Newfoundland and Labrador Invites Hundreds Under PNP and AIP Amid Shifting Immigration Priorities

Newfoundland and Labrador recently held an immigration draw, issuing 231 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under both the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This event highlights the province's ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers to the region, despite national adjustments to immigration allocations.

Key Takeaways

• Newfoundland and Labrador issued 231 ITAs in its latest immigration draw.

• The draw included candidates for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

• The province has a remaining allocation of 375 PNP spots and 101 AIP spots for the rest of the year.

• Atlantic provinces are prioritizing specific sectors for the AIP in 2025.

Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Draw

On August 13, Newfoundland and Labrador extended 231 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to immigration candidates. Of these, 180 were issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), and 51 were issued under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This brings the total ITAs issued by the province so far in 2025 to 1,675 for the NLPNP and 374 for the AIP.

Despite a reduction in the province's overall economic immigration allocation for 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador secured an additional 1,000 nomination spaces for its PNP, bringing its total to 2,050. The AIP allocation remained steady at 475 spots. Consequently, the province has 375 PNP nomination spaces and 101 AIP spaces remaining for the remainder of the year.

Transition to Expression of Interest System

This draw marks the seventh since Newfoundland and Labrador implemented a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system in February 2025. Previously operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the province transitioned to an EOI model to manage a surge in demand. Under this system, candidates submit an EOI detailing their qualifications, and the province issues ITAs to those who best meet program criteria and labor market needs.

Atlantic Immigration Program Priorities

Across Canada's Atlantic provinces, there's a strategic focus on specific sectors for the AIP in 2025 due to reduced allocations. Generally, candidates in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing may find an advantage.

• Prince Edward Island: Prioritizes healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.

• Nova Scotia: Focuses on healthcare and social assistance, and construction. Exceptions are made for trucking, science and technology, clean energy, and resource development.

• Newfoundland and Labrador: Emphasizes specific occupations in healthcare, information and communication technology (ICT), and agriculture. Notable healthcare roles include various physician specialties, Nurse Practitioner, and Licensed Practical Nurse. ICT roles span engineers, developers, and technical specialists. The aquaculture sector also has prioritized positions.

• New Brunswick: Has paused its AIP for the remainder of 2025 after reaching its allocation.

The AIP is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence, requiring a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating Atlantic provinces. Unlike PNPs, AIP candidates can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residence and may obtain a temporary work permit while their application is processed.

Sources

• Newfoundland and Labrador invites candidates under the PNP and the AIP, CIC News.

• Atlantic Immigration Program: What candidates are Canada’s Atlantic provinces prioritizing for immigration in2025?, CIC News.