If you’re looking to start a new life in Canada and have your heart set on moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can help you jump-start the immigration process.
Based on different eligibility requirements, the program can nominate you to gain entry to Canada and move to the province.
We’ll break down the different eligibility criteria of the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP program to help you get started on the process.
What Is the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nomination Program?
The Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nomination Program (NLPNP) is a province-specific immigration program that nominates individuals for Canadian permanent residency.
It helps the province meet its economic and demographic goals.
The NLPNP has five categories: skilled worker, express entry skilled worker, international graduate, entrepreneur, and graduate entrepreneur. Each category has different eligibility requirements.
Typically, these programs include specific eligibility that depends on your occupation. The Canadian government divides occupations into five categories: Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, Skill Level B, Skill Level C, and Skill Level D.
You should determine which occupational classification you fall into to help you assess your eligibility. The Canadian government breaks down each category here.
Once you’ve determined which NOC you fall into, read on to find the right entry program.
Express entry skilled worker
The Express Entry Skilled Worker stream is for skilled workers of National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B who have a guaranteed, full-time job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Because this stream is aligned with Express Entry, you must be accepted into the Express Entry pool before applying to the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream.
Additional requirements include:
- Scoring a minimum of 67 points on the NLPNP point assessment grid.
- One year of continuous, full-time paid work experience in the career field you are applying for.
- Completion of post-secondary education, training, and/or apprenticeship programs required for work.
- Demonstrating English or French proficiency through an approved language exam, such as the IELTS.
- Candidates must demonstrate that they are financially stable enough to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The ability to demonstrate intent to live and work permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- A job offer supported by a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada, unless your occupation is listed as exempt.
Skilled worker
The skilled worker stream is the most popular NLNP stream because experienced workers of all NOC skill levels are eligible to apply.
To qualify for this program, you must have a valid job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
Language requirements for the Skilled Worker stream depend on the NOC of the position you are applying for. If your job is classified as NOC 0, A, or B, you are not required to have any language proficiency.
However, suppose your job is classified as NOC C or D. In that case, you must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 4 in all language categories (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
You must verify whether or not your job offer requires the completion of a language proficiency exam.
Unlike the Express Entry program, there are no specific education, work experience, or fund requirements for this stream. You are eligible to apply if you have a valid job offer and the required language proficiency (if needed).
International graduate
The International graduate category of the NLPNP is for recent international graduates of Canadian institutions who have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and want to pursue a career in Canada.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a recent graduate from an approved Canadian educational institution.
- Have completed at least half of your degree in Canada.
- Have a full-time job offer from a designated employer in Newfoundland and Labrador in your field of study.
- Demonstrate proficiency with an approved language test if you are NOC Skill Level C or D.
- Your program of study must be at least 2 academic years in duration.
- When applying, you must have at least 6 months remaining on your Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International entrepreneur category
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program’s international entrepreneur stream is for business owners who want to live in Newfoundland and Labrador and run a business in the province.
Before applying to the international entrepreneur stream, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to the PNP’s online portal.
Your EOI profile is then entered into a pool of eligible candidates. If you are invited to apply, you will be asked to submit a complete application, including all required supporting documents.
A complete application includes proof of:
- A minimum net worth of CAD 600,000 and the intention to make a minimum investment of CAD 200,000.
- Education (completion of high school is the minimum requirement).
- Two years of experience in owning and managing a business or five years in a senior business management role.
- Proficiency in English or French. You’ll have to demonstrate a language benchmark score of 5 in all four language categories (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Audit Reports and a business plan that demonstrates value to the province.
If your application meets these requirements, the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will schedule you for an interview. Then, your file will be revised by the Selection Committee.
Once approved, you will be asked to sign a Business Performance Agreement detailing your business plan and investment before receiving a work permit authorization letter.
International graduate entrepreneur
The international graduate entrepreneur program is for recent graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland and College of the North Atlantic who have started a business or are in the process of starting a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through the NLPNP Online Portal. If their Expression of Interest is selected, they will be invited to apply to the NLNP.
To be eligible for this program, you must:
- Have completed a post-secondary educational program of at least two years in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Have owned a business for at least one year in the province.
- Receive a minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test in all four categories (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
- Possess a two-year educational credential completed within 2 years of submitting your Expression of Interest.
- Maintain at least one-third ownership of your business.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Another popular immigration pathway to Newfoundland and Labrador is by applying for residency in the Atlantic provinces.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program is a fast-track immigration program for skilled workers and international graduates interested in living in one of the four Atlantic provinces – Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island.
The program creates opportunities for immigration by connecting two parties: employers and prospective employees.
Applicants are eligible for job offers from employers in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
After enrolling in the program, employers can recruit international employees and graduates who meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Applicants must have a valid job offer in hand before they can apply to the AIPP. The job offer must be for at least one year and meet the NOC 0, A, or B level.
Depending on their NOC class, applicants may have to prove language proficiency by passing an approved language test. NOC class will also determine the educational level applicants must have completed.
Applicants will also have to demonstrate proof of funds or the ability to support and sustain themselves financially. The required amount is dependent on the size of the applicant’s family.
Make your move to Newfoundland and Labrador easy
If you’re interested in moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, the PNP Program is a great way to make that happen. Be sure to explore other resources, tips, and guides to help you make the move.
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