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New Foundland and Labrador

SKILLED WORKER CATEGORY

This category is for international workers and prospective immigrants who have skills that are beneficial to the labour market. Eligible applicants are required to have a guaranteed offer of employment from a local employer, or be currently working in the province on a valid work permit. Employers must also demonstrate a need for the applicant’s skill set.

How do I apply for the Skilled Worker category?

Online Applications- When you use the online application process, you will receive regular dashboard updates as your application moves through the assessment process.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A full-time job or job offer. The job or job offer should be for at least two years with the possibility of extension, from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Pay should be in the form of a salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates. Contractual or locum positions (short-term positions usually less than twelve (12) months in duration with little or no possibility of extension) are not eligible for the NLPNP.
  • Qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job;
  • Be 21 to 59 years old
  • An Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Work Permit with at least 4 months remaining at time of application, or are entitled to apply for one;
  • The intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Sufficient settlement funds and financial resources to successfully establish yourself and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • English or French language capability to perform the employment duties. PLEASE NOTE: Occupations classified in NOC Code C or D will have to meet Minimum Language Requirements;
  • Refugee claimants with a pending application to remain in Canada are eligible to apply to the NL Provincial Nominee Program, provided that they have Canadian work experience obtained legally in order to qualify;
  • If the applicant has an ownership stake in a business in which they are employed, then the applicant’s share of ownership cannot exceed 10%.

You are not eligible for the Skilled Worker category if:

  • You have a Post-Graduate Work Permit, in which case you must apply under the International Graduate category;
  • You or any dependent family member over the age of 22 have a criminal record;
  • You have unresolved custody or child support disputes;
  • You have intentionally misrepresented yourself in the application;
  • The employer has intentionally misrepresented themselves or you in relation to their, or your, role in business; or
  • Refugee claimants whose claim has been rejected, abandoned, or withdrawn must exit Canada prior to applying to the NL Provincial Nominee Program. For more information related to refugee claimants, please visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Ensure that your passports and work permits are valid and not expired
  • Please note you may be required to participate in an interview with a NLPNP Program Officer
  • If you lose or quit your job during the nomination process, contact your Immigration Officer immediately. Your nomination and Permanent Residency application may be cancelled.
  • Any activity potentially constituting fraud will be investigated and may result in criminal proceedings.
  • Review your application and document checklist before applying.

Upon receipt of a completed application for Skilled Worker, the department will notify the applicant of a decision within 25 business days.

Application Screening

Day 1-3: A complete application is received by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism and is assigned to an Immigration Development Officer for assessment. Note: Applicants that submit electronically will receive an email notification when their application is assigned to an officer, as well as receive an updated status on their online dashboard.

Due Diligence

Day 4-20: An Immigration Development Officer will review the application and make a recommendation to delegated authority (Manager and/or Director). Note: Applicants that apply electronically will receive an email notification when their application is sent to delegated authority for approval, as well receive as an updated status on their online dashboard.

Assessment and Final Decision

Day 21-25: The delegated authority will review the assessment and make a final decision on the file. The applicant will be notified once approval has been granted or denied. Note: The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will not return applications.

Note: Applicants will receive status updates throughout the application process, in addition to the final decision. These updates will be communicated via email as well as through the online dashboard to which applicants gain access.

 

Express Entry Skilled Worker

The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category is a path to permanent residence for those intending to reside permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants must be accepted into Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry pool, have a job offer in Newfoundland and Labrador, and intend to reside permanently in this province. Immigration, Refugees,

The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category is a path to permanent residence for those intending to reside permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has committed to processing 80 per cent of all Express Entry candidates within six months of receiving the nominated application.

NEW: If you hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), you may be eligible for the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, if you are accepted into Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry pool. You should also obtain a valid Express Entry key code and job seeker validation code to accompany your application.

UPDATE: Effective July 20, 2017, candidates are no longer required to demonstrate proof of settlement funds in the amounts outlined in Section 8.10 of the Express Entry Skilled Worker Guide (p.16). However, the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism strongly advises all applicants to maintain some settlement funds in personal banking accounts prior to their application, as all applicants are required to prove that they can economically establish in the province. You need to submit financial documents with your application. Financial documents must pass the following requirements:

  • Savings must be maintained for at least three months prior to submitting a PNP application.
  • The financial account(s) must be in the principal applicant or spouse’s name(s) only;
  • Account statements must show a detailed transaction history;
  • Applicants should only provide documents for accounts that maintain the minimum required value, not documents for all financial assets; and
  • Eligible financial documents are restricted to the following accounts: chequing accounts, savings accounts, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC), Mutual Funds, Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP), Tax-free Savings Account (TFSA), term deposits and time deposits.

Your Immigration Officer may request additional financial documents during the application process.

