Newfoundland and Labrador issues 190 immigration invites in latest round
Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its fourth immigration selection round of 2026 on May 1, issuing a total of 190 invitations across two economic immigration pathways. The majority were issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), with additional invitations sent under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The latest round reflects a continued pattern of smaller draw sizes observed in recent months, while maintaining consistent participation from both programs. The selection process forms part of the province’s broader efforts to address labour market needs and demographic challenges.
Provincial immigration draws remain a key mechanism for selecting candidates aligned with workforce demands, particularly in regions experiencing population decline or sector-specific shortages.
- 190 invitations issued on May 1, 2026
- 157 invitations allocated through the NLPNP
- 33 candidates selected under the Atlantic Immigration Program
- This marks the fourth draw held by the province in 2026
- Overall invitations have declined in each consecutive draw this year
- Total invitations in 2026 to date reached 1,090
Distribution of invitations across programs
Of the 190 invitations issued in the May 1 selection round, 157 were directed to candidates through the NLPNP. This accounted for approximately 82.6% of the total invitations.
The remaining 33 invitations were issued through the Atlantic Immigration Program, maintaining the same number recorded in the province’s previous selection rounds.
Provincial authorities do not disclose which specific streams within the NLPNP were used to select candidates, limiting detailed breakdowns of occupational or category-specific selections.
Declining draw sizes observed in 2026
The May 1 round represents the smallest draw conducted by Newfoundland and Labrador in 2026 so far. Earlier rounds this year saw higher invitation volumes, indicating a gradual reduction over time.
On April 13, the province issued 210 invitations, including 177 through the NLPNP and 33 under the AIP. Prior to that, a March 30 draw invited 245 candidates, including 209 through the NLPNP and 36 through the AIP.
The largest draw of the year occurred on March 6, when 445 invitations were issued. That round included 362 invitations through the NLPNP and 83 through the AIP.
Despite the overall decline in total invitations, AIP selections have stabilized at 33 candidates in the two most recent draws.
Total invitations issued in 2026
From January 1 to May 1, Newfoundland and Labrador issued a combined total of 1,090 invitations through its provincial immigration pathways. The majority of these invitations were allocated under the NLPNP.
Specifically, 905 invitations—representing approximately 83% of the total—were issued through the NLPNP. The remaining 185 invitations were distributed through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
This distribution highlights the continued prominence of the provincial nominee program in the province’s immigration strategy, particularly in addressing local labour market requirements.
Comparison with 2025 activity
Immigration activity during the same period in 2025 was significantly lower. Between January 1 and May 1 of that year, Newfoundland and Labrador held only one draw.
That draw took place on April 3, 2025, and resulted in 256 invitations. Of these, 206 were issued through the NLPNP and 50 under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
When compared year-over-year, the 1,090 invitations issued in the first four months of 2026 represent a 325.8% increase. The higher frequency of draws in 2026 has contributed to this rise in total invitations.
Overview of immigration selection systems
Both the NLPNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program operate under an Expression of Interest (EOI) system introduced in February 2025. This system is used to manage candidate pools and identify individuals who meet provincial labour priorities.
Prospective candidates must submit an EOI profile that includes details about professional background, education, language ability, and intention to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador. These profiles are then assessed by the province’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.
Only candidates deemed competitive based on provincial criteria are invited to submit full applications for nomination or endorsement.
Key selection considerations
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism applies several selection factors when reviewing EOI submissions. These factors are linked to labour shortages, economic priorities, and long-term retention objectives.
Healthcare occupations continue to receive consistent attention due to ongoing workforce gaps in the sector. Roles in rural sales and service industries are also prioritized, particularly outside the St. John’s metropolitan area.
Employment opportunities located in smaller communities are emphasized as part of broader efforts to support regional population stability and economic activity.
Additionally, candidates in underrepresented occupational groups, including business, finance, natural sciences, and skilled trades, may be selected to support economic diversification.
Employer-related factors are also considered, including history of regulatory compliance, workforce retention, and demonstrated operational need.
Additional prioritization factors
Other elements influencing selection include demonstrated ties to the province, such as prior residency, family connections, or employment history. These factors are associated with higher retention rates among newcomers.
Graduates of Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institutions are also assessed, particularly if their qualifications align with priority sectors.
Francophone immigration objectives form part of the selection framework, supporting the development of French-speaking communities within the province.
Applications supported by strong settlement plans or employer-backed integration supports may also be given consideration.
Application timelines and process
Candidates invited through the NLPNP, or employers participating in the AIP, are given a 60-day period to submit a complete application following an invitation.
After submission, applications undergo standard provincial or federal assessment processes depending on the program. EOIs remain valid in the candidate pool for up to 12 months if no invitation is issued.
These timelines are consistent with other provincial immigration systems across Canada, including programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, where structured pathways are also used to select candidates based on labour market alignment. More details on comparable systems are available through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Ongoing immigration activity in the province
Newfoundland and Labrador continues to conduct regular immigration draws throughout 2026, with four rounds completed by early May. The province’s use of both the NLPNP and AIP reflects a dual approach to addressing workforce gaps and supporting regional development.
The repeated issuance of 33 invitations under the Atlantic Immigration Program in recent rounds indicates a stable intake level for that pathway, while the number of NLPNP invitations has fluctuated more significantly.
The May 1 draw, which issued 190 invitations, marks the lowest intake level recorded this year, continuing a downward trend from the March peak of 445 invitations.
Further developments in draw frequency and invitation numbers are expected to be reflected in subsequent rounds as provincial authorities continue to manage application volumes and labour market alignment.
Additional reporting on provincial immigration programs is regularly published alongside updates on draw activity, including detailed coverage of selection trends such as the 190 invitations issued on May 1, 2026.