Newfoundland and Labrador have introduced a new b to manage immigration applications better and meet the province’s labor market needs. This new system applies to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The transition moves away from the old first-come, first-served model to a more targeted, demand-driven approach.
How the New Expression of Interest (EOI) System Works
The EOI model is a two-step process that helps the province select immigrants based on their skills and potential contribution to the local economy.
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest
Interested individuals must complete a short form providing details such as:
- Occupation
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Willingness to live in Newfoundland and Labrador
This step helps the government assess which candidates align with the province’s needs.
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
After reviewing EOIs, the province will invite selected individuals to submit a full application for either the NLPNP or AIP. This ensures that immigration spaces are allocated efficiently to fill job shortages, especially in sectors like healthcare and education.
What Happens to Previous Applications?
If you applied this change, your application is still valid in the Immigration Accelerator platform. The government will contact all applicants about their next steps. Depending on your application status, you may either:
- Move directly to the application process, or
- Be asked to submit an Expression of Interest
This decision will be made based on the same criteria used for EOI assessments.
Why This Change?
The province has seen high demand for immigration spaces but has a limited capacity to process applications. Moving to an EOI system helps prioritize candidates who best meet economic and labour market needs.
Reasons for the change include:
- Increased demand for immigration spaces
- Limited processing capacity
- Alignment with other provinces using the EOI system
- Reduced immigration quota, requiring a more strategic allocation of available spots
Many other provinces in Canada already use the EOI system to streamline immigration, and this update aligns Newfoundland and Labrador with these best practices.
Processing Times
With this new model, processing times may take three months or more. While this might be longer than before, the government aims to ensure efficient processing and good customer service.
Update for Employers
As of January 2025, the province has paused the processing of Job Vacancy Assessments and AIP Designations for employers. More updates on this pause are expected in the coming weeks. Employers are encouraged to stay informed on any changes that might affect hiring foreign workers.
Advocating for More Immigration Spaces
For 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador have been allocated 2,525 economic immigration spaces, including an additional 1,000 spaces negotiated with the federal government. However, this is still not enough to meet demand. The provincial government continues to push for more immigration spaces to support economic and population growth.
Also Read: Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Points Calculator (NLPNP Updated 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is a pre-application step where candidates provide basic information about their skills and qualifications. It helps the province identify the best candidates for immigration.
2. Do I need a job offer to submit an EOI?
Not always. Some immigration streams require a job offer, while others do not. Check the eligibility requirements for the specific program you are applying for.
3. How long does it take to receive an invitation after submitting an EOI?
There is no fixed timeline. Invitations are issued based on the province’s labour market needs and available immigration spots.
4. What happens if I am not invited to apply?
If you do not receive an invitation, your EOI remains in the pool for a certain period. You can also update your profile if your circumstances change.
5. Can I still apply if I already applied the old system?
Yes, your application is still valid, and the government will contact you about the next steps. Some applicants may need to submit an EOI.
Conclusion
Newfoundland and Labrador remain a welcoming destination for newcomers. As the province continues to advocate for more immigration spaces, the EOI system will help create a fairer and more efficient immigration process