Eligibility Requirements:

Please note that in order to be eligible for the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, applicants must meet the following screening criteria:

  1. Applicants must be accepted into Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Express Entry pool. To confirm registration in the Express Entry pool, applicants are required to provide their Express Entry Profile Number (E plus nine digits). Applicants must also obtain a job seeker validation code (four digits) from IRCC.
  2. Applicants must have a high-skilled job or job offer from a NL employer based on the National Occupational Code (NOC)Opens in new window classification system. The skill level (high or low) can be determined by searching for the job title on this page. The job or job offer should be for at least two years with the possibility of extension, from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Pay should be in the form of a salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates. Contractual or locum positions (short-term positions usually less than twelve (12) months in duration with little or no possibility of extension) are not eligible for the NLPNP.

Individuals who do not currently meet each of the above criteria are not eligible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker category. However, they may be eligible to apply under the NLPNP Skilled Worker category or the NLPNP International Graduate category.

In addition, Express Entry Skilled Worker applicants must:

  • Score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the PNP point assessment grid (See Annex AOpens in new window (94 KB) of the Express Entry Skilled Worker Application Guide (534 KB));
  • Have an IRCC Work Permit with at least 4 months remaining at time of application, or be entitled to apply for one;
  • Have a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)Opens in new window report from an agency approved by IRCC to verify that their foreign education is equal to Canadian education standards. The ECA submitted with the application must match the education level declared in the Express Entry profile and the points claimed in the points grid.
  • Demonstrate the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Have sufficient settlement funds or financial resources to successfully establish themselves and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Be able to provide language test resultsOpens in new window from a designated testing agency that match the language level declared in the Express Entry profile; and,
  • Refugee claimants with a pending application to remain in Canada are eligible to apply to the NL Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program, provided that they have Canadian work experience obtained legally in order to qualify.

If work experience is in an occupation that is regulated in Newfoundland and Labrador and requires mandatory certification or licensing in the province, proof of eligibility for provincial licensure or certification to be able to work in that profession must be submitted with the PNP application.

Express Entry Skilled Worker category applications are ineligible if:

  • Refugee claimants whose claim has been rejected, abandoned, or withdrawn must exit Canada prior to applying to the NL Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program. For more information related to refugee claimants, please visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website;
  • The applicant or any dependent family member over the age of 22 has a criminal record;
  • The applicant has unresolved custody or child support disputes;
  • The applicant has intentionally misrepresented themselves in the application; or
  • The employer has intentionally misrepresented themselves or the applicant in relation to their, or the applicant’s, role in business.

How to apply to the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category

Online Applications- When you use the online application process, you will receive regular dashboard updates as your application moves through the assessment process.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE CATEGORY.

This category is for recent graduates who have a Post-Graduate Work Permit and a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.

NEW: If you hold a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), you may be eligible for the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, if you are accepted into Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry pool. You should also obtain a valid Express Entry key code and job seeker validation code to accompany your application.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Completed at least half of your studies in Canada.
  • Graduated from an eligible publicly funded Canadian college or university (students must send proof of graduation with their application);
  • Completed a minimum of a two-year diploma or degree program, while studying on a full-time basis. One-year post-graduate degree programs and certificate programs which require a previous degree or diploma (which may have been obtained abroad), are also eligible.
  • A full-time job or job offer. The job or job offer should be for at least two years with the possibility of extension, from an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Pay should be in the form of a salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates. Contractual or locum positions (short-term positions usually less than twelve (12) months in duration with little or no possibility of extension) are not eligible for the NLPNP.
  • Be 21 to 59 years old
  • Qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job;
  • Have an Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Post-Graduate Work Permit. Work permits that are submitted with the PNP application must have duration of six months remaining prior to expiry date.
  • The intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Sufficient settlement funds and financial resources to successfully establish yourself and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Sufficient English or French language capability to perform the employment duties. If you are nominated in an occupation classified in NOC C or D you will have to meet Minimum Language Requirements. Note that NOC D positions are not normally considered under the International Graduate category.
  • If you completed your studies at a recognized post-secondary institute outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, your job or job offer must be related to your field of study. You also may be required to work for a minimum of 1 year prior to submission of your PNP application.
  • If the applicant has an ownership stake in a business in which they are employed, then the applicant’s share of ownership cannot exceed 10%.

You are not eligible for the International Graduate category if:

  • You have not yet completed your studies;
  • You are a student who has studied in Canada under sponsorship from an agency or government that expects you to return to his/her country of origin once he/she has graduated;
  • You or any dependent family member over the age of 22 have a criminal record;
  • You have unresolved custody or child support disputes;
  • You have intentionally misrepresented yourself in the application.
  • The employer has intentionally misrepresented themselves or you in relation to their, or your, role in business.

