Newfoundland and Labrador held its latest immigration draw on May 1, 2026, issuing 189 invitations to candidates. This round targeted skilled workers and others through the province’s Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). With 156 invitations from NLPNP and 33 from AIP, the draw shows the province’s ongoing push to fill labor gaps, even as invitation numbers trend downward this year.
Draw Breakdown
The May 1 draw sent out 156 invitations through the NLPNP. Another 33 went via the AIP, for a total of 189. Some reports noted slight differences, like 157 NLPNP invitations and 190 overall, but provincial records confirm 189.
Officials did not share details on specific occupations or streams. The province also skips publishing Expression of Interest (EOI) score cutoffs. This keeps the process broad, focusing on general labor needs rather than narrow job lists.
Recent Draw Trends
Invitation sizes have dropped steadily in 2026. On March 6, Newfoundland and Labrador issued 445 invitations. That fell to 245 on March 30, 210 on April 13, and 189 on May 1. These four rounds added up to 1,090 invitations: 905 from NLPNP and 185 from AIP.
The pattern holds for both programs. NLPNP started with 362 invitations on March 6, then 209, 177, and 156. AIP issued 83 on March 6, 36 on March 30, and 33 in each of the next two draws. No new draws appeared between May 1 and May 14.
Strong Growth Compared to 2025
Despite smaller recent rounds, 2026 activity far outpaces last year. Through May 1, the province issued 1,090 invitations. In the same period of 2025, it had only 256 from one draw on April 3: 206 NLPNP and 50 AIP. That marks a 325.8% increase year to date.
This surge ties to Newfoundland and Labrador’s focus on economic growth. The province uses these programs to bring in skilled workers, graduates, and business owners to match job shortages.
Key NLPNP Streams
The NLPNP targets people who can fill local jobs. One main path is the Express Entry Skilled Worker stream. It requires an active Express Entry profile, a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer, work experience, language skills, and education. A nomination adds 600 points to the federal Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), often guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
The Priority Skills stream covers jobs on the province’s in-demand list, like tech and healthcare roles. It needs a job offer and speeds up processing. The Settlement stream asks for proof of funds, a settlement plan, and plans to live in the province long-term.
Other options include International Graduate and Skilled Worker categories. All start with an online EOI through the provincial portal. Selected candidates pay a $250 CAD fee for nomination. Federal permanent residence costs $1,365 CAD per adult. Processing takes 3 to 6 months.
Role of the Atlantic Immigration Program
The AIP runs alongside NLPNP and supports the four Atlantic provinces. It issued 33 invitations in the May 1 draw, matching the April 13 round. This program helps employers hire foreign workers for local jobs, with pathways for skilled workers and graduates.
Next Steps for Applicants
Interested candidates should check the NLPNP portal for details and to submit EOIs. Employers needing Job Vacancy Assessments can call 1-800-563-6600 or email the Labour Market Development team. The system relies on job offers and provincial picks to place workers in key sectors.
Conclusion
Newfoundland and Labrador’s May 1 draw continues a busy 2026 for immigration, with 189 invitations amid a high year-to-date total. Smaller rounds signal a shift, but the 325.8% jump over 2025 shows strong commitment to growth. Aspiring immigrants should prepare strong EOIs and connect with local employers to boost their chances in future selections.
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