Newfoundland and Labrador Increases Provincial Immigration by 54%

Newfoundland and Labrador has received approval to nominate an additional 1,000 foreign workers for permanent residence pathways, increasing the province’s capacity to address labour shortages and demographic challenges.

According to the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development (JGRD), the increased allocation will help the province better respond to workforce demands, especially in rural communities and key sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services.

The federal government approved the increase to Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2026 immigration allocation in August. The additional spaces have been assigned to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), raising the program’s annual quota to 2,379 nominations.

Foreign nationals selected through the NLPNP receive a provincial nomination, allowing them to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the federal government. After submitting their permanent residence application, eligible nominees may also apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, allowing them to continue working in Canada while their application is processed.

The province did not receive any additional spaces for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The AIP allocation remains unchanged at 475 spaces for 2026. Foreign nationals applying through this program may receive an employer-specific work permit while pursuing permanent residence, but they are not eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

With a combined allocation of 2,854 spaces across the NLPNP and AIP, Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2026 immigration quota has increased by 329 spaces compared with 2025, when the province received 2,525 spaces.

Other Canadian provinces and territories, including Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories, have also received additional immigration allocations for 2026.

Provincial Selection of Skilled Workers

To be selected through Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial immigration pathways and become eligible to apply for permanent residence, foreign nationals must:

• Meet the eligibility requirements of a provincial immigration program.
• Have a valid job offer, which is required for most NLPNP and AIP pathways.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile and enter the candidate pool.
• Receive an invitation from the province during a selection draw.
• Submit a complete nomination or endorsement application within the required timeframe.
• Receive a provincial nomination certificate or endorsement before applying for permanent residence with the federal government.

The immigration quota provided by the federal government represents the number of nomination certificates a province can issue during the year. It is separate from provincial invitations, which may be issued at different times throughout the year.

As of September 10, Newfoundland and Labrador had invited 2,198 candidates through the NLPNP to apply for provincial nomination and 394 candidates through the Atlantic Immigration Program to apply for endorsement in 2026.