The Family Connections category is the newest addition to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nomination Program (NLPNP). Newfoundland and Labrador residents can now sponsor family members from abroad to relocate and work in the province.

In announcing the new NLPNP Family Connections category, Human Resources Minister Shawn Skinner noted that residents who are surrounded by family members are more likely to feel attached to their community. The Newfoundland and Labrador government hopes that the new PNP category will therefore improve immigrant retention in the province.

To be eligible, the sponsoring family member must have resided in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least one year and must be able to provide assistance to the applicant during the immigration process and upon arrival. This PNP category does not cover family members who would otherwise be eligible for Citizenship and Immigration Family Class Sponsorship (dependant children, spouses, common-law partners, parents and grandparents).

More geared towards applicants who will contribute to the work force in Newfoundland and Labrador, applicants should either have a permanent full-time job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, or the intention and ability to obtain one. Applicants must be between 18-49 years of age, have at least one year of work experience, a diploma, certificate, or degree from a post-secondary institution, and have sufficient English language abilities to work in the province.

The applicant will need to have enough money to live upon arrival ($10,000 for the applicant and $2,000 for additional family members), which can come from the principal applicant, the spouse, or the sponsor. The sponsor will also have to sign an Affidavit of Support.

The Family Connections category of the NLPNP adds onto the existing Skilled Worker, Immigrant Entrepreneur, and Immigrant Investor categories. The Newfoundland and Labrador government is also planning to develop an international graduate category for its PNP.