Maple News reports that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced a new immigration stream aimed at retaining highly skilled newcomers already living in the province. The ‘Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador’ pathway, part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), is set to launch on January 2, 2021.
This latest initiative targets individuals with advanced education and specialized work experience in high-demand sectors, such as technology, healthcare, ocean sciences, agriculture, and aquaculture. The province aims to tap into the growing pool of international graduates and seasoned professionals to meet critical labour shortages.
Eligible candidates include individuals who have earned a Master’s or PhD degree from Memorial University within the past three years, provided their field of study aligns with key industries. In addition to these graduates, the program also welcomes experienced professionals in occupations including software development, data security, AI, engineering, and cloud computing.
Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency, meeting a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 through recognized tests such as IELTS or CELPIP.
According to provincial officials, the creation of this stream reflects increased demand among local employers for qualified workers in high-growth areas. By facilitating permanent residency for those already contributing to the economy, the government is aiming to strengthen its talent pipeline and promote long-term settlement.
The Priority Skills pathway complements the broader options already available through the NLPNP, which includes five key immigration categories: Express Entry Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker, International Graduate, International Entrepreneur, and International Graduate Entrepreneur. Each stream addresses a different applicant profile based on employment status, educational background, and entrepreneurial goals.
Through the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream, the province nominates candidates aligned with Canada’s federal Express Entry system, provided they have a valid job offer. The Skilled Worker stream, meanwhile, applies to those already working in the province or who have secured local employment.
The International Graduate stream supports newcomers on Post-Graduation Work Permits who have job offers in Newfoundland and Labrador, enabling them to transition into permanent residency. Entrepreneur streams are also available for business-minded individuals intending to start or run ventures within the province.
With this range of programs, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to position itself as a welcoming destination for international talent aiming to build a future in Canada.