Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Newfoundland and Labrador is indeed Canada’s easternmost province and is made up of two distinct land masses: Labrador and the island of Newfoundland. Over the years, the province has become an important economic player in Canada.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is an immigration program that allows the province to nominate individuals with the desired skills and experience to become permanent residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is designed to address the province’s specific labor market needs and attract immigrants who can contribute to its economic development.
Through the NLPNP, prospective immigrants who meet the eligibility criteria and have the required skills and experience in occupations in demand in Newfoundland and Labrador may receive a provincial nomination. This nomination enhances their chances of being selected by the Canadian federal government to become permanent residents.
The NLPNP offers several streams or categories under which applicants can apply, including the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, Skilled Worker Category, International Graduate Category, and International Entrepreneur Category. Each category has its own set of requirements, and individuals must meet the criteria of the stream they are applying to.
Once nominated by Newfoundland and Labrador, applicants can then submit their application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration authority in Canada. The final decision on granting permanent residence rests with IRCC.
The NLPNP is an important pathway for individuals who wish to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador, contributing to its economy and community.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. It operates alongside the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which facilitates immigration to the Atlantic provinces.
Here are some key points about the NLPNP:
- Purpose: The NLPNP aims to address the economic and labor market needs of Newfoundland and Labrador by inviting immigrants who have the skills, experience, and education required to contribute to the province’s development.
- Annual Immigration Targets: The province aims to welcome 1,700 new immigrants annually, with the NLPNP contributing to this target.
- Enhanced and Base Categories: The NLPNP consists of one enhanced category, the NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category, which is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. The remaining categories are base categories, not aligned with Express Entry.
- Express Entry and CRS Points: The NL Express Entry Skilled Worker category provides an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to candidates nominated through the program. This significantly increases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in subsequent Express Entry draws.
- Processing Time: The processing time for applications under the enhanced category is typically faster, taking around six months for Canadian permanent residence. Base categories may have longer processing times, generally around 12 months or more.
The NLPNP offers several immigration streams, including:
a. Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker: This category requires a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer and an Express Entry profile. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including work experience, education, language proficiency, and intent to settle in the province.
b. Skilled Worker Category: Applicants in this category must have a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, meet the required qualifications, and have a valid work permit. The job offer should be for a minimum of two years.
c. International Graduate Category: Designed for recent international graduates who have completed at least half of their studies in Canada and have a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. They must also hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
d. International Entrepreneur Category: This category is for foreign nationals who want to establish, co-manage, or purchase a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. They must meet various requirements related to age, language proficiency, net worth, investment, business management experience, and job creation.
e. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category: International graduates from a Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution who want to establish, co-own, or run a business in the province can apply under this category. They must have at least one year of experience managing a business with at least one-third ownership and meet other specified criteria.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a complementary program that allows employers in the Atlantic provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, to hire foreign nationals for positions they couldn’t fill locally. The AIP offers a fast-track pathway to permanent residence for eligible candidates.
The NLPNP and the AIP provide opportunities for individuals to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador based on their skills, qualifications, and business experience, thereby contributing to the province’s economic growth and development.