Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is located on the eastern coast of Atlantic Canada. The province may not be everyone’s top destination but it is certainly a gem for those who appreciate the simpler, more pastoral life. However, do not write Newfoundland and Labrador off as merely Greenlands and seaside villages, in recent years it has experienced a boom in business, arts, and culture, attracting those who want to move away from the big city life but still enjoy the trendy subculture offered by cities.
The beautiful province of about 520,000 residents is divided into different sections; Labrador in the north and Newfoundland, an exquisite island 17 km off the coast of Labrador. The majority of the province’s population lives in the capital city, St John’s, where they enjoy excellent schools, top-notch healthcare facilities, fantastic restaurants, exceptional nightlife, and an exciting arts scene. So, for those of you who would like to start the MW Agents application process, here’s all you need to know about the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP.
What Is the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nomination Program
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nomination Program (Newfoundland and Labrador PNP, or NLPNP) allows the province to nominate people who have the necessary skills and experience needed to address the labour and population shortage in the province. Applying to the program is really quite simple. First, you must determine which of the category is best suited to you. Following this, you must complete and submit all the necessary paperwork to the relevant authorities. If your application is successful, you will be issued an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence which will basically guarantee your emigration to the province.
Most people that want to move to Newfoundland and Labrador are particularly interested in immigrating to St John’s. Even if St John’s is not your ideal destination, through the Provincial Nomination Program you can easily migrate to any other city in the province.
Many small towns and villages in Newfoundland and Labrador are exceptional places to settle. These communities are safe, friendly, and very welcoming to new immigrants. For example, several small communities in Newfoundland and Labrador were among the first in the entire country to agree to accept Syrian refugees.
There are several routes you can take to get a Provincial Nomination. Discover which of these programs is the right one for you below.
Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category is the fastest path to getting Canadian permanent residence for those who have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador. Express Entry applications can be in as little as six months. Find out if you qualify for this speedy category.
| To be Eligible For This Category, You Must: |
|---|
| Be accepted into the Express Entry pool of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); |
| Score at least 67 points out of a possible 100 on the Provincial Nomination Program Assessment Grid |
| An offer of employment from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador that meets the governmental standards for employment and wages; |
| Have a valid Work Permit or you must meet the requirements to apply for one; |
| Have a Canadian tertiary degree, diploma, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) verifying that your foreign credentials are equal to the education standards of Canada; |
| Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
| Have enough money to settle you and your dependents in the province; and |
| Provide the relevant language test results that show you have the required language ability needed to fulfil your job’s duties |
Skilled Worker Category
If you have the specialized skills needed by employers in Newfoundland and Labrador, this category is for you. Employers can nominate skilled workers under this category if that person can critically impact the operations of the employer’s business.
If you would like to apply to immigrate to Canada through this stream you will have to satisfy all of the following personal eligibility requirements.
| To be Eligible For This Category, You Must: |
|---|
| Have a permanent job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador; or |
| Have a job offer that meets the wage and employment standards of the province; |
| Have all the required qualifications, documentation, and training needed to perform the duties of your job; |
Have a Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada or you must meet the requirements to apply for one
|
| Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
| Have enough money to settle you and your dependents in the province; |
| Be employed by someone who can prove that your specific skill set is needed; and |
| Provide the relevant language test results that show you have the required language ability needed to fulfil your job’s duties |
Please note that your occupation must not feature on the ineligible occupations list in order for you to qualify to apply under this stream. To find out if your occupation is eligible, visit our Newfoundland and Labrador In-Demand Jobs in Canada page.
Priority Skills Category
The Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador (Priority Skills NL) PNP Stream is a new immigration stream designed to help skilled international workers who can help boost the economy and fill current high demand jobs in four main industries:
- Technology;
- Healthcare;
- Aquaculture; and
- Agriculture.
