Newfoundland and Labrador Has Already Issued Over 1,200 Invitations in 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 186 ITAs in Latest Immigration Draw
Newfoundland and Labrador has conducted another round of invitations under its provincial immigration programs, continuing its active selection efforts in 2026. The province held its fifth immigration draw of the year on May 11, inviting skilled workers and eligible candidates through two major immigration pathways.
A total of 186 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This marks the province’s second draw conducted during May 2026.
The latest selection round further demonstrates the province’s ongoing focus on attracting workers who can help address labour shortages and support long-term economic development.
Breakdown of Invitations in the May 11 Draw
| Program | ITAs Issued (2026) |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | 168 |
| AIP | 18 |
| Total invitations | 186 |
Approximately 90% of all invitations in this round were issued through the NLPNP stream, continuing a pattern seen throughout the year. Although provincial authorities did not disclose the exact NLPNP streams or occupational categories selected, Newfoundland and Labrador has repeatedly indicated that healthcare and health-related occupations remain among the highest-priority sectors because of persistent labour shortages across the province.
Invitation Numbers Continue to Decline Across 2026 Draws
| Date of Draw | Total Invitations | Invitations by Program |
|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | 186 | NLPNP: 168 / AIP: 18 |
| May 1, 2026 | 190 | NLPNP: 157 / AIP: 33 |
| April 13, 2026 | 210 | NLPNP: 177 / AIP: 33 |
| March 30, 2026 | 245 | NLPNP: 209 / AIP: 36 |
| March 6, 2026 | 445 | NLPNP: 362 / AIP: 83 |
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.
Newfoundland and Labrador Has Already Issued Over 1,200 Invitations in 2026
With the latest draw included, Newfoundland and Labrador has now issued a total of 1,276 invitations through both the NLPNP and AIP in 2026.
The province has strongly prioritized the NLPNP pathway this year. Around 84.1% of all invitations issued in 2026 have gone to candidates applying through provincial nomination streams rather than the Atlantic Immigration Program. This reflects the province’s growing focus on selecting candidates who meet regional labour market needs and demonstrate stronger long-term settlement potential.
2026 Immigration Activity Has Increased Compared to 2025
Immigration activity in Newfoundland and Labrador has accelerated significantly when compared to the same period last year. Between January 1 and May 11, 2025, the province conducted only two draws and issued a combined 584 invitations through the NLPNP and AIP programs.
By comparison, the province has already issued 1,276 invitations during the same period in 2026, representing an increase of 692 invitations year-over-year. The province also began issuing invitations earlier in 2026. Its first draw of the year, held on March 6, was substantially larger than the first draw conducted in 2025.
| Year | First Draw Date | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 6, 2026 | 445 |
| 2025 | April 3, 2025 | 256 |
How the Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Process Works
Before submitting an EOI, candidates generally need a valid job offer from an employer located in Newfoundland and Labrador. This requirement applies to most streams under both the NLPNP and AIP, except certain entrepreneur-focused pathways. During the EOI submission process, applicants provide details related to:
- Occupation and work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Language proficiency
- Settlement intentions
- Employment information
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) reviews submitted EOIs and selects the strongest candidates based on provincial economic and labour market priorities. Selected candidates then receive invitations either for:
- Provincial nomination through the NLPNP
- Employer endorsement under the AIP
Important Deadlines After Receiving an Invitation
| Program | Application Submitted By |
|---|---|
| NLPNP | Candidate |
| AIP | Employer |
EOIs remain active in the provincial pool for up to 12 months. If a profile expires before receiving an invitation, candidates must create and submit a new EOI to remain eligible for future draws.
Factors That May Increase Selection Chances
Newfoundland and Labrador has stated that immigration selections may prioritize candidates based on several strategic factors. These may include:
- Experience in healthcare and health-related occupations
- Employment outside major urban centres
- Strong likelihood of long-term settlement
- Educational connections to the province
- Regional labour market demand
As labour shortages continue across Canada, provincial immigration programs like the NLPNP are becoming increasingly important pathways for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residence opportunities.
Source :- https://www.gov.nl.ca
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