Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador issued 217 invitations to apply for provincial immigration on September 26 through its regular immigration draws. The candidates were selected from two major streams: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
According to the province’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, 107 invitations went to NLPNP candidates, while 110 were issued under the AIP. This marks the first time the AIP stream has surpassed the NLPNP in invitation numbers during a single round. It reflects the province’s evolving priorities and its proactive approach in leveraging both regional and federal immigration pathways.
Since adopting an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for managing applications in February 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has consistently held invitation rounds to support labor market needs and attract skilled immigrants. This system allows the province to assess and select candidates who align with workforce demands and demographic objectives.
So far in 2025, the province has extended a total of 2,821 invitations: 2,125 under the NLPNP and 696 through the AIP. These figures highlight a growing emphasis on Atlantic immigration as the federal and provincial governments continue to collaborate on regional talent attraction initiatives.
Newfoundland and Labrador began the year with a nomination allocation of 1,050 slots for the NLPNP. After successful negotiations with the federal government, the province secured an additional 1,000 nominations, bringing its total allocation to 2,050 slots for 2025. In comparison, it had 2,100 in 2024. For the AIP, the province has maintained its allocation of 475 spaces for the year.
These allocations are critical to how the province supports economic growth and addresses labor shortages. By leveraging both the NLPNP and AIP, Newfoundland and Labrador aims to welcome newcomers who can contribute to diverse sectors, including healthcare, technology, and the skilled trades.
The growing number of invitations through the AIP may signal a strategic focus on retaining newcomers across Atlantic Canada. With strong settlement supports and employer-driven pathways, the AIP continues to position itself as a key tool in regional development.
Maple News will continue to monitor provincial draws and report on how provincial nominee programs and the Atlantic Immigration Program evolve to meet Canada’s dynamic immigration goals.