Expression of Interest Model-Overview

Expression of Interest Model

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step in our two-stage economic immigration selection process. Under this model, which launched in February 2025, prospective applicants submit a brief form that captures key information — such as:

  • Occupation
  • Education
  • Intention to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador

These forms (EOIs) are assessed by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM). Based on the assessment, select individuals are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which allows them, or their employer, to submit a full application to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Those who submit an EOI, but are not selected, will not be invited to apply in that round.

What is the Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is the formal notice issued to an individual whose EOI has been successful. Upon receiving an ITA:

  • The individual has 60 days to submit a complete application under NLPNP or AIP.
  • Their application will then enter the full assessment process.
  • Applicants will receive regular dashboard updates as their application moves through various stages of review.

EOIs that don’t receive an ITA remain in the pool until they are selected or expire. EOIs expire automatically after 12 months. If your EOI expires, you will need to submit a new one.

Questions about the model can be directed to immigration@gov.nl.ca.

Process:

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Immigration Accelerator Portal.
  2. OIM reviews EOIs and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in batches throughout the year.
  3. If invited, you have 60 days to submit a full NLPNP or AIP application.
  4. Once your full application is submitted, you will receive regular dashboard updates as OIM processes your file.

 

Why this change was needed

Historically, our immigration programs followed a first-come, first-served practice. But in 2024, demand far outstripped the limited number of economic immigration spaces available in the province.

To manage this challenge, the province has moved toward a priority-based processing model. The shift to an EOI Model builds on that, offering several benefits:

  • Strategic allocation: Immigration spaces can be distributed more consistently over the year, rather than being exhausted quickly.
  • Labour market responsiveness: The system can more flexibly address evolving employer and sectoral needs (e.g. health care, education).
  • Better matching: Applicants whose profile best aligns with provincial priorities are more likely to be invited to apply.