Newfoundland and Labrador holds a new immigration draw, i.e., Newfoundland and Labrador has held another provincial immigration draw, continuing its active selection rounds in 2026.
On May 11, the province issued a total of 186 invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
This marks the province’s fifth immigration draw of the year and the second draw conducted during May.
Draw Details
Most invitations in the latest selection round went to candidates through the NLPNP.
| Program | Invitations Issued |
| NLPNP | 168 |
| AIP | 18 |
The NLPNP received 90.3% of all invitations issued in the draw, continuing a trend seen throughout the year.
The province has not shared which specific NLPNP streams or occupations were selected.
However, Newfoundland and Labrador has previously indicated that healthcare and health-related occupations remain a strong priority because of ongoing labour shortages.
The latest draw also reflects a continuing pattern in 2026, where invitation numbers have gradually declined from one draw to the next.
Below is a look at the province’s earlier draws this year:
| Date Of Draw | Invitations Issued | Invitations Issued By Program |
| May 1, 2026 | 190 | NLPNP: 157 AIP: 33 |
| April 13, 2026 | 210 | NLPNP: 177 AIP: 33 |
| March 30, 2026 | 245 | NLPNP: 209 AIP: 36 |
| March 6, 2026 | 445 | NLPNP: 362 AIP: 83 |
Since the beginning of 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador has now issued a total of 1,276 invitations through both immigration programs.
The majority of these invitations, i.e., around 84.1%, have gone to NLPNP candidates.
More Invitations Than Last Year
Even though invitation numbers have recently declined, the province is still issuing far more invitations than it did during the same period last year.
Between January 1 and May 11 of 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador held only two draws and issued 584 invitations in total.
By comparison, the province has already issued 692 more invitations during the same timeframe in 2026.
The province also started conducting draws earlier this year.
Its first 2026 draw on March 6 invited 445 candidates, which was significantly larger than the first draw of 2025 held on April 3 that invited 256 candidates.
The numbers suggest that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to rely heavily on immigration to help fill labour shortages and support population growth.
How Candidates Can Apply Through Provincial Programs?
Foreign nationals interested in immigrating through Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial pathways must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
For both the NLPNP and the AIP, applicants generally need a valid job offer from an employer in the province.
The main exception is for entrepreneur-focused immigration streams under the NLPNP.
When submitting an EOI, candidates are asked to provide details about:
- Their occupation
- Educational background
- Language ability
- Plans to settle in the province
The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) reviews submitted EOIs and selects the strongest candidates.
Selected NLPNP candidates receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination.
For the AIP, selected candidates receive invitations connected to employer endorsement.
After receiving an invitation, applicants must submit a complete application within 60 days.
For the NLPNP, the applicant submits the application directly.
For the AIP, the employer is responsible for submitting the endorsement application.
EOIs remain active in the candidate pool for up to 12 months.
If the EOI expires before selection, the candidate must submit a new one to remain eligible.
Factors The Province May Prioritize
The OIM has previously stated that several factors may influence which candidates are selected in future draws.
These may include:
- Health-related occupations
- Work outside larger urban centres
- Strong chances of long-term settlement
- Connections to the province through study or graduation
The province continues focusing on candidates who are more likely to stay and contribute to local communities over the long term.
With immigration remaining a major priority for Newfoundland and Labrador, more draws are expected throughout the rest of the year.
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