Newfoundland and Labrador has completed another round of economic immigration invitations, selecting skilled workers who could help fill ongoing labour shortages across the province. While invitations continue to be issued regularly, the latest draw reflects a more selective approach compared to the larger rounds held earlier this year.
The province invited a total of 57 candidates on July 10 through two permanent residence pathways that connect employers with international talent. Although the number is the lowest recorded in 2026, the draw confirms that Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to attracting workers who can support local industries and communities.
Also Read Newfoundland and Labrador Holds Smallest Immigration Draw of 2026, Invites 57 Skilled Candidates
Latest Provincial Immigration Results
The July 10 invitation round included candidates under both of Newfoundland and Labrador’s major immigration programs.
| Immigration Pathway | Invitations |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) | 17 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 40 |
| Overall Total | 57 |
The Atlantic Immigration Program represented the larger share of invitations, accounting for approximately seven out of every ten invitations issued in this draw. This is the first time since 2025 that employer-supported AIP candidates have received more invitations than applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program.
The province did not release details regarding which occupations or NLPNP streams were included in this selection round.
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Draw Sizes Continue to Shrink
At the beginning of 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador held much larger invitation rounds. Since then, the province has gradually reduced the number of candidates selected in each draw.
The trend can be seen below:
| Draw Date | Invitations Issued |
| March 6 | 445 |
| March 30 | 245 |
| April 13 | 210 |
| May 1 | 190 |
| May 11 | 186 |
| May 28 | 103 |
| June 10 | 108 |
| July 10 | 57 |
June briefly interrupted the downward trend with a slight increase, but July’s draw established a new annual low.
Despite issuing fewer invitations, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to conduct regular selections, ensuring employers can still recruit skilled professionals when vacancies arise.
More Than 1,500 Candidates Selected This Year
Even with smaller recent draws, the province has maintained a steady pace of immigration throughout 2026.
So far, Newfoundland and Labrador has invited 1,544 candidates to pursue permanent residence through either the NLPNP or the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Most invitations have been issued through the Provincial Nominee Program, which continues to serve as the province’s primary immigration pathway. However, the Atlantic Immigration Program remains an important option for employers seeking international workers to fill positions that cannot be staffed locally.
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How the Province Chooses Candidates
Newfoundland and Labrador uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to identify candidates who best match current labour market priorities.
Rather than selecting applicants randomly, immigration officials assess profiles using several economic and settlement factors. Preference may be given to individuals who can immediately contribute to sectors experiencing workforce shortages or who demonstrate strong potential to establish themselves permanently in the province.
Candidates may receive additional consideration if they:
- Have employment in healthcare or other priority industries.
- Accept positions outside larger population centres.
- Possess skills needed in occupations facing worker shortages.
- Have previously studied in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Show strong long-term settlement intentions.
These priorities help ensure immigration supports both economic growth and regional population development.
First Step: Submit an Expression of Interest
Anyone wishing to immigrate through Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial programs must begin by creating an Expression of Interest through the province’s Immigration Accelerator Portal.
In most cases, applicants need a valid job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer before entering the selection pool. The entrepreneur pathways are one of the few exceptions to this requirement.
When submitting an EOI, applicants provide details about their:
- Education
- Employment history
- Language ability
- Job offer
- Plans to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador
The province reviews these profiles during scheduled invitation rounds and selects candidates who best align with provincial labour market needs.
What Happens After Selection?
Receiving an invitation allows candidates to move forward with a formal application.
Applicants selected through the Provincial Nominee Program submit their own application for nomination, while employers complete the endorsement process for Atlantic Immigration Program candidates.
Successful applicants receive provincial approval, which enables them to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Once the federal application is approved, candidates receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence and can officially establish themselves in Canada as permanent residents.
Current Federal Processing Times
Following provincial approval, applications are processed by the federal government.
The latest estimated processing times are:
| Permanent Residence Pathway | Estimated Processing Time |
| Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program | 7 months |
| Base Provincial Nominee Program | 12 months |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 26 months |
Applicants should note that these timelines may change depending on application volumes and processing priorities.
Keep Your Profile Active
Candidates who are not invited immediately should monitor the validity of their Expression of Interest.
EOI profiles remain active for one year. After 12 months, applicants who have not received an invitation must submit a new profile to continue participating in future draws. For Atlantic Immigration Program applicants, the employer is responsible for completing the re-submission process.
Conclusion
Although Newfoundland and Labrador significantly reduced the number of invitations in its latest draw, the province continues to use immigration as an important tool to address labour shortages and support long-term economic development.
The increased share of invitations through the Atlantic Immigration Program also reflects the growing importance of employer-driven recruitment. Candidates with job offers in priority occupations, particularly those willing to settle outside major urban areas, may continue to find opportunities as the province conducts additional invitation rounds throughout the year.
