Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP)

Do you love the wild, peaceful beauty of the Atlantic region and want to settle here? The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP) is a great opportunity to make this dream a reality. Let’s explore the details of the requirements, process, and opportunities that the NL PNP offers you.

Introduction to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP) is a Canadian immigration pathway specifically designed by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Launched in 1999, the program’s primary goal is to attract and retain skilled immigrants with relevant work experience to meet labor market demands and contribute to the province’s economic and social development.

The NL PNP offers various streams for candidates seeking long-term settlement in the province, providing the opportunity to receive a provincial nomination. This, in turn, increases the chances of obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system or other direct pathways.

Immigration Programs under NL PNP

The NL PNP offers several streams for candidates to choose the immigration pathway that best suits their qualifications and circumstances. Each stream has its own specific criteria and requirements, detailed as follows:

Entrepreneur and Investor Stream

The Entrepreneur and Investor Categories provide an ideal pathway for successful entrepreneurs and experienced investors seeking to start, invest in, and grow a business in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). This program not only facilitates business development but also offers a long-term Canadian permanent residency route for the whole family.

Processing Time: Depends on the time required for document verification.

Minimum Requirements:

• Age between 21 and 59.
• A clear business plan verified by a third-party assessment agency.
• High school diploma from Canada or an equivalent foreign credential verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) within 5 years before submitting the EOI.
• Intent to reside long-term in NL, actively own and manage a business that can generate significant economic benefits for the province.
• Net assets of at least CAD 600,000 (including personal and business assets), unencumbered and easily transferable to Canada.
• Minimum investment of CAD 200,000 in the NL business, with at least 33.3% ownership, or a CAD 1 million equity investment.
• Demonstrated ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for local residents (permanent residents or Canadian citizens).
• Proof that the business operates as a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of generating profit through the sale of goods and/or services.
• At least 2 years of continuous experience managing and owning a business (minimum 25% ownership) within the past 5 years, or 5 years of experience in senior business management within the past 15 years.
• Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
• Completion of an online Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Receipt of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Note: Candidates aiming to support regional economic development or focusing on high-demand sectors (e.g., agriculture, technology, aquaculture, natural resources) will receive priority consideration.

All prospective international entrepreneurs applying from outside NL must undertake an initial exploratory visit to NL before submitting their formal application to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry (Express Entry Skilled Worker)

The Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry program, also known as the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream, is a popular immigration pathway under NL PNP directly linked to Canada’s federal Express Entry system. This program focuses on attracting highly skilled workers to meet the evolving labor market demands of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Processing Time: Applications are processed within 25 business days.

Minimum Requirements:

• Acceptance into the IRCC Express Entry pool of eligible candidates.
• Full-time employment or a valid job offer in Canada:
  • Occupation must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • From an employer with a valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) – required only if the candidate does not have a valid work permit or federal work authorization for the specific position.
  • Minimum of 30 hours per week.
  • Employment term of at least 1 year (12 months), with reasonable expectations of extension at the time of NL PNP application, confirmed by the employer.
  • From an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Compensation must be in the form of a salary (monthly or hourly), not commission.
  • Comply with provincial employment standards.
  • Pay must meet regional prevailing wages (or provincial/national prevailing wage if no regional data is available).
• Possess the necessary qualifications, training, skills, or certifications required for the job. Candidates must provide documentation supporting all work experience claimed in the Express Entry profile according to the NOC code.
• If residing in Canada, candidates must prove valid immigration status. Work permits must be valid for at least 4 months at the time of application. Post-graduation work permits may qualify.
• Demonstrate intent and ability to settle permanently in NL with family (if applicable).
• Show sufficient settlement funds and financial resources to support themselves and any dependents upon arrival in NL:
  • All applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover all settlement costs.
  • Candidates already in NL must demonstrate long-term financial stability. The IPPO assesses this based on family size, expected moving costs, savings, other assets, debts, and anticipated income.
• If the candidate holds shares in the employing business, ownership must not exceed 10% (not applicable for selected entrepreneurs).
• Possess post-secondary education credentials from Canada or a valid ECA report.
• Provide a valid language test certificate (English or French) meeting minimum program requirements. Test results must remain valid throughout the NL PNP processing and PR application.
• Score a minimum of 67 points under the NL PNP points assessment grid.
• If using a paid third-party representative, the representative must be registered and authorized to act on the applicant’s behalf.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – Newfoundland and Labrador

