Newfoundland and Labrador PNP: Get Details Here

The Newfoundland and Labrador PNP is an economic immigration program that helps skilled workers, entrepreneurs, international graduates, and their families settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. The NLPNP also helps employers address labour market needs. This program assists in the immigration process for individuals capable of improving the province’s economy and committed to establishing permanent residency. We will delve into the details of this PNP in this article.

Table of Contents

• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Streams
• Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream
• Skilled Worker Stream
• International Graduate Stream
• International Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP FAQs

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Streams

The NLPNP provides the following categories for immigration:

• Express Entry Skilled Worker: Offers permanent residence for highly skilled applicants. Candidates need to be in the IRCC Express Entry pool and receive a nomination from Newfoundland and Labrador. This boosts their Express Entry score, leading to an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence from IRCC.
• Skilled Worker: The NLPNP Skilled Worker category is for foreign nationals with skills beneficial to Newfoundland and Labrador’s labor market. Applicants must intend to settle permanently in the province.
• International Graduate: The NLPNP International Graduate Category offers a pathway to permanent residence for international graduates intending to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants need a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
• International Entrepreneur: This category is for foreigner entrepreneurs who have owned or managed businesses and want to invest in and run businesses in Newfoundland & Labrador. Applicants must show they have managed businesses before and a substantial personal net worth.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur: This category is for foreign nationals who have completed a two-year post-secondary program in Newfoundland & Labrador and have at least one year of experience in owning and managing a business in the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Stream- Express Entry Skilled Worker 

The NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker stream offers permanent residency for skilled workers. To qualify, applicants must initially be admitted into Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry pool of eligible candidates. A nomination from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador enhances the applicant’s ranking within the Express Entry pool, prompting an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency from IRCC.

NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker Category, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Acceptance from the IRCC’s Express Entry pool of qualified candidates.
• Hold a full-time job or have a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. The job must provide a minimum of 30 hours per week, be at least one year in duration, and meet provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates.
• Possess the qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job, as per the NOC code employment requirements.
• If residing in Canada, demonstrate valid immigration status with a permit having at least four months remaining at the time of NLPNP application.
• Have the intention and ability to settle permanently in NL with the family members accompanying you, if any.
• Have sufficient settlement funds to look after yourself and your dependents in NL.
• If holding an ownership stake in the employing business, ensure that the ownership share does not exceed ten percent (excluding selected Entrepreneurs).
• Hold a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, or a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Should have a valid English or French language proficiency test with scores meeting the requirements of the specific federal Express Entry stream.
• Get a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid.
• If using a paid third-party representative, ensure they are registered and permitted to represent them.

NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Point Assessment Factors

Candidates have to score a minimum of 67 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid to be eligible for the NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream.

Factor 1: Education

The educational points for the principal applicant are determined based on completed post-secondary education or training programs accredited by a nationally or provincially recognized institution or regulatory body. This includes submitting copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees along with their comprehensive transcripts. A minimum of one year of post-secondary education or training should be shown by the applicant.

Factor 2: Skilled Work Experience

Work experience points for the principal applicant are determined based on skilled work experience in an NOC 0, 1, 2, 3, relevant to their field of education or training.

Minimum work experience requirements:

• One year in the past 10 years in a non-trades skilled profession.
• Two years in a skilled trade within the past five years.
• One year of trades and non-trades skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years.

Documentation must include:

• Letter of reference from a supervisor or human resources officer, printed on company letterhead or official government document.
• The letter must detail the job title, duties, wage, and duration of employment.
• Maximum total points achievable: 20.

Factor 3: Language

The principal applicant must present valid language test results from a recognized testing agency. The language proficiency of the principal applicant is evaluated in one of Canada’s official languages, English or French. 

If proficient in both, the applicant should designate their preferred language as their first official language. The maximum total points attainable through this is 27.

Factor 4: Age 

Age points for the principal applicant are determined based on the date of application to the PNP. The maximum total points attainable through this is 12.

