Newfoundland and Labrador Invites 36 Candidates in Latest PNP Draw

Newfoundland and Labrador has issued 36 invitations to apply for provincial nomination in its latest immigration draw.

The draw was held on September 10, 2026, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP). Candidates who received invitations may now move forward with their applications for provincial nomination and, if successful, continue toward Canadian permanent residence (PR).

36 Invitations Issued Through the NLPNP

The Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) issued all 36 invitations through the NLPNP in this round.

No invitations were issued under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in the September 10 draw.

Candidates who received an invitation have 60 days to submit their application for provincial nomination.

This was the third draw since Newfoundland and Labrador introduced its Expression of Interest (EOI) system in February 2025 in which no AIP invitations were issued.

Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Draws in 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador has conducted several immigration draws throughout 2026.

As of September 10, 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador had issued a total of 2,592 invitations through its two provincial immigration programs.

This included:

• 2,198 invitations through the NLPNP
• 394 invitations through the Atlantic Immigration Program

The provincial immigration office does not normally disclose the specific NLPNP streams under which candidates were invited or the employment sectors of the selected candidates.

How the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Works

Foreign nationals who want to obtain permanent residence through the NLPNP must first submit an Expression of Interest through Newfoundland and Labrador's Immigration Accelerator Portal.

The EOI profile collects information about the candidate, including:

• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Intention to live and settle in Newfoundland and Labrador

Candidates applying through worker streams are also required to have a qualifying job offer.

The province reviews EOI profiles and selects candidates based on its current labour market and immigration priorities.

Which Candidates May Receive Priority?

Newfoundland and Labrador may give priority to candidates who meet specific provincial needs.

This can include:

• Healthcare professionals
• Candidates working outside major urban areas
• French-speaking applicants
• Graduates of Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions
  
  

The province may also consider other factors when deciding which EOI candidates to invite.

Receiving an invitation does not automatically result in permanent residence. Candidates must first successfully obtain a provincial nomination and then complete the required federal permanent residence process.

Easier BOWP Access for Some Provincial Nominees

A federal temporary measure introduced on June 9, 2026 has also made it easier for certain provincial nominees to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

Under the measure, some applicants applying for permanent residence through a base Provincial Nominee Program may qualify to apply for a BOWP before receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for their permanent residence application.

Applicants who remain in Canada and submit an eligible BOWP application may also be able to continue working under maintained status if their existing work permit expires while their application is being processed, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

Permanent Residence Processing Times

As of September 4, 2026, the reported processing times were:

Processing times are estimates and can change depending on application volumes and other factors.

How Long Does an EOI Stay Valid?

An Expression of Interest submitted to Newfoundland and Labrador remains active in the pool for 12 months.

If a candidate does not receive an invitation before the profile expires, they will need to submit a new EOI to be considered in future provincial selection rounds.

What This Draw Means for Candidates

The September 10 draw shows that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to select candidates through its provincial immigration program based on the province's labour market and settlement priorities.

Candidates interested in the NLPNP should ensure that their EOI profile is accurate and up to date and that they meet the requirements of the immigration pathway they are applying under.

Those with qualifying employment, strong language skills, local education, healthcare experience, French-language ability, or employment outside larger urban centres may have characteristics that align with some of the province's stated immigration priorities.