Newfoundland and Labrador Launches New EOI System as New Brunswick Holds Targeted Immigration Draws
Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick
In a significant development for regional immigration in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick have taken dynamic steps to attract skilled newcomers through targeted provincial draws.
While Newfoundland and Labrador launched its first-ever invitation round via a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system, New Brunswick conducted multiple draws across various streams, addressing ongoing labour shortages.
Newfoundland and Labrador Launches New EOI-Based Selection System
Newfoundland and Labrador has taken a major leap toward modernizing its immigration processes. On April 8, 2025, the province issued its first invitations using its newly implemented Expression of Interest (EOI) system, marking a pivotal shift from previous application procedures.
This new online platform, introduced in February 2025, allows foreign nationals to submit a profile indicating their interest in settling in the province. Candidates are then assessed and selected based on how well they meet current labour market needs and provincial priorities.
Invitation Breakdown
In its debut round, the province extended 256 invitations under two key immigration programs:
| Program | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) | 206 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 50 |
| Total | 256 |
Candidates who received invitations under the NLPNP can now submit applications for provincial nomination, while those under the AIP may proceed to seek employer endorsements.
Who Was Targeted?
This round of invitations focused on foreign nationals with full-time job offers in high-demand fields. Special attention was given to individuals who:
- Are currently residing in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Hold offers in rural or remote communities.
- Are recent graduates from local post-secondary institutions.
The province emphasized that this updated system supports a more efficient and targeted approach to immigration, aligning with economic priorities and federal intake limits.
Previously, applicants could apply directly to the province’s immigration pathways without going through an EOI pool.
New Brunswick Continues Momentum with Multi-Stream Immigration Draws
While Newfoundland and Labrador unveiled a new selection process, New Brunswick continued its active use of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) with a series of occupation-focused draws between April 6 and April 12.
Draws Held and Invitations Issued
Across a span of three days, the province invited a total of 477 candidates under various streams and sub-categories:
- April 7-8 Draws (432 Invitations):
- NB Skilled Worker Stream – New Brunswick Experience
- NB Skilled Worker Stream – New Brunswick Graduates
- April 9 Draw (45 Invitations):
- NB Express Entry Stream – Employment in New Brunswick
Occupations in Focus
To address critical labour shortages, the draws prioritized candidates with experience in the following sectors:
- Construction Trades
- Healthcare
- Education and Social & Community Services
Additionally, New Brunswick targeted candidates with work permits expiring in 2025 in several key industries, such as:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Forestry
- Professional Occupations (particularly under NOC categories 1000 and 2000, within TEER levels 0, 1, and 2)
Candidates under the Express Entry draw were required to demonstrate 12 months of continuous, full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer to be eligible.
Strategic Provincial Efforts to Fill Labour Gaps
These coordinated efforts by both provinces reflect a broader strategy within Canada’s provincial immigration landscape—prioritizing regional labour market needs through tailored invitation criteria.
By adopting more selective and streamlined systems, provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador aim to maximize the efficiency of their immigration programs, while others, such as New Brunswick, continue to use targeted draws to meet sector-specific demands.
These provincial moves are particularly significant in the context of Canada’s national immigration caps, which limit the number of permanent residence applications that provinces can approve each year.
What This Means for Potential Applicants
For individuals looking to immigrate to Canada through provincial pathways, these updates underline the importance of:
- Aligning with in-demand occupations.
- Securing job offers in participating provinces.
- Staying informed on changing eligibility systems like the new EOI portal.
Applicants are encouraged to assess their qualifications and monitor provincial nominee program (PNP) updates regularly, as provinces are increasingly tailoring their selection processes to address economic and demographic priorities.
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.
Stay tuned for weekly updates
on Canada’s evolving immigration landscape and detailed analysis of provincial nomination trends.
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