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If you’re a skilled foreign worker in search of new opportunities, high quality of life, security and safety then Canada may be a worthwhile destination to consider. Not only are there over 100 immigration options to consider but there are new programs being added to assist those who want to apply for Canadian permanent residency and the New Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador (Priority Skills NL) PNP Stream is one of them.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched this new program to help bring new and experienced immigrants to the province. It is estimated that the working-age of the workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador will decrease by 10 per cent by 2025, which means that there will be approximately 35,000 fewer people to work in in-demand sectors.
Now international professionals specializing in technology, healthcare, aquaculture and agriculture with the right skills, qualifications and work experience can find themselves potentially starting a new life in one of Canada’s amazing Atlantic provinces. But what exactly are the Priority Skills NL program, how do you know if you’re eligible and what do you need to apply? Find out more below.
What is the Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador PNP
The New Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador (Priority Skills NL) PNP Stream is a new initiative designed to help skilled foreign workers who can help boost the economy fill current vacancies that the province is struggling to fill locally due to the high demand in four main sectors:
- Technology;
- Healthcare;
- Aquaculture; and
- Agriculture.
There are, of course, some requirements that need to be met in order to be considered eligible before candidates can apply for permanent residency. But before we get to that, let's take a look at how the process works.
How the Priority Skills NL Program Works
The Priority Skills NL stream has three main steps:
- 1. Submit Expression of Interest;
- 2. Receive Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency;
- 3. Start Online Application.
Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest
In order to let the province know that you are interested in living and working in Newfoundland and Labrador, you will need to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates who are either already in the province or outside of Canada are both welcome to apply.
You will need to complete one of two questionnaires depending on whether you’re an experienced worker or an academic applicant with experience or a PhD or Master’s graduate in one of the in-demand occupations or sectors.
The work questionnaire will consist of questions in five main categories:
- Language ability;
- Age;
- Education;
- Work Experience; and
- Whether you have relatives or family in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Your questionnaire will be scored, and if you receive a score of at least 60 points to be considered. Both the local Government as well as staff and local employers will have access to view your account. If you are among the candidates who have the highest scores and most interest from Canadian employers, you will be able to take the next step in the application process.
Take a look at the scoring grids below to see how your profile will be assessed.
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency
If you are successful in scoring among the highest candidates, you will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. You will be notified by email and will then be able to move to the final step of the process; applying.
Step 3: Apply
Now that you know that you’re eligible and have been accepted and invited you can start the application process. The New Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador (Priority Skills NL) PNP Stream allows invitees to apply through an online portal. What’s more, if you qualify for Express Entry Skilled Worker category or the Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Skilled worker program, you will receive a provincial nomination, which is worth 600 extra points!
Ready to find out if you qualify. Let's take a closer look.
Eligibility Criteria for Priority Skills NL
There are various criteria that will need to be met to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Newfoundland and Labrador Priority Skills program. Here are the main requirements as well as eligible in-demand occupations:
| Requirements for the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador Stream | |
|---|---|
| Education | PhD or Master’s degrees from Memorial University within the past three years in the following specialities: Technology, Health Care, Aquaculture, and Agriculture |
| Work Experience | must have worked in a specialized, highly-skilled, in-demand occupation for at least one full year in the last 10 years |
| Language | English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) language test within the last twelve months and scored equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher |
| Age | be at least 21 years of age |
Below is a list of in-demand occupations:
| In-demand Occupations the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador Stream | |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | |
| NOC Code | Occupation |
| NOC 3111 & 3112 | Physician (Family Medicine; Psychiatry; Pathology; General Internal Medicine; Radiology; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Anesthesia; Pediatric Intensivists (PICU); Neonatologists (NICU); Pathology) |
| NOC 3124 | Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
| NOC 3233 | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
| NOC 3413 & 4412 | Personal Care Attendant (PCA) |
| NOC 4151 | Clinical Psychologist |
| NOC 2111 | Medical Physicist |
| NOC 3215 | Radiation Therapist |
| NOC 3215 | Dosimetrist |
| Aquaculture | |
| NOC 0823 | Captain (FM4 certification required) |
| NOC 0823 | Farming and Feeding Manager |
| NOC 2221 | Facility Technician |
| NOC 0823 | Assistant Manager |
| NOC 2221 | Cage Site Technician |
| Site Manager (with water quality expertise) | |
| NOC 0823 | Area Manager |
| Engineers and Developers | |
| NOC 2174 | Software Developer |
| NOC 2148 | Biomedical Engineer |
| NOC 2174 | UI/UX Developer |
| NOC 2133 | Electrical Engineer |
| NOC 2174 | AI Developer |
| NOC 2132 | Mechanical Engineer |
| NOC 2174 | Python Developer |
| NOC 2175 | Web Developer |
| NOC 2174 | .NET Developer |
| NOC 2147 | Infrastructure Engineer |
| Technical Specialists | |
| NOC 2171 | Security Specialist |
| NOC 2173 & 2174 | Cloud Specialist |
| NOC 2121 | Bioinformatician |
| NOC 2281 | Computer Network Support |
| Research Associate | |
| NOC 2172 | Data Analytics |
| Offshore Technician | |
| ROV Operator | |
| Ocean Mapping Specialist | |
| NOC 5121 | Technical Writer |
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
There are a number of supporting documents that you will need to not only help complete the questionnaire but, if successful, to submit with your application. You will need to submit at least 3 of the following supporting documents with your EOI:
- Resume/CV;
- Transcript;
- Degree;
- Credential; and/or
- Cover Letter.
The following will be required to answer the questionnaire:
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test results; and
- National Occupational Code (NOC).
Why Newfoundland & Labrador?
Canada has established that immigration is the key to growth and development, and Newfoundland and Labrador is no different. The province believes that immigration will not only help boost economic growth but will expand its cultural, social and demographic growth too. The province has various international influences and cultural roots, particularly English, Irish, Scottish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Syrian, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Bulgarian and Cuban heritage, to name a few.
Today people from all over the world are moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, whether it be to study, work or settle down permanently, originating from over 150 different countries, making it culturally rich and diverse. As a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, you will not only be able to dodge the hustle and bustle of city life without giving up the comforts of urban life, enjoying all the benefits that other Canadians enjoy, such as free healthcare and education for your children in a safe and secure environment.
As immigration targets continue to increase annually, more and more new immigration pathways, like the New Priority Skills Newfoundland & Labrador (Priority Skills NL) PNP Stream, are being created to help skilled immigrants find a home in Canada.
If you are over 21 years old, have the required work experience or qualification in healthcare, technology, agriculture or aquaculture and have a level of either English or French, the Priority Skills NL may be the perfect immigration solution for you.
Ready to start your journey to Newfoundland and Labrador?
