Newfoundland and Labrador's Office of Immigration issued 62 invitations to candidates seeking provincial nomination on Sept. 18, part of the province's ongoing push to attract skilled workers to meet local labour needs.
How the latest draw breaks down
Of the 62 invitations, 61 were issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while a single invitation was extended under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The draws continue a steady flow of invitations across both programs through 2026.
As of Sept. 18, the province has issued a cumulative 2,654 invitations across these programs in 2026.
| Program | Invitations (Sept. 18, 2026) |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 61 |
| AIP | 1 |
Expression of Interest model and selection priorities
The province has operated an Expression of Interest (EOI) system since February 2025. Candidates enter a provincial candidate pool by creating and submitting an EOI profile, which remains active for 12 months. From that pool, the Office of Immigration selects candidates for invitation based on specified priorities.
According to provincial guidance, the selection process places weight on several local priorities, notably:
- employment outside major urban centres;
- employment in health care;
- completion of studies at a Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution.
Next steps for invited candidates
Invited candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for nomination under the NLPNP or an endorsement under the AIP. Those who secure provincial nomination or endorsement may then apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.
The province also highlights a practical service for invitees: a "Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation" option, intended to help candidates understand work-permit pathways while their permanent residence applications progress.
Federal measure affecting PNP applicants
On June 9, 2026, the federal government introduced a temporary measure affecting nominees applying for permanent residence through a base PNP pathway. The measure allows eligible nominees to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit months sooner than under previous timelines, potentially shortening the period between provincial nomination and the ability to work while awaiting a final federal decision.
That adjustment may be especially meaningful for employers and communities eager to retain newly arrived skilled workers.
What this means for the province
With an aging population and persistent labour gaps in sectors such as health care and rural services, immigration remains a central plank of provincial workforce planning. The targeted EOI system allows the province to steer invitations toward candidates most likely to fill urgent positions and settle in communities that need them.
For prospective applicants, the mechanics are straightforward but time-sensitive: register an EOI, keep the profile up to date, and be prepared to submit a full application within the 60-day window if invited.
For employers and community leaders, the steady stream of invitations this year — more than 2,600 so far — offers both relief and a reminder to stay engaged with provincial immigration pathways to help match jobs with newcomers ready to make Newfoundland and Labrador their home.
