The immigration gateway to Canada's easternmost province, Newfoundland and Labrador, is opening wider. According to the latest data released by the provincial immigration office, a total of 405 candidates received invitations to apply for immigration in a draw held on May 29. This figure surpasses the invitation counts of all previous rounds this year, signaling the province's intensifying efforts to attract newcomers.

This draw was the third to be conducted under the new Expression of Interest (EOI) screening system, which was officially implemented in February 2025. The breakdown of invitations is as follows:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): 351 invitations
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 54 invitations

The data reveals a steady upward trend in the number of invitations issued by the province. For comparison, the two previous draws in 2025 saw 328 candidates invited on May 8 and 256 on April 3. To date this year, Newfoundland and Labrador has invited a cumulative total of 838 candidates through its NLPNP and another 151 through the AIP.

Proactive Efforts to Secure Allocations Demonstrate Commitment

The increase in invitation numbers is no coincidence. A noteworthy detail is that Newfoundland and Labrador's total provincial nomination allocation for 2025 stands at 2,525 spots. This figure was achieved through proactive engagement with the federal government. It is understood that the province's economic immigration allocation was initially cut by nearly half, but successful negotiations led to the addition of 1,000 valuable immigration slots, laying a solid foundation for admitting more new immigrants.

A Detailed Guide to the Application Process Under the New EOI System

For prospective immigrants interested in moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, understanding the new application process is crucial. Since the new system was launched, all interested individuals must begin by submitting a profile through the province's official online portal, the "Immigration Accelerator."

Here are the key steps and points to note:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants create a profile detailing their education, work experience, language proficiency, and other information. Once submitted, the profile enters a candidate pool where it remains valid for 12 months before expiring.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): The provincial immigration office periodically conducts draws to select eligible candidates from the pool and issues them an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
3. Submit a Formal Application:
1. For NLPNP candidates, upon receiving an ITA, they have 60 days to submit a complete application for provincial nomination.
2. For AIP candidates, the application process is managed by their employer, who will submit the application on their behalf after an ITA is received.
4. The "Invite Code" System: The new system introduces an "invite code" requirement for applicants located outside of Canada. These candidates must obtain this code from their prospective employer in Newfoundland and Labrador to be able to create an EOI profile. Individuals already present in Canada do not need this code.

This series of reforms replaces the previous direct application model, aiming to more efficiently and strategically select candidates who meet the province's specific labor market needs. With the continued issuance of invitations and an increased allocation, Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to remain a top destination for Canadian immigration candidates in the coming months.