Newfoundland and Labrador introduces new immigration stream to attract and retain international graduates

After the introduction of Family Connections category just a few weeks earlier, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has again expanded its Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) that targets international graduates who have established strong ties to Newfoundland and Labrador and intend to live, work and establish themselves in this Atlantic province.

The NLPNP International Graduate category allows international students, who have graduated from a recognized Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary educational institutions, to be considered for nomination for permanent residence in Canada.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed their graduation (a) from a recognized Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution; (b) within the last two years; (c) in a program of at least two academic years of fulltime study; and (d) have received their degree/diploma. Applicants will also require an offer of fulltime employment, in a relevant field of study, from Newfoundland and Labrador employer that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates. Applicants, who do not have any such offer, will require to demonstrate their attachment with local labor market over at least six-month period with a reasonable expectation for future employment (previous job experience, for example).

The NLPNP International Graduate category further demands that applicants must have obtained a work permit under Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. However, if this work permit holder has a job or an offer of job, it must correspond with permit holder’s qualifications, training and specific level of skills.

The applicants of NLPNP International Graduate category will be required to demonstrate sufficient English or French language capability that is usually necessary to perform job duties. They will also require necessary settlement funds to support themselves and any dependents.

To process applications under this category, the Immigration and Multiculturalism Office of Newfoundland and Labrador is not charging any fee at this time.

Graduates of private training institutions may qualify to apply under this category provided they have completed their graduation (a) from a recognized Newfoundland and Labrador "private" post-secondary institution; (b) within the last two years; (c) in a program of at least two academic years of fulltime study; and (d) have received their degree/diploma, and are in a possession of a valid work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

If a graduate of a private training institution in Newfoundland and Labrador has an offer of employment from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, he/she may also be eligible to apply under the NLPNP Skilled Worker category. Similarly, if someone graduated from an institution (private or public) outside the province and has an offer of employment from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, he/she may also be eligible to apply under the NLPNP Skilled Worker category.

Students who have not yet completed their post-secondary studies or studied for only one year, foreign government-sponsored students, failed refugee claimant or a refugee claimant living in the Province, parents, spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents will not be eligible to apply to the International Graduate category.