Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP Beginner’s Guide)

Newfoundland and Labrador, with a diverse economy rooted in natural resources, offers the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs, aiming to bolster economic growth through immigration.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration targets skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to address labour market needs, fostering their positive contribution to the province’s economy and enabling permanent residency in Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP welcomes almost 1700 newcomers every year, the PNP has 5 options to choose from, some of which align with the federal express entry stream directly.

1. Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration: Express Entry Skilled Worker

The NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker Category under Newfoundland and Labrador PNP offers a streamlined route to permanent residence for highly skilled candidates. To begin the process, applicants need acceptance into the qualified candidates’ pool of Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Express Entry.

Eligibility Requirements

• Qualify for NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker by being in IRCC’s Express Entry pool.
• Secure a full-time job in a TEER 0-3 occupation for a minimum of 1 year.
• Ensure the job meets provincial standards and offers at least 30 hours per week for at least 12 months.
• Demonstrate qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job, as per NOC code requirements.
• Have valid immigration status if residing in Canada, with at least four months remaining on the permit during NLPNP application.
• Intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador with sufficient settlement funds.
• Hold a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma or a valid ECA.
• Obtain a valid English or French language proficiency test with minimum scores based on the federal Express Entry stream.
• Score a minimum of 67 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid.
• Ensure ownership stake in the employing business does not exceed 10%.
• If using a representative, ensure they are registered and compliant with requirements.

How to Apply?

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements stated.
2. Online Application: Visit the province’s webpage to apply online.
3. Document Validity: Confirm that your passport and work permits are valid.
4. Application Review: Before submission, thoroughly review your application and document checklist.
5. Interview: Upon completing the online application, be prepared for a potential interview with a provincial immigration officer.
6. Nomination: If successful, you’ll receive a provincial nomination in the Express Entry system.
7. Accept Nomination: Accepting the nomination grants you an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
8. Invitation to Apply: With the boosted CRS points, you are virtually guaranteed an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the upcoming Express Entry draw.

Needs job offer? Yes

Application Fee: CAD $250

Processing Time: 25 business days

Check out your eligibility through Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Points Calculator

2. NLPNP Skilled Worker Category

The NLPNP Skilled Worker category is designed for foreign nationals and prospective immigrants who have skills deemed advantageous to the Newfoundland and Labrador labor market. The primary requirement for all applicants is the intention to permanently settle in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eligibility Requirements

• Have a full-time job or job offer in TEER 0-5 occupation, minimum of 30 hours per week, lasting at least a year, meeting provincial standards and prevailing wage rates.
• Demonstrate qualifications for the job and meet NOC code employment requirements.
• Be 21 to 59 years old.
• If in Canada, have valid immigration status with at least 4 months remaining at NLPNP application.
• Intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador, showing sufficient settlement funds.
• If an applicant has a stake in the employing business, the ownership share cannot exceed 10%.
• Applicants with TEER 4 or 5 job offers must submit a valid language proficiency test (English: IELTS General, CLB 4 equivalent).
• If using a representative, ensure their registration and compliance with guidelines.

How to Apply?

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
2. Online Application: Proceed to apply on the province’s webpage.
3. Document Validation: Verify the validity of your passport and work permits.
4. Application Review: Double-check both your application and document checklist before submission.
5. Interview: After completing the online application, be prepared for a potential interview with a provincial immigration officer.
6. Nomination: If successful, you’ll receive a provincial nomination in the Express Entry system.
7. Accept Nomination: Upon receiving the nomination, accept it to gain an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
8. Invitation Assurance: With the boosted CRS points, your invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw is effectively guaranteed.

Needs job offer? Yes

Application Fee: CAD $250

Processing Time: 25 business days

3. NLPNP International Graduate Category

The NLPNP International Graduate Category under Newfoundland and Labrador PNP is designed for international graduates permanently planning to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must possess a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP), and there is no application fee for this category.

