How Newfoundland and Labrador Prioritizes EOIs
OIM publishes its EOI prioritization criteria and states that they "do not guarantee an invitation." The criteria include health occupations ("EOIs for health roles continue to receive strong priority due to ongoing workforce shortages"), sales and service roles in rural or regional communities, jobs outside major urban centres, underrepresented occupations such as business and finance, science and research, and trades and transport, employers with a strong track record, likelihood of long-term retention, NL graduates, Francophone immigration objectives, and strong settlement supports (prioritization criteria). For recent rounds, see the official Invitations to Apply updates page. The EOI Model overview states: "EOIs that don’t receive an ITA remain in the pool until they are selected or expire. EOIs expire automatically after 12 months."
NLPNP Categories
- "Full-time job offer in any TEER level of occupation" (Skilled Worker Category). The job must offer at least 30 hours per week and be "at least one (1) year (twelve (12) months) in duration with a reasonable expectation of extension at the time of NLPNP application" (eligibility criteria).
- Pay: the job must compensate "in the form of a salary or hourly wage (not commission)", meet provincial employment standards, and meet "regional prevailing wage rates".
- Age and status: "Be 21 to 59 years old". Applicants in Canada "must have a permit with at least four (4) months remaining at time of NLPNP application."
- Language: "Applicants with TEER 4 or 5 job offers must submit a valid language proficiency test", with a minimum of CLB 4 in each of the four abilities (language testing).
- An employer with a valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) is required if the applicant does not have a valid work permit for the position
- Not eligible if the applicant holds a Post-Graduation Work Permit, "in which case they must apply under the International Graduate category or Express Entry Skilled Worker category". Ownership in the employer's business "cannot exceed ten (10) per cent."
Recent Official Changes
September 25, 2026: "As we approach the end of the calendar year, the application submission period has been temporarily reduced to 30 days to support timely application intake and processing within the current year" (EOI Model overview). OIM does not issue ITA extensions.
May 15, 2026: The Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development opened a province-wide consultation "to strengthen protections for foreign workers in Newfoundland and Labrador and improve outcomes for employers," covering how the NLPNP and AIP are delivered and potential updates to legislation, policies and oversight (news release).
March 23, 2026: OIM updated its published EOI prioritization criteria. "OIM may adjust priorities during the year based on labour market changes and program allocations."
Eligibility Points to Check
Sources: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (gov.nl.ca) — NLPNP Overview, Skilled Worker, Express Entry Skilled Worker and International Graduate categories and their eligibility criteria and language testing policies, International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur eligibility criteria, Employer Criteria, Expression of Interest Model overview and prioritization criteria (March 23, 2026), Atlantic Immigration Program overview and workers pages, and the May 15, 2026 news release; canada.ca — Atlantic Immigration Program (work experience, job offer, language testing) and Comprehensive Ranking System criteria. This page is general information provided by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and is not a substitute for the official requirements at gov.nl.ca. Last reviewed by Amer Rehman, RCIC (R515343): October 13, 2026.