Newfoundland and Labrador issued 150 invitations in its latest provincial immigration round on July 29, 2025, splitting 100 to the NLPNP and 50 to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This was the smallest total since the province adopted an Expression of Interest (EOI) system earlier this year, marking a notable shift after several larger rounds through spring and early summer. Officials say the EOI model helps match invitations to job needs, but the sharp reduction signals tighter pacing for the rest of 2025.
As of August 12, year-to-date invitations stood at 1,818 (NLPNP: 1,495; AIP: 323). Based on allocations, approximately 555 NLPNP nomination spaces and 152 AIP spaces remained for the year when the July 29 results were reported. That leaves room for more rounds, but likely with careful calibration. The July 29 draw suggests Newfoundland and Labrador is managing its annual cap while keeping a steady flow under the Atlantic Immigration Program, where volumes have held consistent across rounds.

Policy capacity, allocations, and the EOI shift
The province entered 2025 facing reduced federal allotments, but on January 31 it announced an agreement with Ottawa restoring 1,000 economic immigration spaces for the year, bringing the total to 2,525.
Key 2025 allocations and related supports:
– NLPNP allocation: 2,050 (down slightly from 2,100 in 2024)
– AIP allocation: 475
– Agreement includes welcoming 290 humanitarian migrants over two years, with federal help for relocation and initial settlement supports
According to provincial statements, this capacity is key to filling jobs and keeping communities growing.
Since February, Newfoundland and Labrador has used an EOI selection process for both the NLPNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program. Under EOI:
– Candidates submit profiles reflecting their skills, experience, and suitability.
– The province invites those who fit priority sectors to apply.
– The model is designed to respond faster to employer demand in areas like healthcare, early childhood education, and construction.
2025 draw history and trends
Recent draw history in 2025 underscores the change in pacing:
- Apr 3: NLPNP 206 / AIP 50 (Total 256)
- May 8: NLPNP 281 / AIP 47 (Total 328)
- May 29: NLPNP 351 / AIP 54 (Total 405)
- Jun 24: NLPNP 257 / AIP 63 (Total 320)
- Jul 10: NLPNP 300 / AIP 59 (Total 359)
- Jul 29: NLPNP 100 / AIP 50 (Total 150)
The data show a peak in late May and early July, followed by a sharp pullback on July 29. Analysts interpret this as strategic pacing to avoid overruns while employers continue to file new job offers. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, remaining nomination space has become the key indicator to watch when estimating the size and timing of upcoming rounds.
Federal context and population signals
The broader federal picture also matters. IRCC set processing allocations for study permits in 2025 within Canada’s national cap framework. Newfoundland and Labrador’s study-permit allocation totals 9,182:
– Graduate: 2,648
– Other programs requiring provincial or territorial letters: 6,534
While study permits are separate from the NLPNP and the AIP, these numbers shape the future talent pipeline for local employers and schools.
Early 2025 population signals were mixed:
– Statistics Canada reported lower permanent resident admissions nationally compared to recent years, reflecting adjusted targets.
– Newfoundland and Labrador admitted 103 more immigrants in Q1 2025 than in Q1 2024, showing relative resilience.
– International immigration added 820 people to the province’s population in Q1 2025 — a decline of 60.5% year over year, but still positive when combined with modest interprovincial gains.
In short, inflows are smaller than last year’s pace, yet they remain a growth factor for the province.
The key takeaway: Newfoundland and Labrador is balancing its remaining nomination spaces against employer demand, using the EOI system to target priority sectors while avoiding allocation overruns.
Impact on applicants and employers
Why the lower July 29 total matters now is straightforward: with 555 estimated NLPNP spaces and 152 AIP spaces remaining at that point, the province is likely pacing invitations to stretch through the rest of 2025.
For applicants, this implies:
– Continued draws, but possibly smaller or more targeted rounds.
– An increased emphasis on matching provincial priorities and real-time hiring needs.
Recommended EOI steps for candidates considering NLPNP or AIP:
1. Build your profile: Prepare proof of work experience, education, and language results. If your occupation is regulated, line up licensing or registration steps.
2. Secure a job offer where possible: A qualifying job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer in a priority field improves selection chances under EOI.
3. Submit an EOI: Create an online profile for the NLPNP and/or AIP that reflects your fit with provincial needs.
4. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, complete your application by the deadline. Accurate, complete files help avoid delays.
5. Proceed to federal processing: After a provincial nomination (NLPNP) or endorsement (AIP), the federal stage includes medical, security, and other admissibility checks with IRCC.
For employers:
– Expect continued attention to critical roles (e.g., nurses in long-term care, early childhood educators, experienced trades).
– The EOI system can help match vacancies with candidates already in Canada or overseas who meet province priorities.
– Be prepared to demonstrate steady, full-time roles when seeking employer-driven selections.
The July 29 draw does not mean doors are closing; it indicates that the province is pacing invitations to stay within caps while jobs continue to open.
What to expect for the rest of 2025
- Draw sizes will likely vary as Newfoundland and Labrador balances remaining space with sectoral demand.
- Provincial leaders are pushing for higher economic immigration capacity to support growth.
- The Atlantic Immigration Program should remain steady, while NLPNP volumes may fluctuate depending on how quickly nomination space is used.
Practical advice for applicants:
– Keep documents current.
– Maintain contact with potential employers.
– Watch for sector targeting notes in upcoming rounds.
IRCC continues to set national levels and manage permanent residence processing, while the province runs its EOI system and issues invitations. These responsibilities meet in applicants’ day-to-day plans: a complete EOI profile, a real job offer, and strong supporting documents remain the most practical path forward.
For official program details, application guidance, and EOI portal access, use the Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism’s site: https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration/.
This Article in a Nutshell
Newfoundland and Labrador issued just 150 invitations on July 29, 2025, signaling strategic pacing under the new EOI. With 1,818 year-to-date invites and roughly 555 NLPNP spaces left, the province will target priority sectors like healthcare and construction to match employer demand through 2025.