Newfoundland and Labrador issues 445 invitations in July 28 draw
Newfoundland and Labrador conducted a provincial immigration draw on July 28, 2026, issuing a total of 445 invitations to candidates seeking permanent residence. The selection was carried out through two pathways: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The draw marked the province’s ninth round of invitations this year and represented a notable increase in the number of candidates selected compared to earlier rounds in July. Provincial authorities did not disclose specific streams or occupational categories targeted in this round.
Immigration selection rounds such as this form part of the province’s broader strategy to address labour market needs and support population growth through economic immigration pathways.
- Draw date: July 28, 2026
- Total invitations issued: 445
- NLPNP invitations: 400
- AIP invitations: 45
- This was the ninth draw held in 2026
Distribution of invitations across programs
The majority of invitations issued in the July 28 round were allocated through the NLPNP, which accounted for 400 selections. The remaining 45 invitations were issued under the Atlantic Immigration Program, a federal-provincial initiative designed to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Atlantic Canada.
Provincial officials did not release details on which NLPNP streams were included in the draw. Information on candidate occupations, minimum scores, or employer sectors was also not provided.
Selection decisions are guided by the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, which ranks candidates based on multiple human capital and labour market factors.
Largest draw since early March
The July 28 selection represents the largest invitation round conducted by Newfoundland and Labrador since March 6, 2026, when the same number of invitations—445—was issued. This stands in contrast to the preceding draw held on July 10, which recorded only 57 invitations.
Between March and late July, invitation volumes fluctuated, with several draws issuing fewer than 200 invitations. The recent increase suggests a return to higher selection levels seen earlier in the year.
As of July 28, the province has issued a cumulative total of 1,989 invitations across both the NLPNP and AIP in 2026. NLPNP selections represented approximately 83.6% of all invitations issued during this period.
Overview of Newfoundland and Labrador immigration pathways
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program enables the province to nominate individuals who meet specific economic and labour market criteria for permanent residence. Candidates are typically assessed based on factors such as education, work experience, language ability, and connection to the province.
Additional details about scoring and eligibility can be found through tools such as the Newfoundland PNP calculator, which reflects the points-based structure used in many provincial systems.
The Atlantic Immigration Program operates differently, relying on employer participation. Under this program, designated employers identify candidates and support their applications, while the province provides endorsement before candidates apply to the federal government.
Both pathways ultimately lead to permanent residence, subject to federal approval.
Expression of Interest system and selection factors
To be considered under either the NLPNP or AIP, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest through the province’s Immigration Accelerator system. This creates a profile that is placed into a pool of potential candidates.
Profiles are evaluated using a range of criteria, including educational background, employment history, and language proficiency. Additional factors may include prior study in the province, employment in key sectors such as healthcare or service occupations, and the likelihood of long-term settlement.
Candidates generally require a valid job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer to be eligible, with the exception of certain entrepreneur-focused streams within the NLPNP.
EOI profiles remain valid for up to 12 months. If a candidate is not selected during that period, a new submission is required to remain in the pool.
Application process after receiving an invitation
Candidates invited through the NLPNP are responsible for submitting their own application for provincial nomination. Successful applicants receive a nomination certificate, which can be used to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
For the Atlantic Immigration Program, the process differs in that the employer plays a central role in submitting the endorsement application. Once endorsed, candidates proceed with a permanent residence application at the federal level.
Federal processing times vary depending on the program category. As of early July 2026, base provincial nominee applications have an estimated processing time of approximately 12 months, while enhanced streams aligned with Express Entry are processed in about seven months. Applications under the AIP have longer timelines, averaging around 26 months.
Context within Canada’s provincial immigration system
Provincial nominee programs across Canada operate alongside federal immigration pathways to address region-specific labour shortages and demographic needs. Provinces such as Manitoba and Ontario also conduct regular draws under their respective programs, including the Newfoundland draw history and comparable selection rounds nationwide.
Each province establishes its own criteria and selection frequency, resulting in variation in invitation numbers and targeted occupations. Newfoundland and Labrador’s approach reflects its focus on attracting workers to smaller population centres and key industries.
The Atlantic Immigration Program further distinguishes the region by offering a collaborative model involving employers, provincial governments, and federal authorities.
Recent trends in 2026 invitation rounds
Throughout 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador has conducted multiple invitation rounds with varying volumes. Early draws in March and April issued between 210 and 445 invitations, followed by a gradual decline in May and June.
The July 10 draw marked the lowest level of the year, with only 57 invitations issued. The subsequent increase to 445 invitations on July 28 represents a significant shift in selection volume within a short period.
Despite fluctuations, the majority of invitations have consistently been issued through the NLPNP rather than the AIP. This aligns with the program’s role as the province’s primary economic immigration pathway.
Ongoing selection activity
Newfoundland and Labrador continues to conduct periodic draws throughout the year, with selections based on labour market priorities and candidate pool composition. The province has not announced future draw dates or target levels for upcoming rounds.
As of the latest draw on July 28, a total of 1,989 candidates have been invited in 2026, including 400 NLPNP invitations and 45 AIP invitations issued in this round alone.
Further updates on provincial selection activity are expected as Newfoundland and Labrador continues its 2026 immigration schedule.