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Newfoundland & Labrador PNP (NLPNP): A Deeper Look
October 3, 2025
Here’s a more complete guide to the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)—updated with the finer details so you see more of what really matters.
What Is NLPNP and Why It Exists
- The NLPNP is Newfoundland & Labrador’s economic immigration program. Its aim is to nominate foreign nationals who can help the local labour market, fill employer needs, or start and grow businesses in the province. (gov.nl.ca)
- It works in parallel with federal immigration: once the province nominates you, you apply to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for permanent residence. (lifeca.com)
- The program also helps designated employers facing labour shortages by giving them a route to hire foreign workers via PNP nomination support. (gov.nl.ca)
NLPNP Streams / Categories
Here are the main streams (as of now) under NLPNP, with more detail:
| Stream / Category | Description / Who It’s For | Key Requirements & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry – Skilled Worker | For candidates already in IRCC’s Express Entry pool who have a qualifying job offer in Newfoundland & Labrador. (gov.nl.ca) | • Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Newfoundland’s “Immigration Accelerator Portal.” (gov.nl.ca) • Must have a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation; 30+ hours/week. (gov.nl.ca) • Must meet job’s NOC / qualification requirements. (gov.nl.ca) • Once nominated, you get +600 CRS points, which usually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA). (gov.nl.ca) • No fee to apply to this NLPNP stream. (gov.nl.ca) • NL aims to decide within about 25 business days after submission. (gov.nl.ca) |
| Skilled Worker (non-Express Entry) | For those without an Express Entry profile but who have a job offer in NL. (gov.nl.ca) | • Must have a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible NL employer. (gov.nl.ca) • Applicants in Canada must hold valid work permit with at least 4 months remaining. (gov.nl.ca) • Age: usually 21–59. (gov.nl.ca) • Must intend to settle in NL and show settlement funds. (gov.nl.ca) |
| International Graduate | For recent graduates (in NL) who want to stay and work. (gov.nl.ca) | • Must hold valid PGWP. (gov.nl.ca) • Must submit EOI via Accelerator Portal. (gov.nl.ca) • If invited, 60 days to apply; applications must be complete within 90 days. (gov.nl.ca) |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur | For NL grads who created/purchased a business and operated it for 1+ year. (gov.nl.ca) | • Two sub-streams: Start new or purchase existing. (gov.nl.ca) • Must create 1+ full-time job for a Canadian/PR. (gov.nl.ca) • Own at least 33.3% of business. (supervisas.com) |
| International Entrepreneur | For experienced owners/managers who want to start/buy a business in NL. (gov.nl.ca) | • Must participate actively in business. (gov.nl.ca) • Mandatory exploratory visit if outside NL. (gov.nl.ca) • Create at least 1 FTE job. (gov.nl.ca) • Age 21–59, CLB/NCLC 5+, min assets $600,000, investment $200,000+. (canadavisa.com) |
Eligibility Details
- Age range: 21–59 years. (gov.nl.ca)
- Work permit: At least 4 months validity required. (gov.nl.ca)
- Settlement funds: Proof required for living and fees. (gov.nl.ca)
- Exploratory visit: Required for entrepreneurs abroad. (gov.nl.ca)
- Business Performance Agreement: Required for entrepreneurs to ensure obligations are met before nomination. (canadavisa.com)
- EOI validity: 12 months in the pool. (cicnews.com)
- Partial applications: Expire after 90 days if not submitted. (gov.nl.ca)
- Service standard: ~25 business days for Express Entry Skilled Worker decisions. (gov.nl.ca)
Recent Trends (2025)
- 838 invitations so far. (cicnews.com)
- 351 ITAs in May + 54 AIP. (cicnews.com)
- 2,525 spots total in 2025 (NLPNP + AIP). (cicnews.com)
- 180 invitations in August draw. (cicnews.com)
Tips for Applicants
- ✅ Match your occupation with NL’s labour demand.
- âś… Ensure employer is eligible.
- âś… Keep language/credential proofs ready.
- âś… Entrepreneurs: strong, realistic business plan is key.
- âś… Assets must be verifiable and liquid.
- âś… Commit to genuinely settling in NL.
- âś… Track deadlines: EOIs (12 months), ITAs (60 days), applications (90 days).
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