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for Newfoundland and Labrador is a federal-provincial program aimed at attracting and retaining skilled foreign workers to live and work in the province, contribute to economic and social development, and address local labor shortages. Applicants must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in NL and meet other minimum requirements.

Processing Time: Approximately 10 months.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Education or Work Experience:
   • Skilled workers: At least 1,560 hours of work in the past 5 years (equivalent to 1 year full-time, 30 hours/week). Job must be in NOC TEER 0–4.
   • International graduates:
     • Completed a minimum 2-year program at a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
     • Full-time studies throughout the program.
     • Lived in the Atlantic region for at least 16 months within the 2 years prior to graduation.
     • Hold valid visa or work permit during study, work, or training in Canada.
2. Valid Job Offer:
   • Full-time, long-term offer from a designated employer in NL.
   • Education requirements based on job TEER level:
     • TEER 0–1: Minimum 1-year post-secondary certificate in Canada or equivalent foreign credential.
     • TEER 2–4: High school diploma in Canada or equivalent foreign credential.
3. Language Requirements:
   • TEER 0–3: Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in English or French.
   • TEER 4: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French.
4. Financial Requirements:
   • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and family in Canada.
   • Waived if you have already lived and worked in Canada on a valid work permit.

This program provides a clear pathway for skilled workers and international graduates to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while addressing local labor needs.

Skilled Worker Stream – Newfoundland and Labrador PNP

The Skilled Worker Stream is a category under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP), designed for individuals with the necessary qualifications, training, and work experience in occupations in demand in the province.

Processing Time: Applications are processed within 25 business days.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Job Offer:
   • Full-time employment or a valid job offer in occupations under TEER 0–5.
   • From an employer with a valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA), required only if the applicant does not have a valid work permit or federal permit allowing work in the position.
   • Minimum 30 hours per week, with a duration of at least 12 months and reasonable expectation of extension, confirmed by the employer.
   • Salary must be paid hourly or monthly (commissions not accepted).
   • Must meet provincial employment standards and prevailing wage in the region (or provincial/national standard if regional data unavailable).
   • Applicant must have the required qualifications, training, skills, or certifications as per the NOC code of the position.
2. Age: 21–59 years.
3. Immigration Status:
   • Applicants residing in Canada must prove valid immigration status.
   • Work permit must be valid for at least 4 months at the time of application.
4. Settlement Intent and Financial Capacity:
   • Must demonstrate the intention and ability to settle permanently in NL with family (if applicable).
   • Must show sufficient funds to cover living expenses for themselves and dependents.
   • Applicants already in NL must also prove long-term financial stability, considering family size, relocation costs, savings, assets, debts, and expected income.
5. Ownership Restrictions:
   • Applicants with shares in their current employer may not own more than 10% (not applicable to selected entrepreneurs).
6. Language Requirements:
   • Applicants with a TEER 4 or 5 job offer must meet CLB 4 in English or French.
7. Representation:
   • If using a paid third-party representative, ensure the representative is registered and authorized to act on your behalf.

This stream provides a pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Newfoundland and Labrador while contributing to the local labor market.

NL PNP – International Graduate Stream

The International Graduate Category of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NL PNP) is an immigration pathway specifically designed for international students who have graduated from recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). This program provides an opportunity to remain and settle in NL after completing studies, helping retain talent and contribute to the province’s development.

Processing time: Applications are processed within 25 business days.

