Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 245 ITAs in Latest PNP Draw
Newfoundland and Labrador Conducts Latest PNP Draw, Invites 245 Candidates
Newfoundland and Labrador has continued its active start to 2026 with another round of invitations under its provincial immigration pathways. The province conducted its second draw of the year on March 30, inviting skilled candidates through both its nomination and employer-driven immigration programs.
Key Highlights of the March 30 Draw
In the latest selection round, the province issued a total of 245 invitations to prospective immigrants. The majority of these invitations were allocated through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while a smaller share was issued under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
| Program | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 209 |
| AIP | 36 |
The NLPNP accounted for approximately 85% of all invitations, reinforcing its role as the primary pathway for skilled immigration into the province.
Fewer Invitations Compared to First Draw of 2026
| Program | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 362 |
| AIP | 83 |
| Total invitations | 445 |
The second draw reflects a more moderate intake, suggesting the province may be pacing its invitations strategically throughout the year.
Total Invitations Issued So Far in 2026
With two draws completed, Newfoundland and Labrador has already invited 690 candidates in 2026 across its immigration programs:
- NLPNP: 571 invitations
- AIP: 119 invitations
This early activity indicates a strong demand for skilled workers and continued efforts to address labor shortages across key sectors in the province.
Earlier Start Compared to 2025
Expected Nomination Allocation for 2026
While the official nomination allocation for 2026 has not yet been released, trends from previous years offer useful insights. In 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador received a total of 2,525 nomination spaces, distributed as follows:
- NLPNP: 2,050 invitations
- AIP: 475 invitations
Given that many provinces saw stable or increased allocations in 2026, it is likely that Newfoundland and Labrador will receive at least the same number of nomination spaces, if not more.
How Candidates Are Selected
Since February 2025, both the NLPNP and AIP operate under an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This system allows the province to select candidates based on their potential to contribute to the local economy.
EOI Requirements Include:
Candidates must submit a profile detailing:
- Work experience and occupation
- Educational background
- Language proficiency
- Intent to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador
A valid job offer is generally required to qualify under both programs, except for certain entrepreneur-focused streams under the NLPNP.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
Candidates who receive an invitation must act quickly:
- A complete application must be submitted within 60 days
- Applications are then reviewed under the province’s full assessment process
EOI profiles remain active in the pool for up to 12 months, giving candidates multiple chances to be selected before needing to reapply.
Backlog over The Past six Months
For a broader perspective, here is the trajectory of the backlog over the past six months:
| Month | Immigration Backlog | Change Relative to Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | 1,097,000 | +1.73% |
| October 2024 | 1,056,100 | -3.73% |
| November 2024 | 1,006,500 | -4.70% |
| December 2024 | 942,300 | -6.38% |
| January 2025 | 892,100 | -5.33% |
| February 2025 | 821,200 | -7.95% |
With a total of 2,029,400 applications in its inventory, IRCC has successfully processed 1,208,200 applications within its service standards, demonstrating a firm commitment to efficiency.
Final Outlook
Newfoundland and Labrador’s continued draw activity highlights its commitment to attracting global talent in 2026. With steady invitation rounds and a likely strong nomination allocation, the province remains an attractive destination for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residency.
As immigration targets expand nationwide, further draws are expected in the coming months, offering more opportunities for eligible candidates to secure their future in Canada.
