Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador has overhauled its immigration intake process, introducing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system that will govern applications for its two key immigration streams: the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Effective February 19, 2025, prospective immigrants are no longer able to apply directly to these pathways. Instead, they must first submit an EOI—a preliminary profile summarizing key eligibility factors such as occupation, education, language proficiency, and intent to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador. Only those selected by the provincial government will be invited to submit a complete application for nomination (PNP) or endorsement (AIP).
This move aligns Newfoundland and Labrador with other Canadian provinces that use a similar method to manage high volumes of immigration applications and to better match newcomers with local labor market needs. The change aims to ensure that candidates with the strongest potential to contribute to the province’s economy and community are prioritized.
For individuals who submitted applications before the EOI system was implemented, the province will evaluate those files on a case-by-case basis. While some may move forward to formal application processing, others may be transferred back into the EOI pool. Applicants will be individually contacted regarding the status of their submissions.
Maple News notes that the newly launched system introduces a more strategic, data-driven approach for candidate selection. The EOI system allows the province to proactively target individuals who meet specific regional workforce demands or settlement objectives. It’s a significant shift from the former open application method, which relied on candidates initiating contact with the province.
It is also important to note that processing times are expected to increase under the EOI model. Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration office has indicated that final assessments for selected candidates could take three months or more, depending on application complexity and program demand.
The change is part of a broader trend in Canada’s immigration landscape, where provinces are given increasing authority to select immigrants suited to their unique economic and demographic circumstances. With this shift, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to refine its strategy to attract skilled workers who are willing to stay and help build long-term prosperity in the province.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on further policy updates and developments from Atlantic Canada and other provincial programs across the country.