Factor 5: Connection to the labour market and Adaptability 

Points for the principal applicant’s connection to the labour market and adaptability are determined by a solid connection to the province, demonstrating a genuine intention and capability to settle and economically establish in Newfoundland and Labrador as a permanent resident.

The maximum total points attainable through this is 13.

NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Application Process 

Step 1. Candidates submit an Express Entry profile and gain acceptance into the pool of qualified candidates. Required details include the Express Entry Profile Number and a job seeker validation code (four digits) from IRCC.

Step 2. Job offers categorized as TEER level 0, 1, 2, and 3 are eligible under the NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker stream. If the applicant lacks a valid work permit or alternative federal authorization to work with the employer, a Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) is necessary. Employers can initiate this process by emailing employmentprograms@gov.nl.ca.

Step 3. Complete the online NLPNP application for the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism’s Express Entry – Skilled Worker category.

Step 4. Once nominated by the province, candidates submit a work permit application (if needed) to the IRCC. 

Step 5. Upon nomination, candidates receive additional points in their Express Entry profile, leading to an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence. If successfully nominated, candidates proceed to submit a permanent residency application to IRCC. 

Step 6. Settle in Newfoundland and Labrador, transitioning into permanent residency status.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Stream- Skilled Worker 

The NLPNP Skilled Worker category is for foreign nationals and potential immigrants possessing skills valuable to the Newfoundland and Labrador labour market. They must also have the intention of permanently settling in NL.

NLPNP Skilled Worker Stream Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NLPNP Skilled Worker category, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a full-time job or have a job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 occupation with an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
• The job must guarantee a minimum of thirty hours per week, be at least one year in duration, and meet provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates.
• Meet the NOC code employment requirements with the qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job.
• Be aged between 21 to 59 years old.
• If residing in Canada, demonstrate valid immigration status with a permit having at least four months remaining at the time of NLPNP application.
• Intend and have the ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador, along with accompanying family members if applicable.
• Have sufficient settlement funds as stated to look after yourself and your dependents in NL.
• If holding an ownership stake in the employing business, ensure that the ownership share does not exceed ten percent.
• Applicants with TEER 4 or 5 job offers must submit a valid language proficiency test with minimum scores equivalent to CLB 4.
• If using a paid third-party representative, ensure they are registered and permitted to represent them.

NLPNP Skilled Worker Step-by-Step Process

Step 1. All TEER-level job offers are eligible under the NLPNP Skilled Worker category (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 occupations). If the applicant lacks a valid work permit or alternate federal authorization to work with the employer, a Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) is required. The employer initiates this by completing a JVA application

Step 2. The candidate submits an online NLPNP application to the provincial Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Step 3. If nominated by the province, the candidate submits a work permit application (if necessary) to the federal Department of IRCC. Upon approval of the work permit, the candidate can come to NL. 

Step 4. If nominated by the province, the candidate also submits a permanent residency application to IRCC.

Step 5. Become a Permanent Resident of Canada and settle in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Stream- International Graduate 

The Newfoundland and Labrador PNP International Graduate Category offers a route to permanent residency specifically designed for international graduates willing to establish Newfoundland and Labrador as their permanent residence. Applicants applying to this category are required to possess a valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

NLPNP International Graduate Stream Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this stream, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid IRCC PGWP with at least four months of validity remaining at the time of application.
• Have a full-time job or job offer in either NOC TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, or a TEER 4 in-demand occupation.
• The job must guarantee a minimum of thirty hours per week and be a minimum of one year in duration with the expectation of an extension.
• The job must offer compensation in the form of a salary or hourly wage that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates.
• Meet the NOC code employment requirements with the qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job.
• Be aged between 21 to 59 years old.
• Intend and have the ability to settle permanently in NL, along with accompanying family members if applicable.
• Have sufficient funds and financial resources to settle and establish yourself and your dependents in NL.
• Hold a full-time position related to their field of study from the post-secondary program completed in Canada. Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic graduates may hold a position not directly related to their field of study if specific criteria are met.
• If completed studies at an institution outside of NL, the job or job offer must be directly related to the field of study. 
• Applicants who have not graduated from NL must work for a minimum of one year in the province before submission of their NLPNP application.
• Applicants with TEER 4 (in-demand) occupations must submit a valid language proficiency test with minimum scores equivalent to CLB 4.
• If using the services of a third-party representative, ensure the representative is registered and permitted to represent immigration clients. 

