Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, has become a prominent economic contributor in the country. The province is comprised of two separate land masses: Labrador, which is connected to the mainland, and the island of Newfoundland. The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is the province’s immigration program that aims to attract immigrants who possess the skills and experience that align with the province’s specific needs. Through this program, eligible candidates may receive a provincial nomination from Newfoundland and Labrador, which can enhance their chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.
Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Streams
If you are considering immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador, you have several options to choose from:
1. Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
This stream is for skilled workers who have a job offer and an Express Entry profile.
2. Skilled Worker Category
Designed for skilled workers who have a job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes individuals who are already in the province with a valid work permit.
3. International Graduate Category
Intended for recent international graduates who are staying in Canada on a Post-Graduate Work Permit and have a job or job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
4. International Entrepreneur Category
Targeted at foreign nationals who wish to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador and start, co-manage, or acquire a business in the province. Applicants must have been operating their business for at least a year on a Temporary Work Permit before applying for a provincial nomination.
5. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
Specifically designed for international graduates of Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions who aim to establish, co-own, or manage a business in the province, with a pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker
The Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker stream is a pathway for skilled workers who have a job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Minimum Requirements:
To be eligible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker stream, you need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- Express Entry Profile: You must have an active Express Entry profile, which is the online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence.
Job Offer: You should have a full-time job offer, or the potential to secure one, from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador. The job should fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) levels 0, A, or B, indicating high-skilled positions.
Work Permit: You must possess a valid work permit for Canada or be eligible to apply for one. This demonstrates your authorization to work in the country.
Education: You should have completed a post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognized institution. Your educational background showcases your qualifications and skills.
Work Experience: Depending on your profession, you must possess the minimum level of work experience as required. This ensures that you have the necessary expertise to contribute to the labor market in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Licensure or Certification: If your profession requires provincial licensure or certification, you need to meet the eligibility criteria. This ensures that you can practice your occupation in the province.
Genuine Intention to Settle: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador. This can be expressed through your settlement plan, outlining your reasons for choosing the province as your desired place of residence.
Language Proficiency: Meeting the minimum language requirements in English or French is essential. Adequate language skills ensure effective communication and integration into the community.
Point Assessment: You need to score at least 67 out of 100 points on the PNP points assessment grid. This system evaluates various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Financial Stability: It is necessary to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to establish yourself and support your family in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Employer Requirements: Your employer must meet certain requirements set by the program to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
Application Process:
Online Application: Once you meet the minimum requirements, you need to apply online through the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial webpage. Ensure that your passport and work permits are valid during the application process.
Application Review: Before submitting your application, carefully review it and double-check the document checklist to ensure that all required documents are included.
Interview: After submitting your application, you may be selected for an interview with an immigration officer from the province. This interview aims to assess your eligibility and verify the information provided in your application.
Provincial Nomination: If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination in the Express Entry system. It is crucial to accept this nomination within the given timeframe.
Additional CRS Points: Upon accepting the provincial nomination, you will receive an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). These points significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): With the added CRS points, you can expect to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system. This ITA allows you to proceed with the final steps of the immigration process.
Application Fee:
The application for the Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream requires a fee of CAD $250.
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 25 business days.
Skilled Worker Category
The Skilled Worker Category under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) provides an opportunity for skilled workers to obtain a job offer from an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Minimum Requirements:
Full-Time Job or Job Offer: You must have a full-time job or a job offer from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer for a duration of at least two years.
Qualifications and Skills: You should possess the necessary qualifications, training, skills, and accreditation required for the job.
Valid Work Permit: You must hold a valid work permit with a minimum validity of four months remaining at the time of application.
Relevant Experience: You should have relevant work experience that aligns with the job offer.
Settlement Funds: It is essential to have sufficient funds to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum language requirements specified by the NLPNP.
Application Process:
Determine Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker Category.
Application Submission: Complete and submit your application on the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial webpage.
Application Assessment: An immigration officer will review your application and make a recommendation to a delegated authority.
Final Decision: The delegated authority will review the officer’s assessment and make the final decision on your application.
Application Outcome: Within approximately 25 business days, you will receive a notification informing you of the approval or denial of your application.
Provincial Nomination: If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination. This nomination allows you to proceed with the next step.
Permanent Residence Application: With the provincial nomination, you can then apply for permanent residence directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which is the federal immigration department of Canada.
Application Fee:
The application for the Skilled Worker Category Stream requires a fee of CAD $250.
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 25 business days.
International Graduate Category
The International Graduate Category of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is designed for international graduates who have completed their studies in Canada.
Minimum Requirements:
Canadian Study Experience: You must have completed at least half of your studies in Canada and graduated from an eligible college or university.
Program Duration: You should have completed at least a two-year diploma or degree program on a full-time basis.
Job Offer: You must have a full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Post-Graduation Work Permit: You should hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Qualifications and Skills: You must possess the necessary qualifications, training, skills, and accreditation required for the job.
Settlement Funds: It is important to have sufficient funds to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum language requirements specified by the NLPNP.
Application Process:
Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for the International Graduate Category.
Document Preparation: Gather all the required documents and complete your online application through the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial webpage.
Application Assessment: An immigration officer will review your application, and after approximately 25 business days, you will be notified of the decision.
Application Outcome: If your application is approved, you will receive a provincial nomination, which allows you to proceed to the next step.
Permanent Residence Application: With the provincial nomination, you can apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration department of Canada.
Application Fee:
There is no application fee for International Graduate Category.
Processing Time:
The average processing time for applications in this stream is approximately 25 business days.
International Entrepreneur Category
The International Graduate Category of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is designed for international graduates who have completed their studies in Canada.
Minimum Requirements:
Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 59 years old.
Language Proficiency: Meet the English or French language requirements.
Net Assets: Have a minimum of CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Score: Obtain a minimum score of 72 out of 120 on the EOI assessment grid.
Investment Amount: Be able to invest at least CAD $200,000 to establish a business with 33.3% ownership (or CAD $1 million in equity investment).
Business Experience: Have at least two years of experience actively managing or owning a business in the last five years, or five years of experience in a senior business management role in the last ten years.
Business Plan: Provide a comprehensive business plan with the necessary documentation.
Education: Possess at least a high school diploma.
Intent to Reside: Intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Job Creation: Create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
For-Profit Business: Demonstrate that the business will be for-profit.
Exploratory Visit: Conduct an exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador before starting or purchasing a business.
Application Process:
Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the International Entrepreneur Category.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Note that submitting an EOI does not count as an application but serves as a pre-application screening process.
Invitation to Apply: If you are successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply from the province’s immigration office.
Net Worth Verification: Select a Net Worth Verifier who will verify your net worth.
Document Submission: Gather the required documents, including a Business Establishment Plan, and submit your application along with the Net Worth Verification Report.
Application Assessment: Your application will undergo assessment, and if approved, you will receive a provincial nomination.
Permanent Residence Application: Use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration department of Canada.
Application Fee:
The application for the International Entrepreneur Category requires a fee of CAD $1,000.
Processing Time:
The processing time for this stream depends on the duration required for document verification.