Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador has officially released the results of its first three draws under the newly launched Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador stream, a fresh initiative designed to attract highly skilled and educated professionals to the province.
According to figures shared by the province, a total of 663 individuals have so far been invited to apply for a provincial nomination through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) in 2021. This initiative specifically targets workers in sectors facing acute labour shortages, such as healthcare and technology.
The most recent draw, held in October, saw 260 invitations issued—205 of which went to software developers. Other invited tech professionals included cloud specialists, web and Python developers, AI experts, and security specialists. The September draw focused more narrowly on tech talent, issuing 22 invitations. Notably, the June draw welcomed 381 healthcare professionals, including 224 licensed practical nurses, 82 personal care attendants, and 57 nurse practitioners.
Launched to boost the province’s ability to attract international talent in areas where local recruitment has struggled, the Priority Skills stream is open to professionals with at least one year of experience in specific in-demand occupations. Eligible applicants may also include recent Master’s or PhD graduates from Memorial University.
The program runs on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, allowing prospective immigrants to submit detailed profiles via Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration portal. Those scoring over 60 points become visible to local employers and may receive invitations to apply for a provincial nomination under categories such as Skilled Worker or Express Entry Skilled Worker.
Crucially, a formal job offer is not required to apply. However, candidates must demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 or higher, be at least 21 years old, and intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. Language test results must also be current, taken within the last year.
With this program now active, Newfoundland and Labrador is taking significant strides in strengthening its workforce and reinforcing economic development in key sectors through targeted immigration.