The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) allows the province to nominate foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence based on its economic and labour market needs. Nominated candidates then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to finalize permanent residence.
The NLPNP uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for all streams. Candidates submit an EOI through the province's Immigration Accelerator portal and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before submitting a full application.
Program streams
| Stream | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Express Entry Skilled Worker Category | Candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool who have a full-time job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0–3) and valid authorization to work in Canada. |
| Skilled Worker Category | Foreign workers with a valid, long-term, full-time job offer (minimum one year, minimum 30 hours per week) from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Candidates must have the qualifications and work experience required for the position and be between the ages of 21 and 59. |
| International Graduate Category | Recent graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions who hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and have a full-time job offer in the province in an occupation related to their field of study (TEER 0–3 and select TEER 4 occupations). |
| International Entrepreneur Category | Experienced business owners or senior managers who intend to establish or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador and actively manage it on a work permit for at least one year before applying for nomination. Requires a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 and a minimum personal investment of $200,000. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Category | Graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland or the College of the North Atlantic who have established and are actively operating a business in the province (minimum 33.3% ownership) for at least one year, and who have created at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. |
| Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Academic Path | Individuals with strong academic credentials and language proficiency in sectors identified as priorities by the province (such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades). Some pathways within this stream may not require a job offer. |
| Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Work Path | Individuals with work experience in priority sectors who meet the points threshold on the NLPNP assessment grid. Like the Academic Path, this stream is designed to attract candidates with high-demand skills quickly. |
How to apply
Submit an EOI
Create a profile through the province's Immigration Accelerator portal. All NLPNP streams require an EOI before a full application can be submitted.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The province reviews EOI profiles and issues ITAs based on provincial labour market priorities. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation.
Submit a full application
Once you receive an ITA, submit the full NLPNP application with supporting documentation within the deadline specified in the invitation.
Receive a Certificate of Nomination
If approved, the province issues a nomination certificate.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Submit the federal PR application using the nomination certificate. Express Entry nominees are typically invited to apply federally within a short period.
Processing times
Processing times vary by stream and application volume. Worker and graduate stream applications generally take several months from application submission to a nomination decision. Entrepreneur stream files take longer due to the work permit phase and business operation period that must be completed before nomination. Confirm current estimates through the official NLPNP website at gov.nl.ca/immigration.
Related links
- New Brunswick PNP - Nova Scotia PNP - Prince Edward Island PNP - Alberta PNP
--- *Sources: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, gov.nl.ca/immigration program pages, current as of July 2026. The Priority Skills NL stream was introduced in late 2024 and continues to evolve; verify current stream availability and eligibility criteria before advising applicants.*