In a bid to better manage its limited economic immigration capacity and address critical labour market needs, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) have transitioned to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model.
This shift marks a significant change in how the province processes immigration applications, moving away from the traditional first-come, first-served approach to a more strategic, demand-driven system.
Here’s what you need to know about this new model and how it impacts prospective immigrants and employers.
What is the Expression of Interest Model?
The EOI model is a two-step process designed to prioritize immigration applications that align with the province’s economic and labour market needs. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest
Individuals interested in immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador must first submit a short form outlining key characteristics, such as their occupation, education, language proficiency, and willingness to reside in the province. This step allows the Provincial Government to assess applicants based on criteria that align with provincial priorities.
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
After reviewing the EOIs, the Provincial Government will invite select individuals to complete a full NLPNP or AIP application. This targeted approach ensures that immigration spaces are allocated strategically throughout the year, helping employers address labour shortages in critical sectors like health care and education.
What Happens to Applications Submitted Before the Change?
If you submitted an application before the transition to the EOI model, rest assured that your application remains valid in the Provincial Government’s Immigration Accelerator platform.
All individuals with active applications will be contacted regarding their next steps. Depending on the assessment of your application, you may either:
Move directly to the application process, or
Be prompted to submit an Expression of Interest.
The decision on whether an applicant bypasses the EOI step will be made on a case-by-case basis, using the same criteria applied to EOI assessments.
Why the Change?
The shift to an EOI model reflects the province’s need to manage the historic demand for immigration spaces while working within its limited capacity. In late 2024, the Provincial Government moved away from first-come, first-served processing to prioritize applications that best meet the province’s economic and labour market needs. The EOI model builds on this shift and aligns Newfoundland and Labrador with a system widely used across Canada.
What Does This Mean for Processing Times?
With the new model in place, processing times for applications may now take three months or more in some cases. While this represents a potential delay compared to previous timelines, the Provincial Government remains committed to providing excellent customer service and processing applications as efficiently as possible.
Updates for Employers
In January 2025, the Provincial Government announced a pause on the processing of Job Vacancy Assessments and AIP Designations for employers. This pause remains in effect, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks. Employers are encouraged to stay informed about any changes that may impact their ability to hire foreign workers.
Advocating for More Immigration Spaces
Newfoundland and Labrador currently have 2,525 economic immigration spaces for 2025, following the successful negotiation of an additional 1,000 spaces from the Federal Government. However, this capacity remains well below demand. The Provincial Government continues to advocate for further increases in economic immigration spaces to support the province’s economic growth and population goals.
Looking Ahead
As the Provincial Government continues to advocate for increased immigration spaces and refine its processes, Newfoundland and Labrador remains a welcoming destination for those looking to build a new life and contribute to its vibrant communities.
If you have questions about the new EOI model or your application status, contact us or Call/WhatsApp: +1 (306) 585-6565 for expert guidance on your immigration journey.