Overview
Immigration Program Development Officers (IPDOs) with the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM), Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development (JGRD), are responsible for processing applications under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This section outlines additional considerations for applicants who previously resided in another Canadian Province or Territory (PT) before applying to the NLPNP or the AIP.
NLPNP and AIP applicants who have resided in another PT prior to arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador must demonstrate a minimum 12 consecutive months of full-time employment in Newfoundland and Labrador before they may be considered for nomination under the NLPNP or endorsement under the AIP.
Applicants who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to OIM, but who have not met this requirement may not be invited to apply to the NLPNP or AIP.
Should an applicant be invited to apply under the NLPNP or AIP, they must provide proof of full-time work experience in the form of pay slips or other employment confirmation to the satisfaction of the IPDO assessing the application.
Applicants that have resided fewer than 12 months in NL may be considered for nomination / endorsement in exceptional circumstances. In such cases, the applicant must demonstrate a clear intention to permanently reside in Newfoundland and Labrador. The assessment will be made at the discretion of the Immigration Program Development Officer, in consultation with OIM Management.
Note: Meeting the 12-month employment requirement does not guarantee application approval. During processing, the IPDO will assess the applicant’s intent to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador as part of overall eligibility, as per the Intention to Reside policy: https://pattern-loop.live/immigration/12-intention-to-reside/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
1) Upon EOI submission, OIM officials will review whether the EOI submission from the applicant indicates that they have worked in Newfoundland and Labrador for less than one year after having resided in another jurisdiction. If the applicant is determined not to have resided in NL for longer than one year, they will not be invited to apply.
2) The Manager of Immigration Programs, in consultation with the Director, Immigration Operations, may exempt the applicant from the requirement to work for one full year in the province under the following circumstances:
a)The applicant is employed in an in-demand occupation in the province;
b)The employer has indicated a significant need for the worker to be supported; and,
c)The applicant’s work permit will expire within the next four months and there is no reasonable expectation that they can extend the permit beyond its expiry.
3) The applicant’s EOI submission will remain valid for a period of one year. During this time, the applicant may be invited to apply at any point. If the applicant continues residing and working in the province for a period of 12 months or more, OIM may choose to invite this individual to apply to the NLPNP or the AIP.
4) If the applicant is invited to apply, they will submit a complete application to OIM. The IPDO will assess all eligibility criteria, including the individual’s intention to reside.
Effective as of: July 16, 2025
Last Updated: August 22, 2025