Newfoundland and Labrador Launches New EOI System with First Invitations, While New Brunswick Conducts Several Draws

Newfoundland and Labrador has officially kicked off its new Expression of Interest (EOI) system by issuing its very first invitations to immigration candidates. This marks a significant shift for the province, which adopted the online EOI platform in February.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick remained active on the immigration front, conducting multiple draws and inviting candidates from key sectors experiencing labour shortages.

Provincial Immigration Updates (April 6 – April 12)

Newfoundland and Labrador

On April 8, Newfoundland and Labrador opened its new EOI system with a major draw, issuing a total of 256 invitations to qualified candidates through two immigration pathways:

Candidates selected under the NLPNP are now eligible to apply for a provincial nomination, while those under the AIP can proceed with applying for an endorsement.

The province prioritized candidates who:

• Had full-time job offers in high-demand occupations,
• Were already residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, or
• Had offers in rural or remote communities.

In addition, applicants who graduated from local post-secondary institutions received extra consideration.

Under the new EOI system, individuals must submit a profile expressing their interest to immigrate. The provincial government then reviews these submissions and selects eligible candidates to apply.

According to a government press release, the new EOI system aims to offer a “streamlined economic immigration process” that better reflects Newfoundland and Labrador’s current labour market needs and addresses limitations on federal immigration application quotas.

Previously, candidates could apply directly to permanent residence pathways without submitting an EOI.

New Brunswick

Between April 6 and April 12, New Brunswick conducted multiple rounds of invitations through its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).

April 7–8 Draws: A total of 432 invitations were issued under two key streams:

• NB Skilled Worker Stream – New Brunswick Experience
• NB Skilled Worker Stream – New Brunswick Graduates

The draw targeted candidates currently working in:

• Construction trades,
• Education, social, and community services, and
• Healthcare.

In addition, individuals with work permits expiring in 2025 were considered if they worked in:

• Agriculture, aquaculture, or forestry,
• Information technology,
• Manufacturing,
• Professional roles (within NOC 1000 and 2000-level TEER 0, 1, and 2), or
• Transportation.

April 9 Draw: An additional 45 invitations were issued under the NB Express Entry Stream – Employment in New Brunswick.

To be eligible, candidates were required to have full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer for the previous 12 months. This draw also focused on occupations in:

• Construction,
• Education and community services, and
• Healthcare.

These draws continue to demonstrate New Brunswick’s commitment to attracting skilled talent that meets the province’s labour demands.

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