Newfoundland and Labrador Adopts New Immigration Intake Process

As of February 19, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has made significant changes to its immigration application process. Individuals seeking permanent residency through the province’s immigration programs can no longer apply directly. Instead, the province has introduced an online Expression of Interest (EOI) system for both the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

How the New EOI System Works
Under this new approach, candidates must first submit an EOI—a short form outlining their occupation, education, language skills, and commitment to living in Newfoundland and Labrador. The province will review these submissions and invite select candidates to apply for nomination under the PNP or for endorsement under the AIP. Only those who receive an invitation will be able to proceed with their application.

This change is designed to streamline the application process and focus on attracting skilled workers who meet the province’s labor market needs. By targeting sectors like healthcare and education, Newfoundland and Labrador aims to address critical workforce shortages.

Impact on Current Applications
For applicants who submitted their applications before the EOI system launch, the province will review these files individually. Some applications will move forward, while others may be returned to the EOI pool. Applicants will be notified of their status after a case-by-case evaluation.

Recent Changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration Programs
The province has recently introduced several changes to manage high demand for its limited immigration spaces. A surge in applications led to a shift from a first-come, first-serve model to priority processing, ensuring that spaces are allocated strategically to fill urgent labor market gaps. Additionally, the province paused the processing of Job Vacancy Assessments and AIP Designations earlier this year, reflecting a more cautious and deliberate approach to its immigration strategy.

Despite these measures, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to face challenges. In 2025, the number of provincial nomination allocations was cut in half. However, the province successfully negotiated an additional 1,000 economic immigration spaces with the federal government, along with commitments to accept 290 humanitarian immigrants. This brings the total allocation to 2,525 spots for 2025—still short of demand, prompting ongoing advocacy for further increases.

Looking Ahead
These recent changes underscore Newfoundland and Labrador’s evolving approach to immigration. With the new EOI system in place and ongoing efforts to secure more spaces, the province is working to create a more efficient and targeted immigration process while addressing its workforce needs.