Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, through its Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), offers a golden opportunity for immigrants to contribute to the region’s economic growth. This program not only assists local employers in meeting their workforce needs but also enables skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality in this vibrant province. If you aspire to secure permanent residency in Canada and thrive in a dynamic, opportunity-rich environment, the NLPNP could be your key to success.
The NLPNP is an immigration initiative focused on economic development, designed to support two primary groups:
- Local employers facing labor shortages and seeking solutions to strengthen their businesses.
- Skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs dreaming of building a permanent life in the province.
This program paves the way for individuals who can positively contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy and wish to establish a lasting future for themselves and their families in this region. Success in the NLPNP means obtaining Canadian permanent residency and joining a thriving, forward-moving community.
NLPNP Program Categories
The NLPNP offers diverse pathways to address varying needs. Each category has its specific requirements, including:
- NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker: A fast-track route for skilled workers aiming for permanent residency.
- NLPNP Skilled Worker: An opportunity for individuals with skills in demand in the local labor market.
- NLPNP International Graduate: A pathway for international graduates intending to stay in the province.
- NLPNP International Entrepreneur: An option for investors and business managers.
- NLPNP International Graduate Entrepreneur: A specialized route for entrepreneurial graduates.
→ Contact our experts for detailed information and tailored guidance to choose the best immigration pathway.
- NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker
This pathway provides a swift and efficient route to Canadian permanent residency, tailored for highly skilled professionals. It allows applicants to leverage their expertise to secure a prominent position in Canada’s Express Entry system, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Registration and acceptance in the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry system.
- A full-time job or job offer (minimum 30 hours per week) in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations from an employer in the province, lasting at least one year, paid via salary or hourly wage, and aligned with provincial standards and prevailing wage rates.
- Possession of the required qualifications, training, and skills for the job, meeting the relevant NOC criteria.
- If residing in Canada, holding valid immigration status with at least four months of validity (including PGWP holders).
- Demonstrating intent and ability to settle permanently in the province.
- Sufficient financial resources to cover initial living expenses for themselves and their family.
- Ownership of no more than 10% of the business where employed (except for specific entrepreneurs).
- A post-secondary degree or a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- A valid language test result (English: IELTS General, CELPIP-G, PTE Core; French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada), with minimum scores based on the Express Entry stream (CEC, FSWP, or FSTP)
Ineligibility Criteria:
- Lack of a valid Express Entry profile.
- Criminal record for the applicant or family members over 18.
- Unresolved family disputes.
- Providing false information by the applicant or employer.
- Refugee status in Canada.
- NLPNP Skilled Worker
This pathway is designed for foreign nationals and immigrants whose skills can enhance Newfoundland and Labrador’s labor market and who aim to settle permanently in the province.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A full-time job or job offer (minimum 30 hours per week) in TEER 0 to 5 occupations from a provincial employer, lasting at least one year, paid via salary or hourly wage, and aligned with provincial standards and wage rates.
- Possession of the necessary qualifications, training, and skills for the job, meeting NOC criteria.
- Age between 21 and 59 years.
- If in Canada, valid immigration status with at least four months of validity.
- Demonstrating intent and ability to settle permanently in the province.
- Sufficient financial resources for initial living expenses.
- Ownership of no more than 10% of the business where employed (except for specific entrepreneurs).
- For TEER 4 or 5 occupations, a valid language test result with a minimum CLB 4 (English: IELTS General, CELPIP-G, PTE Core; French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
Ineligibility Criteria:
- Holding a PGWP (these individuals may apply through other streams like International Graduate or Express Entry).
- Criminal record for the applicant or family members over 18.
- Unresolved family disputes.
- Providing false information by the applicant or employer.
- Refugee status in Canada.
- NLPNP International Graduate
This pathway is tailored for international graduates who wish to make Newfoundland and Labrador their permanent home and hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Eligibility Criteria:
- A PGWP with at least four months of validity.
- A full-time job or job offer (minimum 30 hours per week) in TEER 0 to 3 or in-demand TEER 4 occupations, lasting at least one year, paid via salary or hourly wage, and aligned with provincial standards.
