Newfoundland and Labrador introduce new immigration pathway

The provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a new immigration pathway on November 18 the aim of which is to retain newcomers who are currently in the province.

The new immigration pathway Priority Skills under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) is going to focus on highly educated and highly skilled candidates with work experience in specialized industries such as technology. The program is expected to launch on January 2, 2021.

This move is to tackle the province’s labour shortage in high-growth sectors as the employers demand skilled and experienced workers.

Who is eligible for the Priority Skills pathway?

Individuals who have completed Masters or PhD of Memorial University and graduated within last three years with a degree related to information and communication technology, ocean technology, healthcare, agriculture and aquaculture

In addition, professionals with work experience in the following highly skilled high-demand occupations will be considered:

• Software Developer
• Biomedical Engineer
• UI/UX Developer
• Electrical Engineer
• AI Developer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Python Developer
• .NET Developer
• Infrastructure Engineer
• Security Specialist
• Cloud Specialist
• Bioinformatician
• Computer Network Support

Individuals are also required to demonstrate their language proficiency in English by taking one of the following language tests and scoring equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or more.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

Other ways to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador

The NLPNP is divided into five categories as mentioned below:

1. The Express Entry Skilled Worker:  This category allows the province to nominate skilled workers through Canada’s federal Express Entry system. Nominated individuals need to have job offers in the province.
2. The Skilled Worker:  This category targets individuals who have received a job offer from an employer in the province. This category also targets those who are already working in the province on a valid work permit.
3. The International Graduate: This category is for recent graduates who are holders of the Post-Graduate Work Permit. They must have a job or a job offer in the province.
4. The International Entrepreneur: This category is for those who wish to settle in the province and start or purchase a business. Candidates are required to operate their business for one year in the province prior to applying.
5. The International Graduate Entrepreneur: This category provides a pathway to permanent residence for international graduates who wish to start or run a business within the province.

In addition to these five categories, individuals who wish to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador also have the option of applying through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. To qualify, candidates must also have a job offer in the province. For inquiry, you may contact us at inquiry@winnyimmigration.com or 1800-419-3242.