Newfoundland and Labrador extends more invitations to provincial immigration candidates
On May 1, Newfoundland and Labrador held its fourth provincial immigration selection round of the year, inviting a total of 190 candidates.
The province extended invitations through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Assess your eligibility for enhanced PNP streams
Draw details
The majority of invitations (82.6%) issued in this selection round went to NLPNP candidates.
| Program | Invitations issued |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 157 |
| AIP | 33 |
Unlike other provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador does not publicly publish which streams of the NLPNP candidates were invited under.
This May 1 draw represents the lowest number of invitations issued by the province in 2026 thus far.
This draw also reinforces a trend seen throughout the year: each successive draw has resulted in fewer overall invitations issued—though the last two draws have both seen 33 AIP candidates invited.
Here’s a snapshot of the province’s previous draws, for comparison purposes:
| Date of draw | Total number of invitations issued | Number of invitations issued by program |
|---|---|---|
| April 13, 2026 | 210 | NLPNP: 177 AIP: 33 |
| March 30, 2026 | 245 | NLPNP: 209 AIP: 36 |
| March 6, 2026 | 445 | NLPNP: 362 AIP: 83 |
To date, the province has issued a total of 1,090 invitations through both the NLPNP and AIP.
Of this total, 905 (83%) were issued to candidates through the NLPNP, with just 185 invitations sent through the province’s AIP.
This year, Newfoundland and Labrador has issued a far greater number of invitations from January 1 to May 1 than it did in 2025, with more frequent draws having taken place during this same time frame.
In 2025, the province only held one draw from January 1 – May 1, which took place on April 3 and saw a total of 256 provincial immigration candidates invited (206 through the NLPNP; 50 through the AIP).
Overall, this represents a 325.8% year-over-year increase in the total invitations for the January 1–May 1 period.
How you can be considered for the NLPNP or AIP
Since February 2025, both the NLPNP and the province’s AIP have operated under an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
With the exception of the NLPNP entrepreneur streams, a valid job or job offer is required under both programs.
To be considered through either program, prospective candidates must first complete and submit an EOI form, providing information on their:
- Occupation;
- Educational background;
- Language abilities; and
- Intention to settle in the province.
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) reviews all submissions and invites the most competitive candidates to apply.
On its official webpage, the OIM notes that it may prioritize the following:
Health occupations: Consistently prioritized due to persistent labour shortages and system needs.
Rural sales and service jobs: Higher priority may be given to related roles outside St. John’s where employers face ongoing recruitment challenges.
Rural and regional employment: Jobs in smaller communities are prioritized when they support local economic and population sustainability.
Underrepresented occupations in NL: Priority may go to underrepresented fields such as business/finance, science/research, and trades/transport that support diversification and productivity.
Reliable employers: EOIs from employers with strong compliance history, good retention, and clear operational need may be favoured.
Long-term retention potential: Candidates with indicators of staying in NL (community ties, family links, prior residence, stable employment).
NL post-secondary graduates: Graduates with skills aligned to priority sectors and ties to the province.
Francophone immigration goals: EOIs supporting the growth of Francophone communities.
Strong settlement support: EOIs may receive priorities when employers or communities show a strong commitment to successful newcomer settlement (e.g., through access to settlement supports).
Once invited, the candidate (NLPNP) or employer (AIP) has 60 days to submit a full application, which is then reviewed through the standard assessment process.
EOIs remain in the pool for up to 12 months before expiring.
- Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
- Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
