Two Canadian provinces have made notable progress in fine-tuning their immigration strategies this April. Newfoundland and Labrador officially transitioned to a digital Expression of Interest (EOI) system, inviting skilled foreign nationals in its first selection round. Meanwhile, New Brunswick continued its active selection of candidates through multiple targeted draws, focusing on key sectors vital to its economy.
Also Read Newfoundland and Labrador Launches New EOI System as New Brunswick Holds Targeted Immigration Draws
Newfoundland and Labrador Kicks Off Immigration Invitations via EOI
For the first time, Newfoundland and Labrador has begun issuing immigration invitations through a modernized EOI platform, designed to better align with the province’s workforce needs and settlement priorities.
On April 8, 2025, the province sent out 256 invitations to candidates who had submitted EOIs under two distinct immigration streams: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Breakdown of Invitations Issued:
| Immigration Stream | Invitations |
| NL Provincial Nominee Program | 206 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 50 |
| Total | 256 |
Eligibility and Prioritization Criteria
The province placed a strong emphasis on candidates with:
- Full-time job offers in occupations experiencing labour shortages
- Residence in rural or remote areas of the province
- Graduation from recognized institutions within Newfoundland and Labrador
Applicants who receive invitations through the NLPNP may now proceed with their provincial nomination applications, while AIP candidates are eligible to seek endorsements from designated employers. The launch of the EOI platform marks a major shift from the province’s previous approach, where candidates could apply directly without pre-selection. Officials emphasized that the new process provides a more efficient, responsive immigration pathway—especially crucial as federal immigration targets become more limited.
New Brunswick Intensifies Immigration Draws with Sector-Focused Selection
Over the course of the same week, New Brunswick ramped up its immigration efforts by conducting several targeted draws through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). These draws took place between April 6 and April 12, bringing in candidates with experience in sectors under strain from labour shortages.
Summary of Draws and Streams:
- April 7–8:
- 432 invitations issued via:
- Skilled Worker Stream – NB Experience
- Skilled Worker Stream – NB Graduates
- 432 invitations issued via:
- April 9:
- 45 invitations issued under:
- Express Entry Stream – Employment in New Brunswick
- 45 invitations issued under:
Occupational Groups Prioritized
Candidates were selected from a wide array of sectors including:
- Healthcare and Medical Services
- Construction Trades
- Education and Community Support
- Information Technology (IT)
- Manufacturing and Transportation
- Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Forestry
In addition, the draws focused on candidates whose work permits are set to expire in 2025, ensuring retention of experienced talent already contributing to the local economy. The Express Entry draw, in particular, required candidates to have completed 12 consecutive months of full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer.
Professional occupations were also targeted but limited to specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes under TEER levels 0, 1, and 2, ensuring skilled and experienced professionals remain in demand.
Growing Trends in Provincial Immigration Strategy
These immigration updates underscore a growing trend across Canadian provinces—more strategic and adaptive selection methods designed to better match immigration with local labour needs. Newfoundland and Labrador’s EOI system adds a layer of filtering that ensures only qualified and needed applicants receive invitations, while New Brunswick’s repeated and focused draws show its commitment to keeping essential sectors staffed.
Both provinces are adapting quickly to federal policy constraints by prioritizing local retention, employer needs, and sector-specific challenges. For prospective immigrants, this means that staying updated on regional programs and tailoring their applications to meet provincial priorities is more important than ever.
What It Means for Aspiring Immigrants
The recent moves by Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick offer valuable insights for individuals aiming to settle in Canada:
- Occupation-specific demand is playing a central role in candidate selection.
- Job offers and ties to the province, such as local education or residence, are strong assets.
- Staying engaged with evolving PNP processes—like EOI submissions—is essential.
As Canada’s provinces continue to fine-tune their immigration mechanisms, being proactive and informed could be the key to securing a nomination or endorsement in 2025.
