Newfoundland and Labrador Conducts New Draw, Issues 190 ITAs Across Key Programs

May 4, 2026
CIC News Update
Canada, NLPNP, PNP
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Newfoundland and Labrador has continued its steady immigration activity in 2026, conducting a new provincial selection round on May 1 and extending invitations to 190 candidates seeking to settle in the province. This latest round reflects both a strategic focus on labour market needs and an ongoing adjustment in invitation volumes compared to earlier draws this year.

Also Read Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 190 ITAs in Latest Immigration Round

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Majority of Invitations Issued Through NLPNP

The May 1 selection round saw most invitations issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while a smaller share was allocated under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Breakdown of invitations:

NLPNP: 157 invitations
AIP: 33 invitations

This means that approximately 82.6% of all invitations were issued via the NLPNP, continuing the province’s strong reliance on its primary provincial immigration pathway.

Unlike several other Canadian provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador does not disclose the specific NLPNP streams targeted in each draw, leaving applicants without stream-specific selection insights.

Lowest Invitation Count Recorded in 2026 So Far

The May 1 draw marks the smallest selection round held by the province this year. It also reinforces a noticeable downward trend in invitation numbers across successive draws in 2026.

At the same time, invitations under the AIP have remained relatively stable in recent rounds, with exactly 33 candidates invited in both of the latest draws.

Comparison With Previous 2026 Draws

A look at earlier rounds this year highlights how invitation numbers have gradually declined:

April 13, 2026: 210 invitations
- NLPNP: 177
- AIP: 33
March 30, 2026: 245 invitations
- NLPNP: 209
- AIP: 36
March 6, 2026: 445 invitations
- NLPNP: 362
- AIP: 83

This consistent reduction suggests a more selective approach by the province as the year progresses.

Total Invitations in 2026 Cross 1,000 Mark

From January 1 to May 1, Newfoundland and Labrador has issued a total of 1,090 invitations across both programs.

NLPNP: 905 invitations (83%)
AIP: 185 invitations (17%)

The data confirms that the NLPNP remains the dominant pathway for immigration candidates entering the province.

Significant Increase Compared to 2025

Immigration activity in 2026 has surged compared to the same period in 2025. During the first four months of 2025, the province conducted only one draw:

April 3, 2025: 256 invitations
- NLPNP: 206
- AIP: 50

By contrast, 2026 has already seen multiple draws and a total of 1,090 invitations issued within the same timeframe, representing a 325.8% increase year-over-year. This sharp rise reflects Newfoundland and Labrador’s intensified efforts to address labour shortages and population needs through immigration.

Expression of Interest System Continues to Drive Selection

Both the NLPNP and AIP currently operate under an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, introduced in February 2025 to streamline candidate selection.

To be considered, applicants must first submit an EOI profile detailing:

Work experience and occupation
Educational qualifications
Language proficiency
Intent to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador

For most streams under both programs, candidates are required to have a valid job offer from an eligible employer in the province.

The province’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism evaluates EOIs and selects candidates based on competitiveness and alignment with regional priorities.

Key Priority Areas for Selection

The province continues to prioritize candidates who can contribute to critical sectors and long-term development goals. High-priority profiles may include:

Professionals in healthcare occupations facing ongoing shortages
Workers in rural sales and service roles, particularly outside major urban centres like St. John’s
Candidates willing to settle in smaller communities to support regional growth
Individuals in underrepresented sectors such as finance, science, trades, and transportation
Applicants backed by reliable employers with strong compliance and retention records

Additional preference may also be given to:

Candidates with strong ties to the province, including family or prior residence
Graduates of Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions
French-speaking applicants supporting Francophone community growth
Applicants with access to strong settlement support systems

Application Timeline and Validity

Once selected:

NLPNP candidates and AIP employers have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Submitted EOIs remain valid in the pool for up to 12 months if not selected.

Applications are then reviewed under standard provincial and federal assessment procedures.

Outlook for Upcoming Draws

While Newfoundland and Labrador has increased its overall immigration activity in 2026, the declining number of invitations in recent rounds suggests a shift toward more targeted and selective recruitment.

As labour market needs evolve, future draws are likely to continue focusing on priority sectors, rural development, and candidates with strong long-term settlement potential in the province.

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