NEWFOUNDLAND & LABR LAUNCHES NEW IMMIGRATION SYSTEM NEW BRUNSWICK AIP CLOSED EARLY

AdminApril 17

Newfoundland and Labrador Launches New EOI System: First Invitations Issued & What It Means for Immigrants

Canada’s Atlantic provinces are taking significant strides in modernizing immigration processes to better address labor market demands. Most notably, Newfoundland and Labrador has launched its new Expression of Interest (EOI) system, issuing its first round of invitations in April 2025. This development is accompanied by important updates from New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and its Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

In this post, we break down what these changes mean, how the new systems work, and how skilled workers and international graduates can take advantage of them.

Highlights of the New Immigration Developments

✅ Newfoundland and Labrador: First Invitations Through EOI

On April 8, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador issued 256 invitations to immigration candidates who submitted profiles through its newly introduced online EOI system. The distribution was as follows:

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): 206 invitations
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 50 invitations

This marks a transition from the traditional application method to a more digitally streamlined immigration system aligned with local labor market priorities.

How the New EOI System Works in Newfoundland and Labrador

Under the new framework:

Applicants must create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile online.
The province reviews EOI submissions and selects qualified candidates.
Selected individuals receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination (NLPNP) or endorsement (AIP).

Priority Criteria:

Full-time job offers in in-demand occupations.
Candidates already residing in the province.
Offers from rural or remote community employers.
Post-secondary graduates from institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Real-World Use Case:

Example: A mechanical engineer living in St. John's with a full-time job offer from a remote wind energy company could be prioritized under this new EOI system—especially if they graduated from Memorial University. Previously, this candidate had to apply directly without knowing where they stood in the selection pool. Now, the system offers better transparency and faster processing.

New Brunswick PNP and AIP: Major Updates

Between April 6–12, 2025, New Brunswick issued 477 invitations across various streams:

Streams & Targeted Sectors:

NB Skilled Worker Stream – Experience & Graduates
NB Express Entry Stream – Employment in New Brunswick

Key Sectors Included:

Construction
Healthcare
Education and Social Services
Agriculture and Aquaculture
IT
Transportation

New Brunswick also focused on workers whose permits expire in 2025, ensuring they have opportunities to transition to permanent residency.

AIP Intake Closed for New Brunswick in 2025

As of April 4, 2025, New Brunswick stopped accepting new endorsement applications for the Atlantic Immigration Program. The annual allocation of 1,250 spaces was filled over five months earlier than in 2024, reflecting high demand.

Why the Early Closure?

Federal government cut immigration quotas by 50% for provinces in 2025.
This triggered stricter eligibility criteria and faster cap limits.

Alternative AIP Options: Where Can You Apply Now?

If you missed out on New Brunswick’s AIP, you can still apply through:

Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Each province has its own conditions. For instance:

Nova Scotia excludes NOC 62020 (food service supervisors).
PEI limits AIP applications to jobs in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
Newfoundland and Labrador currently has no occupation restrictions for its AIP stream.

How the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Works

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration stream for skilled workers and international graduates who want to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. Here's how it functions:

Employer Designation: Only designated employers can hire through AIP.
Endorsement Application: The employer applies for an endorsement for the job offer.
Certificate of Endorsement: If approved, the candidate receives this certificate.
PR Application to IRCC: Candidates then apply for permanent residency.
Temporary Work Permit Option: Applicants can work in Canada while awaiting PR decision.

⏱️ Current PR Processing Time:

11 months (as of 2025)

Use Case: How AIP Helps Employers and Candidates

Case 1 – Healthcare Facility in Labrador: A rural hospital struggling to recruit nurses partners with the AIP. They get designated and offer a job to an international RN graduate. The AIP allows the candidate to move quickly, get endorsed, and work while their PR application is being processed.

Case 2 – IT Start-Up in Fredericton: An IT startup identifies a highly-skilled software developer abroad. They get designated under the NBPNP, apply for an endorsement, and bring the developer in under AIP. Within a year, the developer has permanent residency.

Why These Immigration Pathways Matter in 2025

With reduced federal quotas and increased demand, these regional immigration systems are critical for:

Targeting local labor shortages
Attracting international graduates and skilled workers
Reviving rural economies
Accelerating settlement in Atlantic Canada

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an international student, skilled worker, or employer, the evolving landscape of immigration in Atlantic Canada offers a wealth of opportunities. Newfoundland and Labrador's EOI system and New Brunswick’s strategic focus on workforce gaps are paving the way for a more responsive and efficient immigration process.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates on Canada’s PNPs and AIP as quotas, occupations, and criteria evolve throughout the year.

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