On March 6, 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador held the first rounds of selection through the Enhanced Expression of Interest (EOI) system, issuing a total of 445 invitations to prospective permanent residents — marking the province’s opening move in what is shaping up to be an active immigration year.

Of the 445 invitations issued, 362 were sent to candidates under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while 83 went to applicants through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Both streams operate through Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration Accelerator portal, which serves as the province’s central EOI management system.

This draw follows a notably productive 2025, during which Newfoundland and Labrador invited a total of 3,376 applicants under the NLPNP and AIP combined — demonstrating the province’s sustained commitment to meeting its labour market needs through immigration.

The NLPNP allows Newfoundland and Labrador to nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the provincial economy and who intend to settle permanently in the province. According to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal-provincial, employer-driven pathway that allows designated Atlantic Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals for positions they cannot fill locally — without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It covers both skilled workers (NOC TEER 0–3) and intermediate-skilled workers (NOC TEER 4–5), making it a broad and accessible route to Atlantic Canadian permanent residency.

Since February 19, 2025, both the NLPNP and AIP have operated under the Enhanced Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Candidates must first submit an EOI through the Immigration Accelerator Portal before they can be considered for an invitation. EOIs remain valid for 12 months. Candidates already in Canada with valid temporary status are exempt from the requirement to have a pre-existing employer invitation code.

Join us at our upcoming course, East Coast PNP and The Atlantic Immigration Program 2026 on September 15, 2026, for a comprehensive overview of provincial nominee programs and immigration opportunities across Atlantic Canada, including the NLPNP and AIP.