Immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador

Calmness and beauty might be two reasons that can persuade anyone to choose a city or province as a place to live. The same criteria that Newfoundland and Labrador offer at their best. A province where every part is a blend of untouched nature, wonderful people, and exemplary tranquility. But we all know that immigration isn’t a decision to be taken lightly; every aspect needs to be examined. This article is where your concerns and questions about moving to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador will be addressed.

However, before anything else, it’s important to remember that immigrants are vital for the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, and immigration has always been crucial for the development of this province. You could even go further and say that immigration has shaped the identity of this province.

So! After that good news, let’s take a look at all aspects of moving to this province.

Introducing the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

Living in Newfoundland and Labrador is a unique experience. It’s the easternmost province of Canada and one of the Atlantic provinces, with its own distinct English accent, and locals are known for their friendly and warm demeanor. The cost of living in this province is lower than in most major cities in Canada, averaging about CAD 1,863 for an individual considering rent. This cost for a family of four is around CAD 4,348.

In this province, there are many opportunities to enjoy a rich culture and unique nature. When it comes to the culture of Newfoundland, it’s significant that it’s home to the oldest living culture in North America, the Beothuk people. Immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador will bring you plenty of opportunities to learn and gain new experiences.

So whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live or want to experience life in a relatively small community, Newfoundland and Labrador is an excellent choice! Of course, like anywhere else in the world, there are downsides that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Advantages of immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador

Low cost of living

Cultural diversity

Wide demand for immigrant labor

Disadvantages of immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador

Harsh weather conditions

Weak public transportation system

Lack of vibrant activity compared to big cities

How can I immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Let’s get straight to the point. There are 6 immigration programs available for moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, and one of them might be right for you. These categories include:

1. Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker Program

2. Newfoundland and Labrador Skilled Worker Program

3. International Graduates Program

Entrepreneurial programs in Newfoundland and Labrador:

4. International Entrepreneur Program

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur Program

6. Atlantic Immigration Program

1. What is the Express Entry Skilled Worker category?

The Express Entry Skilled Worker category for Newfoundland and Labrador is a pathway to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador, allowing those who have been accepted into the IRCC Express Entry pool and have a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as those intending to settle permanently in the province, to benefit from it.

If your documents are complete, the federal government will review your application in six months or less. This timeframe is great compared to the federal Express Entry processing time, which usually takes about 12 months

What are the requirements for the Express Entry Skilled Worker program in the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program?

You’re a candidate in Canada’s Express Entry. Therefore, you can obtain permanent residence in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Skilled Worker aligned with Express Entry. To be eligible for this category, you must meet the following conditions:

You have been accepted into the IRCC Express Entry pool and received a valid Express Entry code.

You have a full-time job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.

You intend to settle permanently in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

You either hold a valid IRCC work permit or are eligible to apply for one.

You have a diploma or higher qualification.

You have demonstrated your intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.

You have provided an acceptable language score.

And finally, you can score at least 67 points out of 100 on the PNP points assessment grid.

 

Who is not eligible for the skilled worker express entry category?

You haven’t been accepted into the express entry pool.

You scored less than 67 out of 100 in the points assessment.

You have applied for asylum from the federal government.

You can’t provide the requested PNP documents.

You can’t prove that your intention to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador is serious.

You can’t demonstrate your financial capacity.

You or any of your family members have a criminal record.

You have child custody issues.

You provided incorrect information.

2. Skilled Worker Category

The Newfoundland and Labrador skilled worker program is for international skilled workers and immigrants who have skills necessary for the province’s job market. If you’re applying for this category, you need to have a guaranteed job offer from a local employer or currently be working in the province with a valid work permit.

In this category, employers must demonstrate that they need your skills and that this need cannot be met through the local labor market.

What is the application review process in the skilled worker category?

Step 1: Referral to an officer

It takes 1 to 3 days: Once you submit your application, it will be received by the immigration department and assigned to an immigration officer for evaluation. If you submitted your application electronically, you will receive an email when your application is assigned to an officer, and you will also see the updated status of your case on your online dashboard.

