Newfoundland and Labrador Introduces Online Expression of Interest System for Provincial Immigration Pathways

As of February 19, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has implemented a significant shift in how foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency through the province’s immigration programs. The provincial government has replaced the direct application process for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) with an online Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

New EOI System: A Two-Step Process for Applicants

Under this newly established system, foreign nationals must first submit an Expression of Interest, which is a brief form that captures essential details about their background and qualifications. This includes key information such as:

• Occupation
• Education
• Language proficiency
• Willingness to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador

The provincial government will assess all EOIs received and invite candidates who align with the province’s labor market needs and immigration priorities to proceed with their application for a provincial nomination or an AIP endorsement.

Foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply directly for nomination or endorsement without receiving an invitation to apply first. This change is designed to streamline the immigration process, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are selected based on the province’s labor shortages, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and education.

Impact on Ongoing Applications and Processing Times

For those who had previously submitted applications before the introduction of the new EOI system, Newfoundland and Labrador will conduct a review of all in-progress cases. Some applicants may have their files advanced to the application stage, while others will be returned to the EOI pool for further consideration. The province has stated that each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and applicants will be contacted with updates on their status.

Applicants should expect processing times to increase under the new system, with the NLPNP advising that some applications could take three months or longer to process. However, the province is optimistic that this approach will ensure that immigration spaces are used more strategically, aligning with the province’s specific workforce needs.

Streamlined Approach to Immigration

The introduction of the EOI system is part of the province’s ongoing effort to manage the high demand for immigration more effectively. With the new system, candidates will be considered based on their qualifications and their ability to fill critical roles in Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy.

Though the AIP is still handled by the federal government for permanent residence processing, applicants for the NLPNP must receive provincial nomination before submitting their federal application for permanent residency. For applicants in Express Entry-aligned streams, candidates must keep their Express Entry profile active and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to proceed with federal processing.

NLPNP and AIP Changes Reflect Growing Demand for Immigration

The changes come as part of a broader shift in Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration strategy. In late 2024, the provincial government moved from a first-come, first-served model for immigration applications to a more prioritized processing system, recognizing the increased demand for immigration spaces and the need for strategic allocations.

Additionally, in January 2025, the NLPNP paused the processing of Job Vacancy Assessments and AIP Designations for employers. This pause remains in effect as the province continues to refine its immigration process. Further updates on this will be provided in the coming months.

Despite these adjustments, the demand for immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador still outpaces available spaces. The province successfully negotiated with the federal government to secure an additional 1,000 economic immigration spots for 2025, alongside the acceptance of 290 new humanitarian immigrants over the next two years. These adjustments bring the total provincial immigrant nomination allocation to 2,525 for 2025, though the NLPNP maintains that this number is still insufficient to meet the demand.

The Future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration Pathways

The new EOI system marks a major shift in how Newfoundland and Labrador selects immigrants, aligning with the province’s broader strategy to address labor shortages and prioritize applications that meet its economic needs. While processing times may increase, the provincial government believes the new process will lead to more effective immigration management and better alignment with the province’s workforce requirements.

However, with the demand for immigration continuing to grow, the NLPNP has expressed ongoing concerns about the need for additional immigration spaces, urging both provincial and federal governments to take further steps to address the issue.

As this new system continues to evolve, prospective immigrants to Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they meet all criteria before submitting their EOIs to avoid delays or missed opportunities.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!