Newfoundland and Labrador Issues First Invitations Through New EOI System – New Brunswick Holds Multiple Draws

By Sanjay Prasher, RCICCanadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting Inc. (CTIV)

Newfoundland and Labrador’s First EOI-Based Draw: What You Need to Know

Newfoundland and Labrador has taken a major step in reshaping its immigration system by issuing its first-ever invitations through its newly launched Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

Key Highlights of the April 8, 2025 Draw

• Total invitations issued: 256

• Breakdown:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP): 206

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 50 

• Priority given to:

  • Candidates with full-time job offers in high-demand roles

  • Applicants already living in the province

  • Those with job offers in rural and remote communities

  • International graduates from Newfoundland and Labrador institutions 

How the New EOI System Works

Since February 19, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has transitioned from a first-come, first-served model to a two-step EOI process:

1. Submit an EOI – Candidates outline their skills, work experience, and intent to settle in the province.

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – Only selected candidates can proceed with a full application .

This shift ensures that immigration aligns with local labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, education, and skilled trades

New Brunswick’s Latest PNP Draws Target Key Sectors

New Brunswick has also been active, conducting multiple draws in early April 2025, focusing on retaining skilled workers and addressing labor gaps.

April 7-8, 2025 Draw (432 Invitations)

• Streams Targeted:

  • NB Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Experience

  • NB Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates

• Priority Occupations:

  • Healthcare

  • Education & Social Services

  • Construction Trades

  • IT, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation

• Special Consideration: Candidates with work permits expiring in 2025 were prioritized 

April 9, 2025 Draw (45 Invitations)

• Stream: NB Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick

• Eligibility:

  • 12+ months of full-time work with a New Brunswick employer

  • Job offers in healthcare, education, or construction trades 

What These PNP Changes Mean for Immigrants

1. Newfoundland and Labrador’s Strategic Shift

• The EOI system ensures better alignment with labor needs.

• Processing times may now take 3+ months, but the process is more transparent 

• Job offers remain crucial, especially in rural areas.

2. New Brunswick’s Focus on Retention

• The province is prioritizing candidates already contributing to its economy.

• Express Entry-aligned streams offer faster PR pathways (6 months vs. 21 months for base streams).

Next Steps for Applicants

✅ Newfoundland and Labrador Candidates:

• Submit an EOI via the Immigration Accelerator .

• Ensure your profile highlights in-demand skills and local job offers.

New Brunswick Candidates:

• If you’re already working in NB, check if you qualify for the NB Experience or Graduate streams.

• Express Entry candidates should optimize their CRS scores for enhanced nomination chances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)?

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island. Applicants must secure a job offer from a designated employer in the region17.

2. How does the Expression of Interest (EOI) system work for Newfoundland and Labrador?

The EOI system allows candidates to submit their profiles outlining skills, experience, and intent to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador. Selected candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) based on provincial labor needs, particularly in healthcare, education, and skilled trades4.

3. What is the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)?

The NLPNP is a provincial immigration program that nominates individuals with skills and experience aligned with Newfoundland and Labrador’s labor market needs. It includes streams for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs2.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)?

Eligibility for NBPNP varies by stream but typically includes having a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer, relevant work experience, education credentials, and language proficiency. Certain streams prioritize candidates already working in New Brunswick or those with ties to the province24.

5. How can I apply for permanent residency through the AIP?

To apply for permanent residency through the AIP:

• Secure a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.

• Develop a settlement plan with a recognized service provider.

• Obtain provincial endorsement from the province where you will work.

• Submit your PR application with supporting documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)17.

6. What are the key benefits of choosing AIP over PNP?

• No CRS Ranking Needed: AIP does not require competing in the Express Entry pool, making it accessible to more candidates.

• Simplified Process: AIP has fewer eligibility requirements compared to PNPs.

• Work Permit Opportunity: Applicants can start working while waiting for PR approval through AIP4.

7. How can Sanjay Prasher help as an immigration consultant?

Sanjay Prasher is an expert RCIC specializing in provincial nominee programs like NLPNP and NBPNP, as well as pathways like AIP. He provides personalized consultations to assess eligibility, optimize applications, and navigate complex immigration processes efficiently36.

8. Why is provincial endorsement important for AIP applications?

Provincial endorsement certifies that your job offer meets regional labor needs and ensures alignment with settlement plans. This endorsement is mandatory for submitting your PR application under the AIP7.

9. What are priority occupations under NLPNP and NBPNP?

Priority occupations often include roles in healthcare, education, construction trades, IT, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation sectors24.

10. How can I book a consultation with Sanjay Prasher?

You can book a consultation by contacting Canadian Title Immigration and Visa Consulting Inc., where Sanjay Prasher offers tailored advice on provincial immigration programs like NLPNP, NBPNP, and AIP36.

Final Thoughts

With federal PNP allocations cut by 50% in 2025, provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick are becoming more selective. However, strategic applicants with in-demand skills or local work experience still have strong pathways to Canadian PR.

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