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Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 190 ITAs in Latest Immigration Round
Newfoundland and Labrador has carried out another round of provincial immigration invitations, selecting 190 candidates on May 1, 2026, through its primary economic immigration pathways.
The latest round reflects a gradual tightening in selection volumes while maintaining a clear focus on workforce demands and long-term settlement outcomes.
Invitations to Apply (ITA) Updates
OIM reviews EOIs and issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) in batches throughout the year. When ITAs are issued, the table below will be updated.
| Date Issued | Number of ITAs Issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2025 | 256 | NLPNP – 206, AIP – 50 |
| May 8, 2025 | 328 | NLPNP – 281, AIP – 47 |
| May 29, 2025 | 405 | NLPNP – 351, AIP – 54 |
| June 24, 2025 | 320 | NLPNP – 257, AIP – 63 |
| July 10, 2025 | 359 | NLPNP – 300, AIP – 59 |
| July 29, 2025 | 150 | NLPNP – 100, AIP – 50 |
| August 13, 2025 | 231 | NLPNP – 180, AIP – 51 |
| August 29, 2025 | 202 | NLPNP – 125, AIP – 77 |
| September 12, 2025 | 353 | NLPNP – 218, AIP – 135 |
| September 26, 2025 | 217 | NLPNP – 107, AIP – 110 |
| October 9, 2025 | 125 | NLPNP – 73, AIP – 52 |
| October 22, 2025 | 100 | NLPNP – 55, AIP – 45 |
| November 12, 2025 | 330 | NLPNP – 220, AIP – 110 |
| March 6, 2026 | 445 | NLPNP – 362, AIP – 83 |
| March 30, 2026 | 245 | NLPNP – 209, AIP – 36 |
| April 13, 2026 | 210 | NLPNP – 177, AIP – 33 |
| May 1, 2026 | 190 | NLPNP – 157, AIP – 33 |
Frequently Asked Questions surrounding the EOI Model can be found here. OIM uses EOI prioritization criteria to guide its decisions.
Distribution of Invitations Across Immigration Programs
In this round, the majority of candidates were invited through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while a smaller portion received invitations under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Invitation split:
| Program | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 577 |
| AIP | 33 |
Declining Invitation Volumes Observed
The May 1 round stands out as the smallest draw conducted by Newfoundland and Labrador so far in 2026. Over the past few months, each round has brought fewer invitations than the previous one, indicating a deliberate move toward more targeted selections.
Interestingly, while overall numbers have decreased, invitations under the AIP have stabilized, with 33 candidates selected in consecutive rounds.
How 2026 Draws Have Progressed
A review of earlier draws this year highlights the changing pace of invitations:
- April 13, 2026: 210 invitations (177 NLPNP, 33 AIP)
- March 30, 2026: 245 invitations (209 NLPNP, 36 AIP)
- March 6, 2026: 445 invitations (362 NLPNP, 83 AIP)
The steady drop in total invitations suggests that the province is refining its intake based on evolving economic priorities and application pool dynamics.
Total Invitations Issued So Far This Year
Between January 1 and May 1, 2026, the province has issued 1,090 invitations across both programs.
| Program | ITAs Issued (2026) |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 905 |
| AIP | 185 |
| Total invitations | 1090 |
This means that over four-fifths of all invitations have been allocated via the NLPNP, reinforcing its importance as the primary pathway for economic immigration into the province.
Sharp Increase Compared to Last Year
Immigration activity during the same period in 2025 was significantly lower. At that time, only one draw had taken place by early May:
- April 3, 2025: 256 invitations (206 NLPNP, 50 AIP)
By comparison, 2026 has already seen multiple rounds and more than quadruple the number of invitations issued. This represents a 325.8% increase year-over-year, highlighting a substantial expansion in immigration efforts.
Expression of Interest System Drives Candidate Selection
Applicants must submit detailed profiles that include:
- Professional background and occupation
- Academic credentials
- Language proficiency levels
- Plans to establish themselves in the province
In most cases, candidates must also secure a valid job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador to qualify. Profiles are assessed by the province’s immigration authorities, who invite candidates that best match economic and demographic priorities.
Priority Categories for Invitations
Selection decisions are influenced by a range of factors designed to address labour shortages and support regional development. Candidates may receive preference if they fall into the following categories:
- Healthcare professionals needed to strengthen essential services
- Workers willing to take up roles in rural or less populated areas
- Individuals employed in sectors that are currently underrepresented in the province
- Candidates supported by employers with strong hiring and retention practices
Additional consideration may also be given to:
- Applicants with family ties or prior experience living in the province
- Graduates from local educational institutions
- French-speaking candidates contributing to Francophone communities
- Individuals with strong settlement support systems in place
Application Deadlines and EOI Validity
Candidates invited through these programs must act quickly:
- A complete application must be submitted within 60 days of receiving an invitation
- EOI profiles remain active in the pool for up to 12 months if not selected
Applications are then reviewed through established provincial and federal processes before final decisions are made.
What This Means for Future Applicants
Although Newfoundland and Labrador has increased its overall invitation numbers in 2026, the downward trend in recent draws indicates that competition is becoming more focused. Candidates with strong job offers, relevant experience, and clear settlement plans are likely to have better chances in upcoming rounds.
As the province continues to align immigration with labour market needs, future draws are expected to remain selective, prioritizing applicants who can contribute to both economic growth and community sustainability.
Source :- https://www.gov.nl.ca