Step 2: Review

Days 4 to 20: The immigration officer will review your case. During this stage, you will also receive an email, and your dashboard will be updated.

Step 3: Assessment and final decision

Days 21 to 25: Your case will be assessed and a final decision will be made. You will be informed after your application is approved or rejected.

You are a skilled worker applicant from Newfoundland and Labrador. Under this method, you meet the following conditions:

You have a permanent job offer for full-time work from an employer in Newfoundland.

You are between 21 and 59 years old.

You have the financial means to live in this province.

You can prove that you intend to settle permanently in this province.

You can provide an acceptable score in English or French.

You have a clean criminal record.

3. International Graduate Category in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Newfoundland Graduate Program is for international students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada. Graduate certificate programs and one-year programs require a previous degree or diploma to be eligible. If your job offer is in NOC TEER 4 within Canada’s job categories, you must have a CLB 4 level.

I am an international graduate from a Canadian university. Do I need a job offer in my field of study for the NLPNP international graduate program?

If you are a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or the College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland (CNA), you do not need to work in your field of study. However, your job cannot fall under the NOC TEER 5 category.

In general, it should be noted that applicants are allowed to have a position that is not directly related to their field of study, provided that the applicant is a graduate of Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic and the applicant’s job position meets all of the following criteria:

It requires a diploma or post-secondary education.

It falls under NOC with TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.

It leads to career advancement for the applicant.

It must be at least one year, full-time, and eligible for extension.

The job offer must be in a field in which the applicant has experience and training in the past 5 years.

What are the conditions for the International Graduate Category in Newfoundland and Labrador?

You are applying to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador through the International Graduates Program. To qualify for this pathway, you need to meet the following conditions:

You have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and your work permit is valid for at least 4 months at the time of your application for the provincial program.

You have a full-time job offer from an employer based in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Your job offer falls under NOC with TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, or a position in NOC TEER 4, provided that this job is in demand.

Your job offer guarantees you at least 30 hours of work per week.

You meet the NOC employment requirements code for that job.

You are between 21 and 59 years old.

You can prove your intention to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.

You have the financial means to live in Newfoundland and Labrador.

You provide an acceptable score in English or French language proficiency.

If you completed your education at a recognized institution outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, your job or job offer is directly related to your field of study.

If you graduated from a university outside the province, you should have at least one year of relevant work experience in your field.

4. International Entrepreneur Category

This program is for those who wish to immigrate to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador through entrepreneurship. You are applying to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador through the International Entrepreneur Program. In this category, you need to meet the following conditions:

You must be between 21 and 59 years old.

You have a net worth of at least CAD 600,000.

You have scored a minimum of 72 out of 120 on the Expression of Interest (EOI) assessment table.

You either invest at least CAD 200,000 or own 33.3% of a business or have invested CAD 1 million.

You must have at least two years of active management or business ownership experience in the past five years.

Alternatively, you could have five years of senior management experience in business in the last ten years.

You have a business plan.

You have at least a high school diploma.

You intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.

You must create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Before starting or buying a business, you need to visit the province.

Here’s how this category works:

The first step is to make sure you qualify for the International Entrepreneur Program. Then, you’ll need to complete an online expression of interest. If you’re successful, you’ll receive an invitation to apply from the province’s immigration office. Next, you have to prepare the necessary documents, including a business establishment plan, and submit your application. If your application is approved, you can use your provincial nomination to apply for permanent residency with the Federal Immigration Office of Canada, IRCC.

5. What are the requirements for the International Graduate Entrepreneur Program?

You must be at least 21 years old. You need to submit a business plan along with supporting financial documents. You must have graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in the past two years. You should have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). You need a minimum CLB score of 7. You must have at least one year of management experience in a business where you own at least one-third of it in the province. You need to create at least one full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Read more about Newfoundland’s entrepreneurship programs: Investing in Newfoundland and Labrador

6. What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a joint initiative between the Government of Canada and four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) allows Atlantic employers to hire qualified candidates for roles they have been unable to fill locally.

