Newfoundland and Labrador Continues EOI Invitations Amidst Allocation Adjustments
Following the launch of its new Expression of Interest (EOI) immigration intake system on February 19, 2025, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its second round of invitations on May 8. A total of 328 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this latest draw, marking a significant step in the province's revamped approach to selecting skilled immigrants aligned with its economic needs.
Latest Invitation Round Details
According to figures released by Newfoundland and Labrador's immigration authorities, the invitations issued on May 8 were distributed as follows:
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): 281 invitations
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 47 invitations
This is the second invitation round since the EOI system's inception. The province previously issued 256 ITAs in its inaugural EOI draw on April 3. These regular draws indicate the province's active utilization of the new system to process applications and welcome eligible candidates.
Navigating Allocation Changes
It is noteworthy that, similar to most other Canadian provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador initially saw its provincial nomination allocation for 2025 halved by the federal government. However, through proactive negotiations, the provincial government successfully secured an additional 1,000 economic immigration spaces. This brings Newfoundland and Labrador's total immigration allocation for 2025 to 2,525, offering valuable opportunities for individuals aspiring to live and work in the province.
Understanding Newfoundland and Labrador's New EOI System
The new EOI system introduces a preliminary step to the immigration application process. Key features include:
- Account Creation and EOI Submission: Interested individuals must first create an account and submit an EOI through Newfoundland and Labrador’s online "Immigration Accelerator" portal, outlining their qualifications and intent to immigrate.
- EOI Validity: Submitted EOIs remain active in the candidate pool for 12 months from the date of submission.
- Receiving an ITA: The provincial government periodically selects eligible candidates from the EOI pool and issues them an official ITA.
- Submitting a Full Application:
- For NLPNP candidates, upon receiving an ITA, they must submit their complete provincial nomination application.
- For AIP candidates, their employer in Newfoundland and Labrador submits the application on their behalf.
- Applicants (or their employers) have 60 days from the issuance of an ITA to submit the full application.
- Important Note: Receiving an ITA does not guarantee provincial nomination or permanent residence. Applicants must still demonstrate their admissibility to Canada and meet all specific program requirements.
Prior to the EOI system, foreign nationals could apply directly to the province's permanent residence pathways. The new system aims to improve processing efficiency and target candidates more effectively.
Special "Invite Code" Requirement
A crucial detail for applicants to either the NLPNP or AIP is the "invite code":
- Applicants Residing Outside Canada: Individuals applying from outside Canada for either the AIP or the NLPNP require an "invite code" from their prospective employer in Newfoundland and Labrador. This code must be used when submitting their EOI.
- NLPNP Applicants Within Canada with Valid Temporary Status: These applicants are exempt from needing an invite code from their employer to submit an EOI.
This provision underscores the vital role of employers in the immigration process for overseas applicants, while offering a more streamlined path for temporary residents already in Canada.
These adjustments to Newfoundland and Labrador's immigration policy reflect the province's dedicated efforts to attract and retain skilled talent. Prospective immigrants are advised to stay informed about the dynamics and specific requirements of the NL EOI system.
Canada to Introduce Multiple New Permanent Residence Pathways in 2026
Canada’s federal government is preparing to launch and reopen several permanent residence (PR) pathways in 2026, with a strong focus on transitioning more temporary residents already living in the country. The upcoming year will also see new or expanded PR routes for H-1B professionals, construction workers, agricultural and fish processing employees, and refugee-skilled candidates. Multiple pilots that reached their caps in 2025 are expected to reopen. As many details remain pending, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year of structural updates to Canada’s immigration system.
12/04/2025
Nova Scotia Overhauls Provincial Nominee and AIP Selection System with New EOI Model
On November 28, 2025, Nova Scotia announced a major shift in its immigration intake system, confirming that all submissions under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will now be processed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Under the new rules, all submissions—regardless of submission date—are considered EOIs, and having a case ID or meeting eligibility criteria no longer guarantees file processing. The province will conduct periodic draws based on current labor market and economic priorities, with priority sectors such as healthcare, construction, trades, STEM, natural resources, and manufacturing. The shift aligns with broader trends driven by reduced provincial nomination allocations from IRCC. With increased immigration targets set for 2026, applicants may soon see improved chances of receiving selections.
12/03/2025
Ontario plans new skilled immigration pathways as Bill 30 expands provincial authority over OINP
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12/02/2025
Overview of Canada’s Business Immigration Pathways: Federal and Provincial Options for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Canada offers multiple immigration pathways for individuals who wish to immigrate through entrepreneurship or business investment, including the federal Start-Up Visa (SUV), several federal work permit categories, provincial entrepreneur programs, and the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program. Each pathway carries distinct requirements related to investment amounts, business experience, language proficiency, and documentation. With frequent policy changes and complex due-diligence procedures, many applicants work with immigration lawyers or licensed consultants to select the right program, prepare documentation, and maintain compliance to improve approval outcomes and protect their investment.
12/01/2025
IRCC issues 6,000 Express Entry invitations with second-lowest CRS cut-off of 2025
On November 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another round of Express Entry invitations, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French-language proficiency category. This round’s minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off was 408 — the second-lowest score recorded in 2025. It marks the eighth French-language draw of the year and the third-largest overall. With this round completed, French-speaking candidates have now received 42,000 ITAs in 2025, continuing to lead all categories. Year-to-date, IRCC has issued a total of 94,476 ITAs through the Express Entry system.
11/29/2025
Canada holds second monthly CEC draw, CRS score drops to lowest level since July
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11/28/2025
Canada Announces 2026 Study Permit Target: Total Allocation Reduced to 408,000, Down 7% from 2025
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11/27/2025
Manitoba invites more in-Canada and overseas skilled workers to apply for provincial nomination
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11/26/2025
Prince Edward Island Holds Largest Provincial Nominee Draw of the Year, Focusing on In-Province Workers and International Graduates
The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) recently conducted its largest immigration draw of the year, issuing invitations to apply for provincial nomination to nearly 200 candidates through the "Labour & Express Entry" category. This draw primarily targeted candidates already working in the province, while giving priority consideration to applicants with French language proficiency and international graduates from specific institutions. This move reflects the province's strategic intent to attract skilled talent capable of directly contributing to the local economy.
11/25/2025
British Columbia Expands Entrepreneur Immigration Invitations, Marking Largest Draw of 2025
On November 18, British Columbia held its largest entrepreneur immigration draw of the year, issuing invitations through both the Base and Regional streams of its Entrepreneur Immigration Program. Minimum scores and invitation numbers varied by stream, reflecting the province’s continued 2025 strategy of prioritizing candidates with high economic impact.
11/24/2025
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