Minimum requirements:

• Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from IRCC with at least 4 months remaining at the time of applying for NL PNP.
• Have full-time employment or a valid job offer:
  • Occupation within TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, or TEER 4 if required by OIM.
  • Minimum 30 hours per week.
  • Employment must last at least 12 months, with reasonable expectation of extension confirmed by the employer.
  • From a qualified employer in NL.
  • Salary must be paid as a monthly or hourly wage (not commission).
  • Meet provincial employment standards.
  • Salary must meet the prevailing wage in the region (or provincial/national average if no regional data available).
• Have the required qualifications, training, skills, or certifications for the job according to NOC codes.
• Age between 21 – 59 years.
• Applicants residing in Canada must demonstrate valid immigration status and hold a permit valid for at least 4 months at the time of application.
• Demonstrate the intention and ability to settle long-term in NL with family (if applicable).
• Financial stability: Applicants must show sufficient funds to cover living expenses for themselves and dependents (if any) while living in NL. Those already residing in NL must demonstrate long-term economic stability, assessed by factors such as family size, relocation costs, savings, assets, debts, and projected income.
• If the applicant holds ownership in a business, their stake must not exceed 10%. This does not apply to designated entrepreneurs.
• Relevant employment: International graduates should have a full-time job related to their field of study from their post-secondary program in Canada.

Special provisions for Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic graduates:

• Graduates may apply for work not directly related to their field of study if the job meets these criteria:
  • NOC requiring post-secondary education or certification.
  • TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, or high-demand TEER 4 occupation.
  • Expected to provide career advancement opportunities.
  • Involves a field where the applicant has recent skills, experience, and training (within last 5 years) as described in NOC.
  • Full-time employment for at least 1 year, with potential extension confirmed by the employer.

For graduates from recognized public post-secondary institutions outside NL:

• Employment or job offer must be directly related to their field of study.
• Graduates from outside the province must work at least 1 year in NL before applying for NL PNP.

Language requirement:

• Applicants with a TEER 4 high-demand job must submit a valid language test with results valid throughout NL PNP processing and permanent residence application.

Third-party representation:

• If using a paid representative, ensure they are registered and authorized to act on the applicant’s behalf.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream provides a unique pathway for international students who have graduated from post-secondary institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) and possess entrepreneurial aspirations. This program enables international graduates to establish, operate, and actively manage their own business in the province, while also creating a pathway to Canadian permanent residency.

Processing time: Depends on the time required for document verification.

Minimum requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Provide a verified business sustainability plan along with supporting documents certified by a recognized third-party professional service (applicants are fully responsible for associated fees).
• Have completed a bachelor’s or college diploma of at least 2 years of full-time study directly at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic, with the degree or certificate completed within 2 years of submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Demonstrate a genuine intention to reside long-term in NL and actively own and manage a local business with the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the province.
• Have at least 1 year of continuous active business management and ownership experience (with a minimum of 33.3% ownership).
• Show the ability to create at least 1 full-time equivalent job for local residents (permanent residents and Canadian citizens).
• Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit entity primarily aimed at generating revenue through the sale of goods and/or services.
• Achieve a minimum CLB 7 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French.
• Complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Receive a Letter of Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM).

Note: Applicants whose business supports regional economic development or focuses on high-demand sectors (e.g., agriculture, technology, aquaculture, natural resources) will be given priority consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions about NL PNP

Do I need a job offer to apply for NL PNP?

No. Some streams, such as the International Graduate stream, do not require a job offer if you have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. However, having a job offer significantly increases your chances of approval, especially under the Skilled Worker stream.

After receiving a nomination, am I required to stay in Newfoundland and Labrador?

There is no legal obligation, but you have committed to living in NL when submitting your application. Leaving the province immediately after obtaining permanent residency may be considered a breach of that commitment. Therefore, it is recommended to stay in the province for at least 1–2 years before moving elsewhere.

The Newfoundland and Labrador PNP is not just an immigration program—it’s an opportunity for you and your family to build a bright future in Canada. With a variety of streams, from skilled workers and international graduates to entrepreneurs, NL PNP is the key to a smoother and safer path to Canadian permanent residency. Contact Phan Immigration for detailed guidance on this program.