As an applicant for this program, you can live outside the country or be temporarily in Canada, but you must have a job offer from an employer before applying or need to be hired by an employer.

To immigrate to Atlantic Canada through this program, you must meet one of these two conditions: You have recently graduated from a recognized university in Atlantic Canada or you are a skilled worker.

What is the cost of immigrating to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador?

Skilled Worker Express Entry Category: CAD 250

Skilled Worker Category: CAD 250

International Graduates Category: Free

International Entrepreneur Category: CAD 1,000

International Graduate Entrepreneur Program: CAD 250

What advantages does immigration through the NLPNP provincial immigration program have for me?

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) allows the province to nominate applicants who meet certain criteria for permanent residency. The NLPNP offers the following benefits:

An efficient immigration process for qualified skilled workers, international graduates, and their families who want to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fast processing times compared to federal programs.

Newfoundland and Labrador can nominate up to 1,050 people annually through the NLPNP, via the skilled worker category, international graduates, and skilled workers through Express Entry.

Access to the province’s pristine and diverse job market.

An immigrant-friendly community that considers immigration part of its culture.

The importance of immigration for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

Immigration is a significant opportunity for the economic, social, cultural, and demographic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador. This province has the lowest birth rate in Canada and the highest average age. It is projected that by 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador will experience a 10% reduction in its workforce due to a shortage of 35,000 workers.

Immigrants fill the gaps in the province’s job market and also create job opportunities that are crucial for local residents.

Working immigrants positively contribute to provincial tax revenue, helping prevent rising costs in public services.

Immigrants bring diverse experiences and backgrounds to the province, leading to new ways to tackle local challenges.

Immigration helps attract young people from around the world to bring diverse perspectives, talents, and skills to the province’s job market.

Why does Newfoundland and Labrador need immigrants?

Today, Newfoundland and Labrador are experiencing significant demographic changes. For example:

With 1.37 children per woman, this province has the lowest fertility rate in Canada. The fertility rate in Canada is about 2.1, which is essential for maintaining a healthy population balance. Provincial population forecasts indicate that more young people seeking lifestyle changes may leave the province for work, education, or to live in other parts of Canada. The death rate in Newfoundland and Labrador exceeds the number of births. The average age in this province is 45 years, the highest average age in Canada. It is expected that this trend will continue for the next 20 years. This will lead to a 13% decrease in people aged 20 to 59 by 2025, while the number of residents over 60 will increase by about 27%.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for immigration?

No. You do not need to hire a lawyer or immigration consultant to go through the immigration application process. If you use a consultant or lawyer, your application will not receive any special attention or guaranteed approval. However, keep in mind that qualified consultants, with a thorough understanding of immigration laws and how they apply to your case, can help you with your visa application. The deeper the consultant’s knowledge of immigration laws, the stronger the application they can help build, which aids in achieving a positive outcome.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for immigration?

No. You do not need to hire a lawyer or immigration consultant to go through the immigration application process. If you use a consultant or lawyer, your application will not receive any special attention or guaranteed approval. However, keep in mind that qualified consultants, with a thorough understanding of immigration laws and how they apply to your case, can help you with your visa application. The deeper the consultant’s knowledge of immigration laws, the stronger the application they can help build, which aids in achieving a positive outcome.

What should I consider before applying?

Carefully review all the requirements for the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP, prepare and complete your application, and submit your documents. The majority of immigrants applying for immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador are primarily focused on relocating to St. John’s. Immigrants can explore other ideal destinations through the NLPNP, as moving to any city in the province is significantly easier. Immigrants can discover small towns, villages, and various communities that offer strong safety standards, modern amenities, and a pleasant environment. With the help of an RCIC immigration consultant, the entire immigration process can be navigated.

Studying in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Memorial University, as the only university in Newfoundland and Labrador, chose this name to honor those who died in World War I. This university is gaining attention from students worldwide due to its high-quality education.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. To be eligible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you must have a full-time job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Through this job, you need to work full-time, meaning at least 30 hours a week.

