Canada’s eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador has continued its active immigration selection process by conducting another provincial immigration draw in May 2026. The latest draw, held on May 11, invited more than 180 immigration candidates through two major pathways designed to attract skilled foreign workers and support labour shortages across the province.
A total of 186 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This marks the fifth provincial immigration draw conducted by Newfoundland and Labrador in 2026 and the second draw held during the month of May.
Majority of Invitations Issued Through NLPNP
Most invitations in the latest round were issued through the NLPNP, showing the province’s continued focus on selecting skilled workers through its provincial nomination pathways.
- NLPNP: 168 invitations
- AIP: 18 invitations
The province has not officially disclosed which specific NLPNP streams or occupations were targeted in the draw. However, Newfoundland and Labrador has repeatedly highlighted healthcare and health-related occupations as priority sectors because of ongoing labour shortages in hospitals, healthcare centres, and community services across the province.
Invitation Numbers Continue to Decline Gradually
The latest draw also reflects a gradual decline in invitation numbers throughout 2026. Earlier draws this year had significantly higher invitation volumes. For example, the province issued 445 invitations in its March 6 draw, which remains the largest immigration draw conducted by Newfoundland and Labrador so far in 2026.
Here is a look at Newfoundland and Labrador’s recent immigration draws this year:
- March 6, 2026 – 445 invitations
- March 30, 2026 – 245 invitations
- April 13, 2026 – 210 invitations
- May 1, 2026 – 190 invitations
- May 11, 2026 – 186 invitations
Province Has Already Issued Over 1,200 Invitations in 2026
Despite the lower numbers in recent rounds, Newfoundland and Labrador has already invited a total of 1,276 immigration candidates in 2026 through the NLPNP and AIP combined. This is a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Between January 1 and May 11 of last year, the province conducted only two draws and issued a total of 584 invitations. In comparison, Newfoundland and Labrador has issued 692 more invitations during the same period in 2026, highlighting the province’s stronger focus on immigration to meet workforce demands and population growth goals.
Another important trend this year is the province’s stronger preference for candidates under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program. Approximately 84% of all invitations issued in 2026 have gone to NLPNP candidates, making it the primary pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residence in the province.
How to Apply for Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Programs
To immigrate through Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial immigration programs, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province.
Before submitting an EOI, applicants generally need a valid job offer from an employer based in Newfoundland and Labrador. This requirement applies to both the NLPNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program, except for certain entrepreneur streams.
Candidates are required to provide important information in their EOI profile, including work experience, occupation details, education, language proficiency, and settlement plans in the province.
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism then reviews all applications and selects the most competitive candidates.
Priority Sectors Remain Important for Selection
Those selected under the NLPNP receive an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination, while candidates chosen through the AIP receive an endorsement from the province. After receiving an invitation, candidates usually have 60 days to submit their complete application.
The province has also stated that it may prioritize candidates based on several important factors. These include healthcare occupations, employment outside major urban areas, strong chances of long-term settlement, and educational ties to Newfoundland and Labrador.
With labour shortages continuing across Canada, especially in healthcare and essential industries, Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to remain one of the most active provinces for skilled immigration candidates in 2026.