Working in Field of Study  

Applicants to the International Graduate category should hold either:

  • a full-time position for at least two years (with the possibility of extension) related to their field of study, or
  • a position that is commensurate with their skills, experience and/or training.

Applicants are permitted to hold a position that is unrelated to their field of study, provided the applicant is a graduate of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic and that the applicant’s position:

  1. Requires a post-secondary degree or diploma;
  2. Corresponds to National Occupational Classification (NOC) levels 0, A, B or C;
  3. Can reasonably be expected to lead to career advancement for the applicant;
  4. Is in a field in which the applicant has a recent (i.e. in the last 5 years) combination of skill, experience and/or training, according to the NOC description, as defined by Employment and Social Development Canada: http://noc.esdc.gc.ca/English/home.aspxOpens in new window;
  5. Is full-time for at least two years, with the possibility of extension; and
  6. Responds to a perceived labour market need in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The applicant’s employer must adhere to the requirements of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), including being established and operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least two (2) years (unless exempt under NLPNP, such as businesses in rural areas), and adhering to all applicable labour laws and regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The employer may be asked to explain how the position responds to a perceived labour market need in their organization/business.

Example: The applicant graduates from Memorial University with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering but is currently working as a Financial Analyst (NOC 1114). The applicant has a previous diploma in Business Administration, which is required to occupy the position according to the NOC description. The field of study requirement is met and the Officer continues with the assessment of the application.

Example: The applicant graduates with a graduate degree in Education but is currently working as a Cook (NOC 6322). The applicant clearly demonstrates that they have several years of commercial cooking experience, which is required according to the NOC description. The field of study requirement is waived and the Officer continues with the assessment of the application.

Example: The applicant graduates with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and has been working as a Food Service Supervisor (NOC 6311) for several months. The application may be denied because the applicant does not meet the employment requirements of the occupation according to the NOC, which states: “completion of a community college program in food service administration, hotel and restaurant management or related discipline or several years of experience in food preparation or service.”

PLEASE NOTE:

  • If you have a Post-Graduate Work Permit, you must apply under the International Graduate category;
  • There is no fee for the International Graduate category;
  • Ensure that your passports and work permits are valid and not expired;
  • Please note you may be required to participate in an interview with a NLPNP Program Officer;
  • If you lose or quit your job during the nomination process, you may lose your eligibility and your nomination and/or Permanent Residency application may be cancelled. If you are experiencing issues with your employment, contact your Immigration Officer immediately.
  • Any activity potentially constituting fraud will be investigated and may result in criminal proceedings.

 

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY.

The International Graduate Entrepreneur category is intended for graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic who have already started or bought a local business and maintained day-to-day operations for at least one continuous year. In order to receive nomination for permanent resident status, the graduate entrepreneur must fulfill certain criteria outlined by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category:

To qualify, an individual must:

  • Be at least 21 years old;
  • Provide a business continuity plan with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional service (applicants are solely responsible for payment of associated fees related to obtaining these documents);
  • Have completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic with the degree or diploma having been completed within two years of submission of the Expression of Interest;
  • Have a valid post-graduate work permit;
  • Want to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while owning and actively managing a local business that has the potential to create significant economic benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Have at least one year’s continuous experience actively managing and owning the current business (33.3 per cent minimum ownership);
  • Demonstrate ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for local population (permanent residents and Canadian citizens);
  • Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services;
  • Have a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French;
  • Complete an online Expression of Interest; and
  • Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Applicants intending to support regional economic development or focus on high-demand industries or sectors (e.g. Agriculture, Aquaculture, Technology, Natural Resources) will receive priority consideration.

International Graduate Entrepreneur – Additional Criteria

There are two streams within the International Graduate Entrepreneur category – Starting a New Business and Purchasing an Existing Business. Each stream has unique criteria in addition to the criteria noted above.

Additional Criteria When Starting a New Business

If starting a business, the applicant must create a minimum of one full-time year-round equivalent employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. This position must:

  • Be over and above any position filled by the approved applicant. For clarity, jobs created for or filled by dependents or relatives of the applicant are not eligible.
  • Be relevant and directly related to the applicant’s business.
  • Meet the prevailing provincial wage levels.

Additional Criteria When Purchasing an Existing Business

If the applicant is purchasing an existing Newfoundland and Labrador business, all of the following apply:

  • The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous five (5) years;
  • Applicants must provide evidence that reasonable efforts were taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
  • The business must be actively in operation and not in receivership;
  • Applicants must offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

Ineligible Applicants for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

  • An individual living illegally in one’s country of residence;
  • A person who has had a removal order issued against them by IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency;
  • A person who is prohibited from entering Canada;
  • A passive investor (individuals who intend to invest in a Newfoundland and Labrador business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business); and
  • An individual who does not have status (ineligible to apply until their status is restored).