Eligibility Requirements

• Hold a valid PGWP with at least 4 months left at NLPNP application.
• Have a full-time job or offer in NOC TEER 0-3 or TEER 4 (in-demand) occupation, meeting duration, wage, and regional standards.
• Demonstrate qualifications for the job and meet NOC code requirements.
• Be 21 to 59 years old and intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Show sufficient settlement funds for living expenses and other fees.
• Prove the ability to economically establish long-term, considering family size, relocation costs, savings, assets, liabilities, and expected salary.
• If an applicant has a business ownership stake, it cannot exceed 10%.
• For Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic graduates, the job must align with NOC requirements and lead to career advancement.
• Out-of-province graduates must work in Newfoundland and Labrador for one year before NLPNP application.
• Applicants with TEER 4 occupations must submit a valid language proficiency test.
• If using a representative, ensure they are registered and authorized for immigration representation.

How to Apply?

1. Eligibility Verification: Confirm your eligibility and meet the outlined minimum requirements.
2. Document Gathering: Once satisfied with your eligibility, gather the required documents.
3. Online Application: Complete your application on this webpage.
4. Waiting Period: Wait for approximately 25 business days to receive the approval or denial of your application.
5. Approval Outcome: If approved, utilize your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence directly with Canada’s federal immigration department, IRCC.

Needs job offer? Yes

Application Fee: No fee

Processing Time: 25 business days

4. International Entrepreneur Category

Requirements

• Age: 21-59.
• Business Plan: Submit a comprehensive plan with verified financials.
• Education: Hold a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential within the last five years.
• Residency and Business: Plan to live in Newfoundland and Labrador, actively managing a local business.
• Financials: Have at least $600,000 CAD in transferable assets; invest $200,000 CAD in the business.
• Job Creation: Demonstrate the ability to create at least one full-time job for locals.
• Business Focus: Operate a for-profit entity aimed at generating profits.
• Experience: Have 2 years of business ownership (25% minimum) in the last 5 years or 5+ years in senior management in the last 10 years.
• Language: Score at least 5 on Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French.
• Application: Complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Invitation: Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm eligibility for the International Entrepreneur Category.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): If eligible, submit an EOI online—a pre-application screening.
3. Invitation to Apply: Upon success, receive an Invitation to Apply from the provincial immigration office.
4. Net Worth Verification: Choose a Net Worth Verifier to verify your net worth.
5. Document Submission: Gather required documents, including a Business Establishment Plan, and submit your application.
6. Verification Report: Submit the Net Worth Verification Report.
7. Approval Outcome: If approved, use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Canada’s federal immigration department, IRCC.

Application Fee: CAD $1,000

Processing Time: Depend on the applicant’s profile.

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: 21 or older.
• Business Plan: Provide a plan with verified financials through a professional service (applicant pays fees).
• Education: Hold a degree or diploma from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic with at least two years of full-time, in-person study, completed within two years.
• Work Permit: Must have a valid post-graduate work permit.
• Residency and Business: Plan to live in Newfoundland and Labrador, owning and actively managing a local business for economic benefit.
• Experience: Minimum one year managing and owning the current business (33.3% ownership).
• Job Creation: Demonstrate the ability to create at least one full-time job for locals.
• Business Focus: Operate a for-profit entity with the goal of earning profits.
• Language: Score at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in English or French.
• Application: Complete an online Expression of Interest.
• Invitation: Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

How to Apply?

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm eligibility for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete a pre-application EOI.
3. Invitation to Apply: Upon success, receive an Invitation to Apply from the provincial office.
4. Document Submission: Gather required documents, including a Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report.
5. Verifier Selection: Choose a licensed verifier for financial assessments.
6. Verification Process: Undergo financial reviews—Review Engagement and Special Purpose Report.
7. Application Submission: Submit your application with gathered documents.
8. Approval Outcome: If approved, use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence with Canada’s IRCC.

Application Fee: CAD $250

Processing Time: Depend on the applicant’s profile

Eligibility Criteria

FAQs

What are the requirements for Newfoundland and labrador PNP?

To qualify for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP, applicants must meet age and education criteria, and demonstrate the intent to establish or invest in a business contributing to the province’s economic growth. Successful candidates receive a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

What is the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP processing time?

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP processing time depends upon different stream, it could take from 25 days to 6 months.

Is job offer required for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP?

Yes, you will be required to have a job offer to be eligible for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP program.