To qualify for this immigration stream your will need to submit an expression of interest and complete a questionnaire about your language ability, age, education, work experience and whether or not you have any family in the province. Your profile will then be scored and you will be required to receive at least 60 points to be considered. The highest-scoring applicants with the most interest from Canadian employers will receive and an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
To be Eligible For This Category, You Must Meet the Following Requirements:
| Requirements for the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador Stream | |
|---|---|
| Education | PhD or Master’s degrees from Memorial University within the past three years in the following specialities: Technology, Health Care, Aquaculture, and Agriculture |
| Work Experience | must have worked in a specialized, highly-skilled, in-demand occupation for at least one full year in the last 10 years |
| Language | English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) language test within the last twelve months and scored equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher |
| Age | be at least 21 years of age |
To find out if your occupation qualifies, visit our Newfoundland and Labrador In-demand Occupations page.
International Graduate Category
International students who have graduated from a recognized tertiary institution in Canada can be nominated for permanent residency through this category.
| To be Eligible For This Category, You Must: |
|---|
| Have graduated from a recognized, publicly funded, Canadian tertiary institution and you must have completed a minimum of half of your studies in Canada; |
| While studying full-time, have completed a minimum of a two-year diploma or degree. If you have completed a postgraduate degree of at least one year in length, you might still satisfy this requirement; |
| Have an offer of employment for a full-time, permanent position; |
| Be legally allowed to work in Canada, meaning you must have a Post-Graduate Work Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada; |
| Have all the required qualifications, documentation, and training needed to perform the duties of your job; |
| Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
| Have an offer of employment that meets the province’s salary and employment standards; |
| Have an offer of employment for a job that has the potential for advancement; |
| Have enough money to settle you and your dependents in the province; |
| Provide the relevant language test results that show you have the required language ability needed to fulfil your job’s duties |
Please note: If you graduated from an institution outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, you might have to acquire one year’s work experience in your field of study before you can submit your provincial nomination program application.
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
International students who have graduated from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic can be nominated for permanent residency through this category.
| To be Eligible For This Category, You Must: |
|---|
| Have already started or bought a business in Newfoundland & Labrador and been involved in the day to day operations for a minimum of one continuous year; |
| Be at least 21 years old; |
| Submit a business continuity plan that has been verified by a professional third party; |
| Have completed a degree or diploma worth at least two academic years, full-time; |
| Be a holder of a valid post-graduate work permit; |
| Have the intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador while continuing to manage your business; |
| Have a minimum of 33.3% ownership in your business; |
| Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; |
| Demonstrate that the business’s intent is to be for-profit; |
| Score a minimum of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test |
Priority will be given to applicants focusing on high-demand sectors such as Agriculture, Technology, and Natural Resources.
Several factors can also make you ineligible for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category. Please take note of these disqualifications, to ensure your application stands the best chance at success.
| You are Ineligible For This Category If You: |
|---|
| Are currently living illegally in your country of residence; |
| Have had a removal order issued against you by the IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency; |
| Are prohibited from entering Canada; |
| Intend to be a passive investor; or |
| Are not eligible to apply because your status is void. |
International Entrepreneur Category
This program is for experienced business owners or business managers looking to start or buy an existing business and permanently reside in Newfoundland & Labrador.
| To be Eligible For This Category, You Must: |
|---|
| Be 21 to 59 years of age; |
| Submit a complete business plan for your new venture, verified by a third party professional; |
| Have a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment; |
| Intend to settle, reside and conduct your business in Newfoundland and Labrador; |
| Have a net worth of $600,000; |
| Invest a minimum of $200,000 in your business or an existing business for ownership of at least 33.3%; |
| Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; |
| Have at least two years of experience in managing your own business or five years in a senior management role; |
| Have a minimum score of 5 in all categories for the Canadian Language Benchmark test; and |
| Complete an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation to apply. |
So, what now?
Liked what you have read about the fantastic province and the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP) and want to start your application for a MW Agents? sign up right here and we will call you about the application process. Get great Canadian immigration advice from our professionals.
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
