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Canada PR Alert: New Rules, New Draws! | Express Entry + Newfoundland EOI Explained

AdminApril 18

Newfoundland and Labrador Launches EOI System with First Invitations; New Brunswick Closes AIP Intake

Canada's Atlantic immigration landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025. Newfoundland and Labrador has initiated its first Expression of Interest (EOI)-based invitation round, signaling a new chapter in its immigration strategy. Meanwhile, New Brunswick has closed its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) intake due to federal caps, reshaping immigration routes for prospective permanent residents.

Let’s break down the latest developments and what they mean for skilled workers, international graduates, and employers in Atlantic Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador: First Invitations via EOI System

✅ Transition to Online EOI System

In February 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador adopted a digital Expression of Interest (EOI) platform, streamlining its immigration processes under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Key benefits of the EOI system:

  • Faster screening of eligible candidates

  • Alignment with the province’s workforce demands

  • Enhanced focus on rural and remote job markets

First Round of Invitations – April 8, 2025

The province issued 256 invitations as follows:

  • 206 under the NLPNP

  • 50 under the AIP

Priority Criteria:

  • Full-time job offers in in-demand occupations

  • Candidates currently residing in Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Graduates from local post-secondary institutions

  • Roles based in rural or remote areas

Use Case: A mechanical engineer living in Corner Brook with a job offer from a designated employer in the renewable energy sector could benefit from faster processing and increased selection chances under this new EOI system.

New Brunswick: Multiple PNP Draws and AIP Closure

Targeted Invitations in In-Demand Sectors

From April 6 to 12, 2025, New Brunswick conducted several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, focusing on both local graduates and international skilled workers.

Total Invitations:

  • 432 via NB Skilled Worker Streams

  • 45 via NB Express Entry Stream

Targeted Sectors:

  • Construction

  • Education and Community Services

  • Healthcare

  • Agriculture and Aquaculture

  • IT and Manufacturing

  • Professional Occupations (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2)

Eligibility Factors:

  • Full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer

  • Work permit validity until at least the end of 2025

  • One-year continuous employment in New Brunswick for Express Entry draw

Use Case: An IT specialist on a closed work permit expiring in December 2025, employed at a Saint John tech startup, could qualify under the Skilled Worker Stream, especially if working in NOC 21231 (software developers).

New Brunswick Closes AIP for 2025: What You Should Know

Due to hitting its AIP allocation cap of 1,250 endorsements by April 4, New Brunswick has suspended new AIP applications for the remainder of the year.

What This Means:

  • No new AIP employer designations in NB for 2025

  • Existing applications submitted before April 4 will be processed

  • Job seekers should explore NBPNP or other provincial programs

Why the Early Closure?

  • 50% reduction in federal immigration allocations to provinces

  • Increased competition among applicants and employers

  • Tight labor market alignment required for future AIP endorsement

Opportunities in Other Atlantic Provinces

If New Brunswick is no longer an option for the AIP in 2025, job seekers and employers can explore opportunities in:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Nova Scotia

  • Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Current Status:

  • Nova Scotia is accepting all NOC codes except 62020 (Food Service Supervisors).

  • PEI limits AIP to Healthcare, Construction, and Manufacturing sectors.

  • Newfoundland and Labrador has not yet imposed any AIP restrictions.

Use Case: An internationally trained nurse receiving a job offer in Halifax or Charlottetown may still be endorsed through AIP if the employer is designated and quota remains.

How the AIP Works: A Quick Overview

What is the Atlantic Immigration Program?

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration stream designed to fill job vacancies with qualified international talent across Atlantic Canada. It’s particularly beneficial for smaller communities and niche sectors.

Process:

  1. Employer gets designated by the province.

  2. Candidate receives a job offer.

  3. Employer submits an endorsement application.

  4. Candidate receives a Certificate of Endorsement.

  5. Candidate applies for PR through IRCC.

  6. Temporary work permit available during PR processing (approx. 11 months).

Why These Changes Matter: Real-World Implications

For Candidates:

  • Focus your job search in rural Atlantic communities.

  • Prioritize employers that are designated under AIP.

  • Stay up to date on NOC code restrictions by province.

For Employers:

  • Apply for designation early to secure endorsement slots.

  • Prioritize roles aligned with provincial labor market demands.

  • Retain skilled international talent via PNP streams when AIP caps are reached.

Final Thoughts: Strategic Immigration Planning in 2025

The Canadian immigration landscape is becoming more competitive, especially in the Atlantic region due to federal quota reductions. Understanding each province’s policies—especially around the AIP and PNPs—can give both skilled immigrants and employers a crucial edge.

Stay tuned to updates from IRCC and provincial governments to align your immigration or recruitment strategy with evolving policies.

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