Immigration activity in Newfoundland and Labrador continues at a steady pace. According to the latest data released by the province's Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM), a total of 202 eligible candidates received invitations to apply for a provincial nomination in the draw held on August 29.

Of these, 125 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were sent to candidates through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while the remaining 77 were issued to candidates in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Recent Draws Show Frequent Activity with a Focus on PNP Candidates

The data reveals that the provincial immigration office has maintained a consistent draw frequency in recent months. Since May of this year, the province has been conducting approximately two draws per month. A review of recent draws shows:

• August 29: A total of 202 ITAs issued (125 NLPNP, 77 AIP)
• August 13: A total of 231 ITAs issued (180 NLPNP, 51 AIP)
• July 29: A total of 150 ITAs issued (100 NLPNP, 50 AIP)

From the data, it is clear that NLPNP candidates constitute the majority of those invited. However, the provincial government did not specify which particular streams of the NLPNP were targeted in this draw.

Core Requirement: Support from a Local Employer is Key

As per the guidelines on the Newfoundland and Labrador government's official website, a fundamental prerequisite for individuals wishing to immigrate through either the NLPNP or AIP is to have a job or a valid job offer from an employer in the province.

During the selection process, the provincial immigration office prioritizes candidates whose Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions align closely with the current labour market needs and long-term interests of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Application Process After Receiving an Invitation

The application process differs for the two programs after an ITA is received:

• NLPNP Candidates: They will receive an email notification of their ITA. Candidates can then submit a complete application for provincial nomination through their online "Immigration Accelerator" portal account.
• AIP Candidates: This process is employer-driven. The designated employer receives an email notification of the ITA and obtains an ITA confirmation letter via the "Immigration Accelerator" portal. The employer can then apply to the province for an "endorsement" of the job offer.

It is important to note that all immigration candidates (unless already in Canada and applying solely through the NLPNP) must obtain an invite code from their employer before they can submit an EOI.

Background: Increased Allocations and System Modernization

Newfoundland and Labrador is actively working to increase its immigration intake. The province's current total nomination allocation for the year, through both the NLPNP and AIP, stands at 2,525 spaces.

In February of this year, the provincial government announced a significant increase to its provincial nomination allocation, allowing the OIM to nominate an additional 1,000 foreign nationals for immigration. Meanwhile, the allocation for endorsements through the AIP remained set at 475.

Furthermore, to align with other Canadian provinces, the NLPNP has transitioned to an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This change establishes a two-step "candidate-applicant" intake system, designed to more efficiently select immigration talent that best meets the province's needs.