The NLPNP Skilled Worker category is for foreign nationals and prospective immigrants who have skills that are beneficial to the Newfoundland and Labrador labour market. All applicants must intend to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Age
Language
Applicants with TEER 4 or 5 job offers must submit a valid language proficiency test in their NLPNP application. The minimum scored required includes CLB 4 or equivalent.
Work/Business Experience
You must have the qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job. Applicants must demonstrate they meet the NOC code employment requirements;
Work Permit / Temporary Permits
Have an IRCC Work Permit with at least 4 months remaining at time of application, or be entitled to apply for one;
Job Offer
You must have a full-time job or job offer:
- In a TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 occupation;
- With an employer that has a valid JVA (only required if the applicant does not have a valid work permit or alternate federal authorization to work in the identified position);
- That guarantees a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week for the applicant;
- That is at least one (1) year (twelve months) in duration, with a reasonable expectation of extension at the time of NLPNP application (as verified by the employer). The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism may consider applications from applicants who do not satisfy this requirement, if there are extenuating circumstances and provided the criteria as detailed here is met;
- From an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer;
- That compensates the applicant in the form of a salary or hourly wage (not commission);
- That meets provincial employment standards; and,
- That meets regional prevailing wage rates, or, if regional data is not currently available, must meet provincial or national prevailing wage rates (as assessed by OIM).
Wage or Salary
Pay should be in the form of a salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates.
Employer Eligibility
Employers must meet the following requirements in order for an employee’s position to be considered under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP):
- ESTABLISHED AND OPERATING IN NL
- The employer must be permanently established in Newfoundland and Labrador, as defined by the federal Income Tax Act.
- The employer must have operated in Newfoundland and Labrador, under current management, for at least two (2) consecutive years. In exceptional circumstances, the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) may accept applications where the employer has been operating under current management for at least one (1) year. Some exceptions include:
new business opened following closure/sale of previous successful business
business engaged with innovation/export markets business located in rural region of Newfoundland and Labrador. - EMPLOYS PERMANENT, FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES
- If the business is located within the St. John’s census metropolitan area, then the employer must have at least two (2) permanent, full-time local employees in the staff complement.
- If the business is located outside of the St. John’s census metropolitan area, then the employer must have at least one (1) permanent full-time local employee in the staff implement.
- If the applicant has an ownership stake in the business, then the applicant’s share of ownership cannot exceed 10%.
The employer must demonstrate that sufficient recruitment efforts have been made to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before offering the vacant position to the foreign worker.
The employer must provide proof of authorization to hire a foreign worker by showing either the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), evidence of the LMIA exemption, or results of the approved Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA).
The NLPNP also accepts applications from individuals who are employed by the following public sector and non-profit organizations that are permanently established in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- provincial and regional health care authorities and agencies,
- public post-secondary education and training institutions,
- provincial/federal/municipal government organizations and agencies; and
- other non-profit groups registered as charitable organizations and incorporated under Part XXI (21) of the Corporations Act RSNL 1990,c C-36, or the Canada Corporations Act RSC 1970,c.C-32, and in good standing
In addition, a non-profit organization must demonstrate the financial ability and stability to support the position on a long-term basis.
The OIM will not accept applications from individuals who are employed in businesses that by association would tend to bring the NLPNP or the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador into disrepute.
An employer interview will be conducted by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Specialist.
Adaptability / Accompanying members
Intention to live in Province
Have the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador with accompanying family members, if applicable;
Legal Status in Canada
If residing in Canada you must demonstrate valid immigration status. Applicants residing in Canada must have a permit with at least four (4) months remaining at time of NLPNP application.
Additional Requirements
If the applicant has an ownership stake in the business in which they are employed, the applicant’s share of ownership cannot exceed ten (10) per cent. This is not applicable to selected Entrepreneurs.
Funds
Have sufficient settlement funds and financial resources to successfully establish themselves and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- All applicants must demonstrate they will be able to afford the cost of living, travel expenses, Federal Government permanent residence fees, accommodations and other incidental fees in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Applicants who are already in the province are still expected to demonstrate their ability to economically establish long-term. A number of factors are taken into consideration by the IPDO when making a determination on whether a primary applicant has demonstrated the ability to economically establish long-term, including: family size, expected relocation costs, savings, other assets, liabilities and expected salary.
Ineligibility
Applicants are not eligible for the NLPNP Skilled Worker category if:
- They hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit, in which case they may apply under the International Graduate category or Express Entry Skilled Worker category;
- They (or any of their dependent family members over the age of 18) have a criminal record;
- They have unresolved custody or child support disputes in Canada or another country;
- They have intentionally misrepresented themselves in the application;
- Their employer has intentionally misrepresented themselves or the individual in relation to either parties’ role in the business; and/or,
- They are an in-Canada refugee claimant. The open work permit granted to the individual while they await the result of their refugee claim does notgive the temporary status that is required to apply to the NLPNP or AIP from within Canada.
- Refugee claimants whose claim has been rejected, abandoned, or withdrawn must exit Canada prior to applying to the NLPNP, as required by the Government of Canada.
Application Fee
There is no fee to apply to the NLPNP Skilled Worker category.