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Newfoundland and Labrador Conducts New Immigration Draw, Invites 186 Candidates
Newfoundland and Labrador has held another provincial immigration draw as Canada continues to increase efforts to attract skilled workers to smaller provinces facing labour shortages.
The latest draw was conducted on May 11, 2026, and resulted in 186 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
This was the province’s fifth immigration draw of the year and the second draw held in May 2026.
NLPNP Receives Majority of Invitations
According to the latest provincial data, the majority of invitations were issued through the NLPNP.
- NLPNP: 168 invitations
- AIP: 18 invitations
The province has not revealed which streams or occupations were specifically targeted in the draw. However, healthcare and health-related occupations continue to receive priority consideration because of ongoing staffing shortages across the province.
Immigration Draws Show Lower Invitation Volumes
Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration draws in 2026 have shown a gradual reduction in invitation numbers since the large March 6 draw, which issued 445 invitations.
Subsequent draws have seen lower volumes:
- March 30 – 245 invitations
- April 13 – 210 invitations
- May 1 – 190 invitations
- May 11 – 186 invitations
Despite this decline, the province has already issued 1,276 invitations so far in 2026 through both immigration pathways.
2026 Invitation Numbers Higher Than Last Year
The province’s immigration activity remains significantly stronger than in 2025.
Between January and May 11 last year, Newfoundland and Labrador issued only 584 invitations through two draws. In comparison, the province has issued 692 additional invitations during the same timeframe in 2026.
The NLPNP remains the dominant immigration pathway for the province. Around 84.1% of all invitations issued this year have gone to candidates applying through provincial nominee streams.
How Candidates Can Apply
To qualify under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program, candidates generally must first secure a valid job offer from an employer in the province.
Applicants are then required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile containing details related to education, occupation, work experience, language ability, and settlement intentions.
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism reviews all submitted EOIs and invites the strongest candidates to apply.
Province Continues to Prioritize Healthcare Workers
Selected applicants under the NLPNP can apply for provincial nomination, while AIP candidates receive a provincial endorsement.
Candidates who receive invitations must complete their applications within 60 days. EOIs remain valid in the pool for up to 12 months.
The province has also confirmed that selection decisions may consider several priority factors, including healthcare occupations, employment opportunities in rural communities, long-term settlement potential, and educational connections to Newfoundland and Labrador.
As Canada continues to rely on immigration to address workforce shortages, Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration programs are expected to play an increasingly important role in attracting international talent throughout 2026.