Ineligible Businesses for International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

  • Businesses that are conducted remotely (from another Canadian jurisdiction or from another country);
  • Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
  • Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage; unless the applicant can prove their business in one of these areas is of compelling benefit to the province;
  • Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation;
  • Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines;
  • Pawnbrokers;
  • Taxi companies;
  • Home-based businesses; unless the applicant can prove their business will have a compelling benefit to the province;
  • Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services;
  • Not-for-profit businesses;
  • Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income;
  • Businesses operating primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income such as interest, dividends or capital gains;
  • Businesses that will compensate employees solely on the basis of commission; and
  • Any other type of business that by association could would tend to bring OIM, NLPNP, or the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador into disrepute.

INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY.

For prospective entrepreneurs who want to reside permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador:

The International Entrepreneur category is intended for experienced business owners or senior business managers who wish to permanently reside in Newfoundland and Labrador.  They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business.  After operating the business for at least one continuous year, the international entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status, subject to fulfillment of certain criteria outlined by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for the International Entrepreneur category:

To qualify, an individual must:

  • Be 21 to 59 years of age;
  • Provide a business plan with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional (applicants are solely responsible for payment of associated fees related to obtaining these documents);
  • Have a minimum of Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential verified by an Education Credential Assessment (ECA), taken in the last five years prior to the date the EOI is submitted.
  • Want to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while owning and actively managing a local business that has the potential to create significant economic benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Have at least $600,000 CAD in unencumbered net business and personal assets that can readily be transferred to Canada;
  • Be able to invest at least $200,000 CAD of their own money to establish a business in the Newfoundland and Labrador with a minimum ownership of 33.3 per cent, or $1 million in equity investment;
  • Demonstrate ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for local population (permanent residents and Canadian citizens);
  • Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services;
  • Have at least two years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (25 per cent minimum ownership) in the last five years OR 5 or more years’ experience in a senior business management role in the last ten years;
  • Have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English or French (acceptable tests are Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) General Test, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training Test; or Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF);
  • Complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI); and
  • Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Applicants intending to support regional economic development or focus on high-demand industries or sectors (e.g. Agriculture, Aquaculture, Technology, Natural Resources) will receive priority consideration.

All prospective International Entrepreneur applicants applying from outside the province must conduct an initial exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador prior to submitting an official application to the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

International Entrepreneur – Additional Criteria

There are two streams within the International Entrepreneur category – Starting a New Business and Purchasing an Existing Business. Each stream has unique criteria in addition to the criteria noted above.

Additional Criteria When Starting a New Business

If starting a business, the applicant must create a minimum of one full-time equivalent employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. This position must:

  • Be over and above any position filled by the approved applicant. For clarity, jobs created for or filled by dependents or relatives of the applicant are not eligible;
  • Be relevant and directly related to the applicant’s business; and
  • Meet the prevailing wage levels.

Additional Criteria When Purchasing an Existing Business

If the applicant is purchasing an existing Newfoundland and Labrador business, all of the following apply:

  • The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous five (5) years;
  • All applicants purchasing or partnering in an existing business must complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s) if the applicant is applying from outside of the province;
  • Applicants must provide evidence that reasonable efforts were taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
  • The business must be actively in operation and not in receivership; and
  • Applicants must offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.

Ineligible Applicants for International Entrepreneur Category

  • Individuals living illegally in their country of residence;
  • A person who has had a removal order issued against them by IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency;
  • A person who is prohibited from entering Canada;
  • A passive investor (individuals who intend to invest in a Newfoundland and Labrador business with very limited or no involvement in the day-to-day management of the business); and
  • An individual who does not have status (ineligible to apply until their status is restored).

Ineligible Businesses for International Entrepreneur Category

  • Businesses that are conducted remotely (from another Canadian jurisdiction or from another country);
  • Property rental, investment, and leasing activities;
  • Real estate construction/development/brokerage, insurance brokerage or business brokerage; unless the applicant can prove their business in one of these areas is of compelling benefit to the Province;
  • Professional services or self-employed business operators requiring licensing or accreditation;
  • Pay day loan, cheque cashing, money changing and cash machines;
  • Pawnbrokers;
  • Taxi companies;
  • Home-based businesses; unless the applicant can prove their business will have a compelling benefit to the Province;
  • Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services;
  • Not-for-profit businesses;
  • Investments into a business operated primarily for the purposes of deriving passive investment income;
  • Businesses operating primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income such as interest, dividends or capital gains;
  • Business that will compensate employees solely on the basis of commission;

Any other type of business that by association could would tend to bring OIM, NLPNP, or the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador into disrepute.