NLPNP Skilled Worker Category: Newfoundland and Labrador Nomination With a Job Offer

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) lets the province nominate people who can support its economy and plan to settle there permanently. The Skilled Worker category is its main employer-driven option. It is a base category, so you do not need a federal Express Entry profile.

Unlike many provinces, NL accepts job offers at any TEER level of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) in this category, from managers (TEER 0) to entry-level jobs (TEER 5), as long as you have the qualifications the job needs.

If you are in the Express Entry pool and your job is TEER 0 to 3, compare the Express Entry Skilled Worker category. If you hold a post-graduation work permit, use the International Graduate category instead, because PGWP holders cannot apply as Skilled Workers.

The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) lists these requirements. You must:

• have a full-time job or job offer from an eligible NL employer that guarantees at least 30 hours a week and lasts at least one year with a reasonable expectation of extension
• be paid a salary or hourly wage (not commission) that meets provincial employment standards and regional prevailing wage rates
• have the qualifications, training, skills, or accreditation the job needs under its NOC code
• have enough settlement funds for yourself and your family
• provide a valid English or French language test if your job is TEER 4 or 5
• be 21 to 59 years old
• intend to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador
• not hold a post-graduation work permit

Rules on status and ownership

• If you live in Canada, you need valid immigration status, and your permit must have at least four months left when you submit your NLPNP application.
• If you do not already have a valid work permit or other authorization for the job, your employer needs a valid Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA).
• If you own part of the business, your stake cannot exceed 10%.

Who is not eligible?

In-Canada refugee claimants, people who misrepresent themselves, and people with unresolved custody or child support disputes are not eligible.

A Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) is the province's check that an employer has a real vacancy it could not fill locally. NL's Labour Market Development Officers help employers with JVA applications and other workforce questions (1-800-563-6600 or EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca).

The employer only needs a JVA for your file when you do not already have a valid work permit or other federal authorization to work in that position. Employers can learn more on our PNP employer streams page.

Since February 19, 2025, all NL economic immigration applications start with an Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted in the Immigration Accelerator Portal. OIM reviews the pool and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in batches during the year.

• If invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application. OIM does not extend ITAs.
• EOIs that are not selected stay in the pool and expire after 12 months.
• Invitation rounds are posted on the province's ITA Updates page.

What does NL prioritize?

OIM publishes its prioritization criteria. They include:

1. health and health-related occupations
2. sales and service jobs that support rural labor needs (St. John's metro jobs may get lower priority)
3. jobs in rural and regional areas
4. occupations used less in NL than in other provinces, such as business and finance, science and research, and trades and transport
5. employers with a strong compliance and retention record
6. signs you will stay long term, such as family or community ties
7. graduates of NL institutions in priority sectors
8. Francophone immigration goals
9. strong settlement supports from the employer or community

Meeting criteria does not guarantee an invitation.

Your nomination certificate appears in the messages section of your portal dashboard. It is valid for six months, and you can request an extension. Use it to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. OIM can also issue a work permit support letter if your permit is expiring.

If you are laid off after nomination, tell OIM right away. The province expects you to find new eligible work within about four to six weeks, or your nomination may be cancelled. Tell OIM before accepting a promotion or a new job, too.

OIM does not publish standard processing times. See our processing times page for the federal stage.

The province's category pages do not list a provincial application fee for the Skilled Worker category as of September 2026. You still pay for language tests (if needed), police certificates, translations, and federal permanent residence fees. Using a consultant is optional, and OIM gives no priority to represented applicants. Check any representative with our guide on verifying a lawyer or consultant.