plan | Must submit a business continuity plan with verified financial documents (at the applicant’s cost) |
| EOI + ITA | Must submit an Expression of Interest and receive an Invitation to Apply |
Starting a New Business
Buying an Existing Business
The same categories of ineligible businesses listed under the International Entrepreneur category above also apply here.
You Are Not Eligible If You:
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
A permanent federal program — separate from the NLPNP — that helps designated Newfoundland and Labrador employers hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates for positions they cannot fill locally. It is administered by IRCC, but the province designates employers and endorses positions. The program is open to individuals currently in Canada on a valid work permit (with at least 4 months remaining) and to individuals outside Canada.
Once endorsed, you and your immediate family (spouse and dependent children) are eligible to apply for permanent residence. You are also eligible to receive a temporary work permit while the PR application is processed.
Who Qualifies as a Worker
Stage 1 — Employer Designation
An NL employer must be designated by the province before hiring through the AIP. To qualify, the employer must operate in good standing and comply with employment standards, occupational health and safety, IRPA and IRPR; have been in continuous, active operation under the same management for at least 2 years in an Atlantic province; not recruit to build a pool of candidates to transfer or contract out; commit to working with a settlement service provider; and complete mandatory IRCC onboarding and intercultural competency training (unless exempted).
Stage 2 — Position Endorsement
Once designated, the employer submits the specific position for provincial endorsement. The employer must demonstrate that local recruitment efforts have been unsuccessful, recruit a qualified foreign worker or international graduate, provide a valid full-time non-seasonal job offer co-signed by the worker, and provide an individualized settlement plan co-signed by the worker and completed by an approved settlement service provider.
Stage 3 — Candidate Applies to IRCC
With a valid endorsement certificate from the province, the foreign worker applies directly to IRCC for permanent residence. The worker may also obtain a work permit referral letter from the province to apply for a temporary work permit while awaiting the PR decision. The employer registers in the federal employer portal, submits the job offer, and pays the IRCC compliance fee.
How the NLPNP Works
All categories follow an Expression of Interest process, from EOI through to your IRCC permanent residence application. Once invited, you have a strict 60-day window to submit a complete application.
Determine your category
Confirm which of the five NLPNP categories fits your profile — Skilled Worker, Express Entry Skilled Worker, International Graduate, International Entrepreneur, or International Graduate Entrepreneur. Each has distinct job offer, education, and language requirements.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
All NLPNP categories use the EOI model. Submit your profile through the Immigration Accelerator Portal. There is no provincial fee to submit an EOI, and information provided must be accurate and verifiable.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The province conducts selections from the EOI pool based on labour market priorities and economic needs. Meeting minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. If selected, you have 60 days from the date of your ITA to submit a complete application.
Submit your application
Submit a complete application package through the Immigration Accelerator Portal within 60 days of your ITA — including police certificates, immigration status documents, job offer documentation, language test results (where required), and, for the Skilled Worker and Express Entry categories, your employer’s valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) if applicable.
Application assessment
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism reviews your application, with updates provided through the online dashboard. You must notify the province of any changes in your situation — marital status, address, employment — before, during, and after your nomination.
Receive your nomination
If approved, you receive a provincial nomination certificate. For Express Entry nominees, 600 CRS points are added to your federal profile and IRCC issues an ITA. For all other categories, you apply to IRCC directly under the provincial nominee class.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Within 12 months of receiving your nomination certificate, apply to IRCC for your permanent resident visa. You, your spouse, and dependants must meet all medical, security, and criminal admissibility requirements. IRCC has final authority to issue a permanent resident visa.
Processing Times
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| NLPNP EOI → ITA | Varies; based on draw frequency and labour market priorities |
| ITA response window | 60 days |
| NLPNP application assessment | Varies by category |
| IRCC PR application (Express Entry route) | ~6 months |
| IRCC PR application (non-Express Entry) | Varies |
Government Fees
The NLPNP does not charge a provincial fee to submit an Expression of Interest or to apply for a nomination. The federal IRCC permanent residence fees below apply after nomination or AIP endorsement.
NLPNP Provincial Fees
| Stage | Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expression of Interest | No fee | Free to submit a profile through the Immigration Accelerator Portal |
| NLPNP nomination application | No fee | The NLPNP does not charge a provincial processing fee |
IRCC Permanent Residence Fees (after nomination or AIP endorsement)
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $1,525 |
| Spouse or common-law partner | $1,525 |
| Dependent child (per child) | $260 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal applicant) | $575 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (spouse/partner) | $575 |
Important:Government fees are payable directly to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and IRCC respectively, and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change at any time. A complete itemized quote — including Asteco's professional fees, government fees, and applicable third-party costs — is provided before you commit to any service.
How Asteco Can Help
The NLPNP involves five categories with distinct eligibility criteria, a competitive EOI model, strict 60-day application windows, and coordinating two separate applications — provincial and IRCC — plus the employer-driven AIP. Our RCIC-regulated team manages every step.
Disclaimer: NLPNP category criteria, labour market priorities, fees, and processing times are established by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and are subject to change at any time without notice. Selection through the EOI model is not guaranteed even if minimum eligibility criteria are met. The Atlantic Immigration Program is administered by IRCC. The information on this page reflects NLPNP and AIP guidelines as published in July 2026. This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
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Check My Eligibility — FreeBook a Free ConsultationQuick Facts
Information reflects NLPNP guidelines as published by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as of July 2026. Program criteria and fees are subject to change at any time. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.