On May 1, Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its fourth provincial immigration draw of the year, inviting a total of 190 candidates. This selection process marked a continuation of the province’s efforts to enhance its workforce through the Newfoundland and Labrador Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Details of the Recent Draw
A significant majority, approximately 82.6%, of the invitations issued during this round were allocated to NLPNP applicants. Specifically, the breakdown was as follows: 157 invitations were issued through the NLPNP and 33 through the AIP.
It is worth noting that, unlike other provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador has not disclosed which specific NLPNP streams the invited candidates belonged to. Additionally, this draw recorded the fewest invitations issued this year, reflecting a downward trend seen across recent months. Each successive draw has resulted in fewer overall invitations, although the last two rounds consistently invited 33 candidates through the AIP.
To provide context, this year the province has issued a total of 1,090 invitations combining both the NLPNP and AIP. Among these, 905 invitations, or 83%, have been granted via the NLPNP, while only 185 have been drawn from the AIP. This marks a substantial increase in the number of invitations issued so far in 2025 compared to the same period last year, where only one lottery draw was held, resulting in a total of 256 candidates invited in early 2025 (206 through NLPNP and 50 through AIP).
This year’s numbers represent a striking 325.8% increase in total invitations issued from January 1 to May 1 compared to the previous year.
Eligibility Criteria for NLPNP and AIP
Since February 2025, both the NLPNP and the AIP have been operating under an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates wishing to apply to either program must secure a valid job or job offer, with the exception of the NLPNP Entrepreneur stream.
To enter the process, candidates must complete and submit an EOI form that includes essential details such as their occupation, educational background, language proficiency, and a commitment to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) evaluates all submitted EOIs, selecting the most competitive applicants for invitations to apply. The OIM may prioritize candidates based on various factors, such as:
- Healthcare Workers: These candidates are consistently prioritized due to ongoing staffing shortages.
- Regional Sales and Service Roles: Positions outside St. John’s that face recruitment challenges may receive heightened attention.
- Local Employment: Jobs supporting economic and population sustainability in small communities are favored.
- Underrepresented Professions: Fields that enhance diversity and productivity, such as finance and research, may also be prioritized.
- Reliable Employers: EOIs from employers with a strong compliance track record will be given preference.
- Long-Term Retention Potential: Candidates demonstrating community, family, or employment ties may be favored.
- NL Graduates: Local graduates with relevant skills may receive priority consideration.
- Francophone Immigration Goals: EOIs that contribute to the growth of Francophone communities are encouraged.
- Strong Retention Support: Candidates linked to employers or communities with robust retention strategies may receive preference.
Once selected, candidates under the NLPNP or their employers in the AIP have 60 days to submit a complete application. This application will undergo a standard evaluation before a decision is made. EOIs remain active in the pool for up to 12 months before they expire.