If you’re looking to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador through entrepreneurship programs, you can apply for the NLPNP without a job offer. However, you need to show your intention to start a new business or acquire ownership rights in an existing business in Newfoundland and Labrador. You’ll be required to submit an approved business plan from a qualified third-party source and show that you have enough funds to invest in your business venture.

All job offers under the NLPNP must meet the following conditions:

They must have at least the possibility of an extension for two years from an eligible employer in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Salary and benefits need to be provided as a package and must comply with labor standards and commonly accepted wage rates.

Contractual or local jobs that are generally short-term and last less than twelve months are not eligible for the NLPNP.

All job offers under the Atlantic AIP must meet the following conditions:

The job or job offer must be a genuine, non-seasonal, full-time job for employees coming to Atlantic Canada through this program.

The proposed salary for jobs under this program must fall within the wage range for that specific job in the designated area of Newfoundland and Labrador as set by the federal government.

You can have a job offer in any field. Employers must first prove that a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen can’t fill the position unless the job is on a list of occupations currently exempt from the provincial labor market impact assessment.

Other priority and demand sectors in the province include:

Healthcare

Technology

Aquaculture

Agriculture

Tourism industry

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program is an economic immigration program designed to assist skilled workers and their families to come, live, and work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

No. The processing time for immigration to Newfoundland through Canada’s express entry system is much quicker, with 80% of permanent residence applicants being processed in less than six months.

The application fee for the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial nomination program is CAD 250.

67 points out of 100

In addition, Express Entry Skilled Worker applicants must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the PNP points assessment grid.

Once the provincial government issues a nomination and an invitation for you, it takes about six months or more to get your permanent residency.

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report by an independent company that reviews and evaluates the education of individuals who studied outside of Canada. This report verifies the validity of your foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or other credentials.

If you don’t have Canadian education and are applying under one of the following categories, an ECA is required:

NLPNP Express Entry under the same Newfoundland and Labrador provincial immigration program via Express Entry

AIP, or the Atlantic Immigration Program

Yes. You need to have completed at least half of your education in Canada and graduated from a qualified Canadian college or university. You must provide proof of graduation from a Canadian university along with your application.

If you hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and graduated from a college or university outside Newfoundland and Labrador but within Canada, you must have worked in your field of study before applying to be eligible.

When you are nominated through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) or approved through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you and your family members are eligible for language training through the Association for New Canadians (ANC) or the Federation of Francophones of Newfoundland and Labrador (COMPAS).

When an NLPNP file is complete (you have submitted all required documents for your application) and assigned to an immigration officer, a decision on your case will be made within 25 business days.

If you included family members as dependents in your permanent residency application, you can bring them with you to Canada. Your dependents cannot enter Canada before you; they must come with you or after you.

 

Depending on the program you’re applying for, you and any family member aged 18 or older may need to obtain a criminal record check.

The age limit for dependent children is 22, provided they are under 22 and do not have a spouse or partner.

If you lose your job during the application process, you must notify the immigration officer responsible for your case about any changes in your employers or job status.

You must immediately contact the provincial government via email at immigration@gov.nl.ca, or by phone at 1.709.729.6607, or speak directly to your immigration officer. If there are changes in your job status before you receive permanent residency approval from IRCC, your nomination and permanent residency application may be canceled.

Yes, a minimum of CLB 4 is required in all four categories.

General IELTS test

CELPIP test

French language skills Test d’évaluation de français

If you are proficient in both English and French, decide which language is more comfortable for you to use. You only need to demonstrate your proficiency in your first official language.

 

Yes, you can apply for the NLPNP without a job offer. However, you must show your intention to start a new business or acquire ownership rights in an existing business in Newfoundland and Labrador. You will be asked to submit a business plan approved by a professional third party and show that you have sufficient funds to invest in your business venture.

You can apply under the following streams:

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

International Entrepreneur Stream

 
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