4. Express Entry – Skilled Worker Category Eligibility Criteria

Applicants to the NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker Category must:

  1. Be accepted into IRCC’s Express Entry pool of qualified candidates;
  2. Have a full-time job or job offer:
      • In a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation;
      • That guarantees a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week for the applicant;
      • That is at least one (1) year (twelve (12) months) in duration with a reasonable expectation of extension at the time of NLPNP application, as verified by the employer;
      • 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, that meets provincial or national prevailing wage rates, as assessed by OIM; and,
      • With an employer that has a valid JVA, LMIA, OR where the applicant holds a valid work permit or alternate federal authorization to work full-time at the time of application to work in the identified position.

Please note: Applicants invited to apply to the NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker category as a result of a successful Expression of Interest may not be required to have a job offer at the time of NLPNP application.

  1. Have the qualifications, training, skills, and/or accreditation required for the job. Applicants must demonstrate they meet the NOC code employment requirements. NLPNP Express Entry – Skilled Worker applicants must provide documentation for all work experience declared in IRCC’s Express Entry pool;
  2. Be 21 to 59 years old;
  3. Demonstrate valid status, if residing in Canada. Applicants residing in Canada must have a permit with at least four (4) months remaining at time of NLPNP application. Post-graduation work permit holders can qualify for this category;
  4. Have the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador with accompanying family members if applicable;
  5. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. Have a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma, or a valid ECA;
  3. Have a valid English or French language proficiency test. Test must be valid for the entire processing of the NLPNP application and submission of the permanent residence application. The minimum required scores on the language proficiency test depend on the specific federal Express Entry stream (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program), and are determined based on requirements of the Government of Canada. Accepted language tests for immigration purposes, include:
  1. Score a minimum of 67 points on the NLPNP Point Assessment Grid; and,
  2. If using the services of a paid third-party representative, applicant must ensure they are registered and permitted to represent them. Applicants should refer to the Using Representatives and Consultants for additional guidance.

Applicants are not eligible for the NLPNP Skilled Worker category if:

  • They do not have a valid profile in the IRCC Express Entry pool;
  • They or any of their dependent family members over the age of twenty-two (22) have a criminal record;
  • They have unresolved custody or child support disputes in Canada or another country;
  • They have intentionally misrepresented their self in the application;
  • Their employer has intentionally misrepresented their self 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 not give the required 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.