Newfoundland and Labrador has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This shift aims to ensure a strategic allocation of the province’s limited economic immigration spaces while addressing labour market needs in key sectors such as healthcare and education.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Overview of the Expression of Interest system
- How the NLPNP and AIP will be impacted
- Processing time expectations
- Information for employers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Expression of Interest Model?
The EOI system is a two-step process:
- Initial Submission – Candidates submit an Expression of Interest, highlighting their occupation, education, language skills, and willingness to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Invitation to Apply – Selected candidates receive an invitation to submit a complete NLPNP or AIP application.
This new system replaces the previous first-come, first-served model, ensuring that immigration spaces are allocated based on priority processing rather than application timing.
What Happens to Existing Applications?
Applications submitted before this transition remain valid in the Immigration Accelerator platform. Applicants will receive instructions on their next steps, which may include direct processing or submission of an Expression of Interest. Selection will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using the same criteria as the new system.
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Immigration Capacity for 2025
Following negotiations with the Federal Government, Newfoundland and Labrador has secured 2,525 economic immigration spaces for 2025 – an increase of 1,000 spaces. However, demand still exceeds available spots, and the province continues to advocate for additional immigration allocations to support economic and population growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI) system?
An EOI system allows candidates to submit an initial profile with key details such as education, occupation, and language skills. The province then invites selected candidates to apply for permanent residency based on economic needs.
How does this change impact existing immigration applications?
Applications submitted before the EOI transition remain valid. Some applicants will move directly to processing, while others may be asked to submit an Expression of Interest based on eligibility.
What are the benefits of the Expression of Interest system?
The EOI system ensures that limited immigration spaces are allocated strategically to meet Newfoundland and Labrador’s labour market demands, particularly in high-need sectors like healthcare and education.
How long will it take to process an immigration application under the new system?
Processing times may now take three months or longer, depending on demand. However, the province is committed to maintaining efficient and transparent processing.
What should employers know about these changes?
Employers should be aware that Job Vacancy Assessments and AIP Designations remain paused. The province will provide further updates on when employer-related applications will resume.
With the implementation of the Expression of Interest system, Newfoundland and Labrador is ensuring a more strategic and efficient approach to economic immigration, supporting long-term labour market and population growth.