- Possession of the required qualifications, training, and skills, meeting NOC criteria.
- Age between 21 and 59 years.
- Demonstrating intent and ability to settle permanently in the province.
- Sufficient financial resources for initial living expenses.
- Ownership of no more than 10% of the business where employed.
- Employment related to their field of study.
- For TEER 4 occupations, a valid language test result with a minimum CLB 4 (English: IELTS General, CELPIP-G; French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
Ineligibility Criteria:
- Incomplete studies.
- Studying in Canada under sponsorship requiring return to the home country.
- Criminal record for the applicant or family members over 18.
- Unresolved family disputes.
- Providing false information by the applicant or employer.
For the Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker, and International Graduate Pathways:
- Eligible Family Members: Spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children can be included in the application.
- Required Documents: Police certificates and certified translations of documents are mandatory.
- Important Note: Applicants must promptly notify the immigration office of any changes in status, such as employment or marital status, to avoid complications.
→ To choose the best NLPNP pathway, carefully assess your skills and circumstances and contact our consultants for guidance.
- NLPNP International Entrepreneur
This pathway is for individuals seeking to contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy by starting or purchasing a business while securing permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age between 21 and 59 years.
- A business plan with financial documents verified by an independent professional.
- Intent to permanently reside and actively manage a business with economic benefits for the province.
- Minimum $600,000 in transferable assets.
- Investment of $200,000 (with 33.3% ownership) or $1 million in equity.
- Creation of at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential verified by ECA (obtained within the last five years).
- Proof of a profit-oriented business generating income from goods or services.
- At least two years of business ownership (25% stake) in the past five years or five years of senior management experience in the past ten years.
- Minimum CLB 5 in language proficiency (English: IELTS General, CELPIP-G; French: TEF Canada).
*Applicants contributing to regional economic development or high-demand sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, technology, or natural resources are prioritized. Those applying from outside the province must complete an exploratory visit before submitting their application.
Additional Criteria:
- Starting a New Business: Create at least one full-time job for a citizen or permanent resident, related to the business with standard wages.
- Purchasing an Existing Business: The business must be active, non-bankrupt, with a fair market value, and maintain existing employee conditions.
Ineligibility Criteria:
- Illegal residency in the country of origin.
- Deportation orders or entry bans to Canada.
- Passive investment without active management.
- Lack of valid legal status.
Ineligible Businesses:
- Remote businesses, real estate leasing, brokerage (unless highly beneficial to the province), licensed professional services, payday loans, taxi companies, home-based businesses (unless significantly beneficial), unethical activities, non-profits, or passive income ventures.
- NLPNP International Graduate Entrepreneur
This pathway is designed for international graduates who wish to manage a business in Newfoundland and Labrador and obtain permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- A business plan with financial documents verified by an independent professional.
- A two-year full-time degree or diploma from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic, obtained within the past two years.
- A valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Intent to permanently reside and actively manage a business with economic benefits for the province.
- At least one year of continuous business ownership (33.3% stake) and management experience.
- Creation of at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Proof of a profit-oriented business generating income from goods or services.
- Minimum CLB 7 in language proficiency (English or French).
*Applicants contributing to regional development or high-demand sectors like agriculture, aquaculture, technology, or natural resources are prioritized.
Additional Criteria:
- Starting a New Business: Create at least one full-time job for a citizen or permanent resident, related to the business with standard wages.
- Purchasing an Existing Business: The business must be active, non-bankrupt, with a fair market value, and maintain existing employee conditions.
Ineligibility Criteria:
- Illegal residency in the country of origin.
- Deportation orders or entry bans to Canada.
- Passive investment without active management.
- Lack of valid legal status.
Ineligible Businesses:
- Remote businesses, real estate leasing, brokerage (unless highly beneficial), licensed professional services, payday loans, taxi companies, home-based businesses (unless significantly beneficial), unethical activities, non-profits, or passive income ventures.
→ Choosing the right NLPNP pathway requires a thorough evaluation of your skills, work history, and future plans. Contact our consulting team to ensure informed decisions and a smooth immigration process.