Newfoundland and Labrador Issues Third Round of Provincial Immigration Invitations

Key Takeaways

• Newfoundland and Labrador issued 405 invitations in third 2025 round: 351 NLPNP, 54 AIP.
• 2025 total invitations: 989; new EOI system speeds selection and employer connections.
• Province secured 2,525 immigration spots for 2025 after federal negotiations.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Third Round of Immigration Invitations: What It Means for Skilled Workers in 2025

Newfoundland and Labrador has taken a bold step in 2025 by issuing its largest number of immigration invitations so far this year. On May 29, the province completed its third round of invitations, sending out 405 invitations to skilled workers and international graduates. This move comes at a time when many provinces in Canada 🇨🇦 are facing federal immigration cuts, but Newfoundland and Labrador is showing a strong commitment to attracting new talent and supporting its communities, especially in rural areas.

This article explains who was invited, how the process works, why these changes matter, and what opportunities are available for people hoping to make Newfoundland and Labrador their new home.

Who Was Invited and How Many?

On May 29, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador held its third immigration draw of the year. In this round, 405 invitations were sent to candidates who had already shown interest in moving to the province by submitting what’s called an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is a big jump from earlier draws in 2025, showing that the province is ramping up its efforts to bring in more skilled workers.

Here’s how the invitations were divided:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): 351 invitations
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 54 invitations

To put this in context, here’s a look at the three draws so far this year:

So far in 2025, the province has sent out 838 invitations through the NLPNP and 151 invitations through the AIP, for a total of 989 invitations in just three rounds.

Why Is Newfoundland and Labrador Increasing Invitations?

The main reason for these larger draws is the province’s need for skilled workers in key areas. Newfoundland and Labrador, like many parts of Canada 🇨🇦, is facing labor shortages in important sectors such as healthcare, trades, technology, and education. By inviting more people, especially those with the right skills and experience, the province hopes to fill these gaps and help its communities grow.

Another important goal is to support rural and remote areas. Many small towns and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador need new residents to keep schools open, support local businesses, and maintain services. By focusing on these areas, the province is working to make sure that growth is spread out and not just limited to larger cities.

How Are Candidates Selected?

The selection process is not random. Newfoundland and Labrador uses a targeted approach to choose candidates who are most likely to succeed and contribute to the province. The main factors considered in the May 29 draw included:

• Full-time job offers in occupations that are in high demand in the province
• Current residents who already live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador
• International graduates from local colleges and universities
• Job offers in rural and remote communities
• Occupations that match the province’s labor market priorities

This careful selection helps the province address immediate workforce needs while also planning for long-term population growth.

The New Expression of Interest (EOI) System

A big change in 2025 is the introduction of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which started on February 19. This digital system is called the Immigration Accelerator platform and is designed to make the immigration process faster and more efficient.

Here’s how the EOI system works:

• All candidates must submit an EOI before they can apply for a provincial nomination or endorsement.
• Applicants outside Canada 🇨🇦 need an invite code from a verified employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Applicants already in Canada 🇨🇦 with valid temporary status (such as a work or study permit) do not need an invite code.
• EOIs are valid for 12 months from the date of submission.
• Once invited, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application.

This system helps the province quickly identify and invite people who are the best fit for its needs. It also makes it easier for employers to connect with potential new hires from around the world.

For more details on the EOI process and to access the Immigration Accelerator Portal, you can visit the official Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration website.

What Are the Main Immigration Programs?

There are two main programs through which candidates received invitations in the third round:

1. Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP):
   • This program allows the province to nominate people who have the skills and experience needed in the local job market.
   • Candidates who are nominated can then apply for permanent residency in Canada 🇨🇦.
   • The NLPNP is especially focused on people with job offers, those already living in the province, and international graduates.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
   • This is a federal program designed to help Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) attract and keep skilled workers.
   • The AIP is open to people with job offers from designated employers in the region.
   • It also provides support to help newcomers settle and stay in their new communities.

Immigration Targets and Federal Negotiations

Earlier in 2025, the federal government announced a 50% cut in the number of economic immigrants allowed into Newfoundland and Labrador. This caused concern among local leaders, who argued that the province needed more newcomers, not fewer.

After discussions with the federal government, Newfoundland and Labrador was able to secure the return of 1,000 economic immigration spaces, bringing its total allocation for 2025 to 2,525. This includes:

• 2,050 spaces under the NLPNP (slightly less than the 2,100 spaces in 2024)
• 475 spaces under the AIP

In addition, the province agreed to welcome 290 humanitarian migrants over the next two years as part of this deal.

This successful negotiation means that Newfoundland and Labrador can continue to invite skilled workers and support its economic and community goals.

