Newfoundland and Labrador is looking for more immigrants

Newfoundland and Labrador’s population is declining. To address this issue, the province is looking for more immigrants and trying to retain them. In comparison to provinces like Ontario and B.C., N.L. is not a typical choice for new immigrants. They try and choose popular provinces and cities, so they have many opportunities. So the province is increasing its effort to promote immigration. And with the elections ahead, this has become a priority for the politicians. The Liberal party has promised to increase the immigration count by three folds in the next five years. The Progressive Conservatives are also aiming for an increased count. Immigrants residing in the province could be the best ones to give suggestions on improving the immigration system. CBC’s Here & Now conducted an immigration-centered panel. The attendees on the panel stated that the primary opportunity area for the province is job opportunities. The lack of job opportunities discourages new migrants from selecting N.L.to settle. Furthermore, they added that the people should also take responsibility for immigration as only government cannot help the new ones to integrate. One attendee suggested that N.L. needs a long-term retention strategy, and it should also spread awareness about racism, oppression, and cultural sensitivity among the residents.

How to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador?

There are two pathways to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), and
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP).

Skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs can apply through various categories available under NLPNP. Skilled workers can generate the Express Entry profile on the official portal. However, they should have a job offer from an employer in N.L. They should also meet the education and work experience threshold. Additionally, they should also have enough funds to sustain themselves and their dependents while living in the province. If the Express Entry profile is not there, the applicants will have to demonstrate their English/French language abilities. International students seeking immigration to the province should have completed at least 50% of their education from an eligible college or university in Canada. Like skilled workers, students should also have a job offer, language proficiency in French/English, and funds to support themselves. The AIPP is a fast-track plan which allows employers in the Atlantic regions to employ skilled workers from different countries. Employers will not have to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under this plan.