Newfoundland and Labrador PNP
Updated: February 8th, 2022
Newfoundland and Labrador is located on the eastern coast of Atlantic Canada. The province may not be everyone’s top destination but it is certainly a gem for those who appreciate the simpler, more pastoral life. However, do not write Newfoundland and Labrador off as merely Greenlands and seaside villages, in recent years it has experienced a boom in business, arts, and culture, attracting those who want to move away from the big city life but still enjoy the trendy subculture offered by cities.
The beautiful province of about 520,000 residents is divided into different sections; Labrador in the north and Newfoundland, an exquisite island 17 km off the coast of Labrador. The majority of the province’s population lives in the capital city, St John’s, where they enjoy excellent schools, top-notch healthcare facilities, fantastic restaurants, exceptional nightlife, and an exciting arts scene. So, for those of you who would like to start the Canadian visa application process, here's all you need to know about the Newfoundland and Labrador.
What Is the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nomination Program
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nomination Program (Newfoundland and Labrador PNP, or NLPNP) allows the province to nominate people who have the necessary skills and experience needed to address the labour and population shortage in the province. Applying to the program is really quite simple. First, you must determine which of the category is best suited to you. Following this, you must complete and submit all the necessary paperwork to the relevant authorities. If your application is successful, you will be issued an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence which will basically guarantee your emigration to the province.
Most people that want to move to Newfoundland and Labrador are particularly interested in immigrating to St John's. Even if St John's is not your ideal destination, through the Provincial Nomination Program you can easily migrate to any other city in the province.
Many small towns and villages in Newfoundland and Labrador are exceptional places to settle. These communities are safe, friendly, and very welcoming to new immigrants. For example, several small communities in Newfoundland and Labrador were among the first in the entire country to agree to accept Syrian refugees.
There are several routes you can take to get a Provincial Nomination. Discover which of these programs is the right one for you below.
Newfoundland & Labrador PNP Categories
Skilled Worker Category |
Express Entry Skilled Worker Category |
Priority Skills Category |
International Graduate Category |
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category |
International Entrepreneur Category |
Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category is the fastest path to getting Canadian permanent residence for those who have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador. Express Entry applications can be in as little as six months. Find out if you qualify for this speedy category.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must:
Be accepted into the Express Entry pool of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada |
Score at least 67 points out of a possible 100 on the Provincial Nomination Program Assessment Grid |
An offer of employment from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador that meets the governmental standards for employment and wages; |
Have a valid Work Permit or you must meet the requirements to apply for one; |
Have a Canadian tertiary degree, diploma, or an Educational Credential Assessment verifying that your foreign credentials are equal to the education standards of Canada; |
Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
Have enough money to settle you and your dependents in the province; and |
Provide the relevant language test results that show you have the required language ability needed to fulfill your job’s duties |
Skilled Worker Category
If you have the specialized skills needed by employers in Newfoundland and Labrador, this category is for you. Employers can nominate skilled workers under this category if that person can critically impact the operations of the employer’s business.
If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must:
Have a permanent job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador; or |
Have a job offer that meets the wage and employment standards of the province; |
Have all the required qualifications, documentation, and training needed to perform the duties of your job; |
Have a Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada or you must meet the requirements to apply for one
|
Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
Have enough money to settle you and your dependents in the province; |
Be employed by someone who can prove that your specific skill set is needed; and |
Provide the relevant language test results that show you have the required language ability needed to fulfil your job’s duties |
Priority Skills Category
The Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador (Priority Skills NL) PNP Stream is a new immigration stream designed to help skilled international workers who can help boost the economy and fill current high demand jobs in four main industries:
- Technology;
- Healthcare;
- Aquaculture; and
- Agriculture.
To qualify for this immigration stream your will need to submit an expression of interest and complete a questionnaire about your language ability, age, education, work experience and whether or not you have any family in the province. Your profile will then be scored and you will be required to receive at least 60 points to be considered. The highest-scoring applicants with the most interest from Canadian employers will receive and an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must Meet the Following Requirements:
Requirements for the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador Stream
Education | PhD or Master’s degrees from Memorial University within the past three years in the following specialities: Technology, Health Care, Aquaculture, and Agriculture |
Work Experience | must have worked in a specialized, highly-skilled, in-demand occupation for at least one full year in the last 10 years |
Language | English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) language test within the last twelve months and scored equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher |
Age | be at least 21 years of age |
International Graduate Category
International students who have graduated from a recognized tertiary institution in Canada can be nominated for permanent residency through this category.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must:
Have graduated from a recognized, publicly funded, Canadian tertiary institution and you must have completed a minimum of half of your studies in Canada; |
While studying full-time, have completed a minimum of a two-year diploma or degree. If you have completed a postgraduate degree of at least one year in length, you might still satisfy this requirement; |
Have an offer of employment for a full-time, permanent position; |
Be legally allowed to work in Canada, meaning you must have a Post-Graduate Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada; |
Have all the required qualifications, documentation, and training needed to perform the duties of your job; |
Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
Have an offer of employment that meets the province’s salary and employment standards; |
Have an offer of employment for a job that has the potential for advancement; |
Have enough money to settle you and your dependents in the province; |
Provide the relevant language test results that show you have the required language ability needed to fulfil your job’s duties |
Please note: If you graduated from an institution outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, you might have to acquire one year’s work experience in your field of study before you can submit your provincial nomination program application.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
International students who have graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic can be nominated for permanent residency through this category.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must:
Have already started or bought a business in Newfoundland & Labrador and been involved in the day to day operations for a minimum of one continuous year; |
Be at least 21 years old; |
Submit a business continuity plan that has been verified by a professional third party; |
Have completed a degree or diploma worth at least two academic years, full-time; |
Be a holder of a valid post-graduate work permit; |
Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador while continuing to manage your business; |
Have a minimum of 33.3% ownership in your business; |
Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; |
Demonstrate that the business's intent is to be for-profit; |
Score a minimum of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test |
Priority will be given to applicants focusing on high-demand sectors such as Agriculture, Technology, and Natural Resources.
Several factors can also make you ineligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category. Please take note of these disqualifications, to ensure your application stands the best chance at success.
You are Ineligible For This Category If You:
Are currently living illegally in your country of residence; |
Have had a removal order issued against you by the IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency; |
Are prohibited from entering Canada; |
Intend to be a passive investor; or |
Are not eligible to apply because your status is void. |
International Entrepreneur Category
This program is for experienced business owners or business managers looking to start or buy an existing business and permanently reside in Newfoundland & Labrador.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must:
Be 21 to 59 years of age; |
Submit a complete business plan for your new venture, verified by a third party professional; |
Have a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment; |
Intend to settle, reside and conduct your business in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
Have a net worth of $600,000; |
Invest a minimum of $200,000 in your business or an existing business for ownership of at least 33.3%; |
Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; |
Have at least two years of experience in managing your own business or five years in a senior management role; |
Have a minimum score of 5 in all categories for the Canadian Language Benchmark test; and |
Complete an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation to apply. |
So, what now?
Liked what you have read about the fantastic province and the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP) and want to start your application for a Canadian visa? sign up right here and we will call you about the application process. Get great Canadian immigration advice from our professionals.