NLPNP International Graduate Step-by-Step Process

Step 1. Candidates must possess a valid IRCC Post-Graduation work permit with at least four months of validity remaining at the time of application for the NLPNP.

Step 2. Candidates submit their NLPNP application online to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism International Graduate Category.

Step 3. If nominated by the province, the candidate also submits a permanent residency application to IRCC. Federal processing times vary based on the application category.

Step 4. Upon successful nomination by the province, the candidate may apply for a provincially supported work permit to maintain valid status throughout the entire processing of the permanent residence application.

Step 5. Settle in Newfoundland and Labrador, transitioning into permanent residency status.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Stream- International Entrepreneur 

The International Entrepreneur pathway within the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) invites foreign entrepreneurs with the financial means and managerial expertise to establish and manage a business within the province. 

International Entrepreneur Stream Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the International Entrepreneur category, an individual must:

• Have ages between 21 to 59 years.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive business plan with financial documentation validated by a recognized third-party professional.
• Have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential, verified by an ECA, acquired within the last five years before the submission of the EOI.
• Express a desire to permanently reside in NL while owning and managing actively a local business capable of generating significant economic benefits.
• Have at least CAD 600,000 in net business and personal assets that are readily transferable to Canada.
• Be able to invest a minimum of CAD 200,000 of personal funds to establish a business in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a minimum ownership stake of 33.3 percent, or invest CAD 1 million in equity.
• Demonstrate the ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for permanent residents or Canadian citizens.
• Establish that the proposed business is a for-profit entity with the primary objective of generating profits through the sale of goods and/or services.
• Have at least two years of experience actively managing and owning a business with a minimum ownership stake of 25 percent in the last five years, or possess five or more years of experience in a senior business management role within the last ten years.
• Have a minimum score of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French.
• Complete an online EOI and await an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
• Applicants intending to contribute to regional economic development or focus on high-demand industries or sectors such as Agriculture, Aquaculture, Technology, or Natural Resources will receive priority consideration.

NLPNP International Entrepreneur – Additional Criteria

All prospective International Entrepreneur applicants applying from outside the province must conduct an initial exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador before formally applying to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Within the International Entrepreneur category, there are two distinct streams: Starting a New Business and Purchasing an Existing Business. Each stream has specific criteria in addition to the general requirements mentioned earlier.

Additional Criteria for Starting a New Business: Create of a minimum of one full-time equivalent employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. This position should:

• Be additional to any roles filled by the applicant. Positions designated for dependents or relatives of the applicant are not considered eligible.
• Be directly relevant to and aligned with the applicant’s business.
• Comply to prevailing wage standards.

Additional Criteria for Purchasing an Existing Business:

• The business must have been under continuous ownership by the same proprietor for the preceding five years.
• All applicants intending to purchase or partner in an existing business must conduct an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s) if applying from outside the province.
• Applicants must furnish evidence demonstrating efforts to calculate the fair market value of the business.
• The business must be actively operational.
• Applicants are required to offer employment on terms and conditions similar to those of existing staff, including providing current wage and employment agreements.

Ineligible Businesses for International Entrepreneur Category

• Businesses conducted remotely and not from NL.
• Activities related to property rental, investment, and leasing.
• Real estate construction, development, brokerage, insurance brokerage, or business brokerage with no compelling benefits to NL.
• Professional services or self-employment requiring licensing or accreditation.
• Operations involving payday loans, check cashing, money exchange, or cash machines.
• Pawnbrokers or taxi companies.
• Home-based businesses, unless the applicant can prove significant benefits to the Province.
• Businesses dealing with the production, distribution, or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services.
• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Investments into businesses primarily aimed at generating passive investment income.
• Businesses focused on deriving investment income such as interest, dividends, or capital gains.
• Businesses compensating employees solely through commissions.
• Any other business that may bring the OIM or Government of NL into disrepute.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Stream- International Graduate Entrepreneur

The NLPNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Category offers a permanent residency route for international graduates aiming to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. To qualify, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.

NLPNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Eligibility Criteria

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Provide a business continuity plan along with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional service (applicants are solely responsible for payment of associated fees related to obtaining these documents).
• Have completed a degree or diploma after studying a minimum of two academic years of full-time, in-person study at either Memorial University or College of North Atlantic. The degree or diploma must have been completed within two years of the submission of the EOI.
• Hold a valid post-graduate work permit.
• Intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while actively managing a local business that has the potential to create significant economic benefits for the province.
• Possess a minimum of one year of continuous experience in actively managing and owning the current business with a minimum of 1/3rd ownership.
• Show the ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for the local population (permanent residents and Canadian citizens).
• Ensure that the business is a for-profit entity primarily focused on earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services.
• Attain a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French.
• Complete an online Expression of Interest.
• Receive an Invitation to Apply from the OIM.
• Applicants aiming to support regional economic development or focusing on high-demand industries or sectors (e.g., Agriculture, Aquaculture, Technology, Natural Resources) will receive priority consideration.

Additional Criteria for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

There are two streams within the International Graduate Entrepreneur category: Starting a New Business and Purchasing an Existing Business. Each stream has some additional criteria in addition to the ones mentioned earlier.

Additional Criteria When Starting a New Business:

• Do not create jobs for your dependents or relatives solely.
• Directly associated with the business.
• Comply with the prevailing provincial wage standards.

Additional Criteria When Purchasing an Existing Business:

• The business must have remained under the same ownership for the previous five years.
• Applicants must provide evidence demonstrating reasonable efforts to determine the fair market value of the business.
• The business must be actively operational and not in receivership.
• Applicants must extend employment under comparable terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment conditions.

Ineligible Business Types for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

• Remote businesses operated from another Canadian jurisdiction or country;
• Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
• Real estate construction, development, brokerage, insurance brokerage, or business brokerage with no benefits to NL;
• Professional services or self-employment requiring licensing or accreditation;
• Payday loan, check cashing, money changing, and ATM businesses;
• Pawnbrokers;
• Taxi companies;
• Home-based businesses, unless the applicant can demonstrate significant benefit to the province;
• Businesses involved in pornographic or sexually explicit products or services production, distribution or sale;
• Not-for-profit businesses;
• Investments into businesses primarily for passive investment income;
• Businesses primarily operating for investment income like interest, dividends, or capital gains;
• Businesses compensating employees solely on commission; and
• Any other business type that may potentially tarnish the reputation of OIM, NLPNP, or the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In conclusion, the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP offers a pathway for skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, and graduates to settle in the province. With its tailored streams and proactive approach, NLPNP is a vital tool in boosting the economic fabric of the region.

Newfoundland and Labrador PNP FAQs

Q. Who is eligible for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP?
A. The eligibility criteria of Newfoundland and Labrador PNP differs according to stream. However, the most important criterion is the intention of living and working in NL.

Q. How many points are required for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP?
A. Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Express Entry Skilled Worker stream requires a minimum of 67 out of 100 points in its points assessments grid.

Q. Is a job offer needed for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP?
A. Yes, a job offer is needed for some Newfoundland and Labrador PNP streams.

Q. How much is the fee for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP?
A. Except for showing the net worth in entrepreneur-related streams, there is no fee for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP.

Q. How to apply for Newfoundland and Labrador PNP?
A. Firstly, check the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP eligibility, then submit an online NLPNP application. If nominated by the province, you should submit a permanent residency application to IRCC and wait for their decision.

Also check:

• British Columbia PNP: Get Eligibility & Application Details
• Nova Scotia PNP Program: Streams, Steps To Apply & More
• OINP Foreign Worker Stream: Eligibility & Application Steps
• Saskatchewan PNP- Eligibility, Process, & Fee 
• OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream