The most easterly of Canada’s provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador consists of mainland Labrador and the island of Newfoundland. St John’s, the capital, is rich in the maritime history that is stamped on the region, but today it is the valuable natural resources in the province that support the strong and growing economy of the province.
The energy industry is thriving in Newfoundland and Labrador and there is great demand for a number of skilled workers from abroad via the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP).
Persons with relevant skills may be targeted and issued with a Newfoundland and Labrador provincial nomination, their ticket to apply for permanent residence via one of the following immigration plans:
Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Program – using an Expression of Interest (EOI) scheme, this stream is aligned with the federal government-run Express Entry pathway. It allows the government of Newfoundland and Labrador to select candidates from the Express Entry pool who have relevant skills and experience and a valid profile. Express Entry works as follows:
Express Entry is a fast-track process run by the federal government of Canada that applies to applicants using the Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry program. The applicant is required to submit an online profile. This will include details of their age, marital status, work experience, education, and other details. A rank will be determined using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Those who score highly on the CRS, which is a pass or fail assessment, will be put into the Express Entry Pool. From the pool, a draw is made regularly and those who are successful are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). At this stage, they can begin applying for permanent residence in Newfoundland and Labrador. As with all pathways, there are strict criteria that must be met.
Skilled Worker Category – individuals who have a valid, full-time job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer in a role that is considered of value are encouraged to apply via this route. Persons working in the province on a temporary work permit can also apply. Applicants must meet specified standards of proficiency in English or French and have acceptable levels of skills and experience.
International Graduate Category – persons who have gained a recognized academic qualification from a recognized Canadian educational institution and are working or have a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer may apply using this route. Applicants must prove language proficiency as required and be working in the specified role at the time of application.
International Entrepreneur Category – applicants must be intending to start and manage a business in Newfoundland and Labrador or co-manage or purchase an existing one. They will be required to run the business for one year on a temporary work permit before applying for permanent residence.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category – this pathway is for foreign graduates from recognized Newfoundland and Labrador educational establishments who wish to set up and run a business in the province.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programme – the Atlantic regions of Canada are in great need of skilled workers, hence Newfoundland and Labrador are one of four provinces taking part in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Scheme run by the Canadian Government.
Applicants may be in Canada or otherwise at the time of application and must have a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer and meet the criteria for the program.