On This Page You Will Find:
- What is the NLPNP?
- Overview of all NLPNP immigration categories
- Comprehensive eligibility criteria for each category
- Atlantic Immigration Program summary
- 5-question FAQ section
What Is the NLPNP?
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) allows the province to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence who have the skills, education, and experience to contribute to the local economy and society. The program is designed for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in the province.
NLPNP Immigration Categories
- Express Entry Skilled Worker
- Skilled Worker
- International Graduate
- International Graduate Entrepreneur
- International Entrepreneur
- Atlantic Immigration Program (federal-provincial stream)
1. Express Entry Skilled Worker
This category is for candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool
- Have a full-time job or job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation:
- Must be minimum 30 hours/week
- Must last at least 12 months with an expectation of extension
- Employer must meet provincial wage and employment standards
- Commission-based jobs are not eligible
- Employer must:
- Be eligible and based in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Hold a valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) (if applicant doesn’t have a valid work permit)
- Applicant must:
- Meet all NOC employment and training requirements for the job
- Have education: Canadian post-secondary diploma/degree or valid ECA
- Have language proficiency: IELTS, CELPIP-G, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada (must meet federal stream requirements)
- Demonstrate valid immigration status in Canada (if residing in Canada), with at least 4 months left on the permit
- Intend to live permanently in the province
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to establish in NL
- Score at least 67 points on the NLPNP points assessment grid
- Have no more than 10% ownership in the employer’s business
2. Skilled Worker
For foreign nationals with a job or job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador who are not in the Express Entry pool.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have a full-time job or job offer in TEER 0–5:
- Must be minimum 30 hours/week
- Must last at least one year, with likelihood of extension
- Must meet provincial/national wage standards
- Employer must meet employment standards and not pay commission-based salary
- Employer must:
- Be eligible and based in NL
- Hold a valid JVA if the applicant lacks valid work authorisation
- Applicant must:
- Be aged 21–59
- Have the required qualifications, training, or accreditation for the job
- Have valid status in Canada, with at least 4 months remaining (if in Canada)
- Have sufficient settlement funds
- Intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Have language test results if applying with a TEER 4 or 5 job offer:
- IELTS: Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0
- CELPIP-G: 4 in each skill
- PTE Core: Listening 28–38, Reading 33–41, Speaking 42–50, Writing 41–50
- TEF Canada and TCF Canada (CLB 4 equivalent)
- Have less than 10% ownership in the employer’s business
3. International Graduate
This stream targets international graduates with a PGWP working in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) with at least 4 months validity
- Have a full-time job or job offer:
- In TEER 0–3, or TEER 4 (in-demand) occupations
- From an eligible NL employer
- Minimum 30 hours/week
- At least 1 year duration with expectation of extension
- Commission-based work is not allowed
- Be aged 21–59
- Meet all NOC requirements for the occupation
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds
- Intend to live in Newfoundland and Labrador long-term
- Must be working in the field of study, unless:
- Graduate of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic
- Job meets TEER 0–3 or TEER 4 (in-demand) with career potential
- Job aligns with recent skills/experience (within 5 years)
- Graduates from outside NL:
- Must work for at least 1 year in NL before applying
- TEER 4 applicants must submit language test results:
- IELTS: Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0
- CELPIP-G, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF scores accepted
4. International Graduate Entrepreneur
For recent NL graduates who have started or bought a local business.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Completed at least two years of in-person, full-time study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic
- Hold a valid PGWP
- Have a business continuity plan validated by a third-party
- Have actively managed and owned a business (33.3% minimum ownership) for at least one continuous year
- Business must:
- Be for-profit and income-generating
- Create at least 1 full-time job for Canadian citizens or PRs
- Meet CLB 7 in English or French
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply
Additional Criteria
- If starting a business:
- Job created must be separate from owner’s role and not for family
- If buying a business:
- Business must have been operational for 5+ years
- Offer similar terms to existing staff
- Provide market valuation documentation
5. International Entrepreneur
For experienced businesspeople wanting to start or buy a business in the province.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be aged 21–59
- Submit a business plan validated by a professional third party
- Have at least:
- $600,000 in net assets
- $200,000 minimum investment, with 33.3% ownership or $1 million equity
- Have 2 years’ experience managing/owning a business (25% ownership) in last 5 years
OR
5 years’ experience in a senior management role in last 10 years - Business must:
- Be for-profit and income-generating
- Create at least 1 full-time job for Canadian citizens or PRs
- Meet CLB 5 in English or French
- Submit an EOI and receive an Invitation to Apply
- If applying from outside NL: must complete an exploratory visit
Additional Criteria
- For new businesses: one full-time job must be created (not for family)
- For business purchase:
- Business must have been operating 5+ years by same owner
- Must provide market valuation and employment continuity documentation
6. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal-provincial program for skilled workers and international graduates with a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer.
Key Features:
- Employer-driven process
- Includes settlement support plan
- Must have job offer in TEER 0–5
- Language, education, and work experience requirements apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to NLPNP without a job offer?
No, a full-time job offer from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer is required in all NLPNP categories, except for entrepreneurs who are starting or buying a business.
Do I need to be in the Express Entry pool to apply for NLPNP?
Only for the Express Entry Skilled Worker category. Other categories do not require Express Entry eligibility.
What is a TEER code?
TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) levels are part of Canada’s NOC classification system. TEER 0–3 generally represent higher-skilled jobs, while TEER 4–5 are intermediate and lower-skilled occupations.
What is the difference between the International Graduate and Graduate Entrepreneur categories?
The International Graduate category is for PGWP holders with job offers. The Graduate Entrepreneur stream is for those who have started or bought a business in NL after graduating.
How long must I operate a business before I can be nominated as an entrepreneur?
You must actively manage and own your business for at least one continuous year before being considered for a provincial nomination.