Why Choose Newfoundland and Labrador?

For people thinking about moving to Canada 🇨🇦, Newfoundland and Labrador offers several advantages:

• Lower cost of living: Housing and everyday expenses are generally more affordable than in larger Canadian cities.
• Strong community connections: Many newcomers find it easy to make friends and feel welcome in the province’s close-knit communities.
• Safe neighborhoods: The province is known for its low crime rates and friendly atmosphere.
• Growing job opportunities: There is a high demand for workers in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and education.
• Clear pathways to permanent residency: Provincial programs are designed to help newcomers settle and stay for the long term.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these factors make Newfoundland and Labrador an increasingly attractive choice for skilled workers and international graduates looking for a new start in Canada 🇨🇦.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re interested in immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Eligibility
   • Review the requirements for the NLPNP and AIP to see if you qualify. This usually means having a job offer in a high-demand occupation, being an international graduate, or already living in the province.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
   • Go to the Immigration Accelerator Portal and fill out the EOI form. If you’re outside Canada 🇨🇦, you’ll need an invite code from a verified employer. If you’re already in Canada 🇨🇦 with a valid permit, you don’t need a code.
   • Your EOI will stay active for 12 months.
3. Wait for an Invitation
   • If you meet the province’s needs, you may receive an invitation to apply in a future draw. Invitations are sent by email, so check your inbox regularly.
4. Apply for Provincial Nomination or Endorsement
   • Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a full application. This includes providing documents like your job offer, proof of education, and language test results.
   • For the NLPNP, you’ll need to fill out the Provincial Nominee Program application form.
   • For the AIP, you’ll need to complete the Atlantic Immigration Program application form.
5. Apply for Permanent Residency
   • If your provincial application is approved, you’ll receive a nomination or endorsement letter. You can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What If You’re Not Selected Right Away?

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive an invitation in the first round. Newfoundland and Labrador plans to hold more draws throughout the year as needed. Your EOI stays valid for 12 months, so you may still be selected in a future round.

If you have questions about your EOI or the application process, you can contact the province directly at [email protected].

What Does This Mean for Employers and Communities?

Employers in Newfoundland and Labrador benefit from a larger pool of skilled workers to fill important jobs. The new EOI system also makes it easier for employers to connect with candidates who are ready and willing to move to the province.

For communities, especially in rural and remote areas, these immigration draws bring new families, help keep schools and businesses open, and support local services. This is important for the long-term health and growth of the province.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador

With its increased allocation and regular draws, Newfoundland and Labrador is set to continue welcoming skilled workers and international graduates throughout 2025. The province’s focus on rural development and labor market needs means that future draws will likely target people who can make the biggest impact in these areas.

Candidates who are interested in moving to Newfoundland and Labrador should keep their EOI up to date and watch for new invitation rounds. The province’s commitment to supporting newcomers, along with its affordable lifestyle and strong sense of community, make it a promising destination for people looking to build a new life in Canada 🇨🇦.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Newfoundland and Labrador issued 405 invitations in its third round of 2025, the largest so far this year.
• Invitations were sent through the NLPNP and AIP, focusing on skilled workers, international graduates, and people with job offers in rural areas.
• The new EOI system makes it easier for candidates and employers to connect and speeds up the selection process.
• The province’s immigration allocation for 2025 is 2,525, thanks to successful negotiations with the federal government.
• Opportunities are strong for people in healthcare, trades, technology, and education.
• Candidates should submit an EOI and watch for future invitation rounds.
• Employers and communities benefit from a larger, more diverse workforce and stronger local economies.

For more information on how to apply and the latest updates, visit the official Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration website.

By staying informed and prepared, skilled workers and international graduates can take advantage of the growing opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. With its welcoming communities and clear pathways to permanent residency, the province remains a top choice for those looking to start a new chapter in Canada 🇨🇦.

Learn Today

Expression of Interest (EOI) → A digital submission signaling a candidate’s desire to immigrate, required before applying for nomination.
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) → A provincial immigration program nominating skilled workers for permanent residency.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) → A federal program aiding Atlantic provinces in attracting skilled immigrants with job offers.
Immigration Accelerator → The digital platform used to submit EOIs and manage immigration applications to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Provincial Nomination → Official endorsement by a province enabling a candidate to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

This Article in a Nutshell

Newfoundland and Labrador’s third 2025 immigration draw sent 405 invitations, highlighting strong growth. The updated EOI system improves process efficiency, supporting rural communities and skilled labor demand. With 2,525 spots secured after federal talks, opportunities expand across healthcare, trades, technology, and education for newcomers seeking Canadian residency.
— By VisaVerge.com