Foreign nationals can no longer apply directly to Newfoundland and Labrador’s permanent residency pathways, and some in-progress applications will not be processed.
Newfoundland and Labrador has changed its intake process for both provincial nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and certificates of endorsement for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Introduction of the Expression of Interest (EOI) System
Effective February 19, 2025, the province has transitioned to an online Expression of Interest (EOI) system for both programs.
Under this system, foreign nationals must first submit an EOI to be considered for nomination or endorsement. The province will review these submissions and invite selected candidates to apply. Only those who receive an invitation will be eligible to proceed with their applications.
Impact on In-Progress Applications
For applications submitted before the launch of the EOI system, Newfoundland and Labrador will review all existing cases individually. Some applications will advance to the next stage, while others will be returned to the EOI pool for further consideration. Decisions will be made using the same evaluation criteria as the new system, and affected applicants will be notified accordingly.
What This Article Covers
- How the new EOI system works
- Recent changes to the NLPNP and provincial immigration
How the New EOI System Works
Newfoundland and Labrador’s newly introduced Expression of Interest (EOI) system follows a two-step process for immigration candidates.
Step 1: Submitting an Expression of Interest
Candidates must first submit a short form outlining key details about their qualifications, including:
- Occupation
- Education
- Language skills
- Willingness to live in Newfoundland and Labrador
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
Once an EOI is submitted, the province will review the applications and invite select candidates to apply for:
- Nomination under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), or
- A certificate of endorsement under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Processing times for new applications are expected to increase, with the NLPNP stating that some assessments may take three months or more.
Purpose of the New System
The NLPNP describes this shift as a way to better target immigration candidates who can fill critical labor shortages, particularly in health care and education.
Permanent Residence Applications
- Applications for PR under the AIP are processed directly by the federal government.
- For NLPNP nominees, candidates must either:
- Apply to the federal government for permanent residence, or
- If nominated through an Express Entry-aligned stream, maintain an active Express Entry profile and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s EOI System in Context
EOI systems are typically used for immigration streams that do not require a job offer. However, four of the six immigration pathways in Newfoundland and Labrador—including the AIP—require candidates to have a job offer.
Newfoundland and Labrador is not alone in adopting an EOI system. In September 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) introduced a similar EOI-based intake for its worker streams.
Recent Changes to the NLPNP
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) has undergone significant changes in response to rising immigration demand and limited processing capacity.
Shift from First-Come, First-Serve to Priority Processing
Historically, applications were processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, due to:
- High demand for immigration, and
- Limited economic immigration spaces,
The province shifted to a priority-based system in late 2024. This ensures that immigration spaces are allocated strategically, focusing on candidates who align with labor market needs.
Suspension of Employer Applications
In January 2025, the NLPNP paused the processing of:
- Job Vacancy Assessments
- AIP Designations for employers
This pause remains in effect, with further updates expected as the province reassesses its immigration strategy.
Increased Immigration Spaces, But Still Not Enough
Despite limitations, Newfoundland and Labrador successfully negotiated additional immigration spaces with the federal government.
- Provincial nomination spaces for economic immigrants: Increased by 1,000
- New humanitarian immigrants accepted over two years: 290
- Total provincial nomination allocation in 2025: 2,525
However, the province states that this still falls short of demand, and it continues to advocate for further increases in economic immigration spaces.
