The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program - International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

In a bid to foster entrepreneurship and retain talented graduates, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLNP) introduced the International Graduate Entrepreneur category. This initiative extends a pathway for graduates of Newfoundland post-secondary institutions to secure permanent residency provided they fulfill certain criteria, notably having a minimum of one year's experience in owning and managing a business within the province.

Program Requirements

  • Education and Work Experience Connection: To be eligible for this category, applicants must have completed a minimum two-year post-secondary program in Newfoundland & Labrador. Additionally, they must possess at least one year of hands-on experience as both an owner and manager of a business within the province.
  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in either English or French is a requisite, with a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7.
  • Level of Education: Candidates must hold a post-secondary educational credential of at least two years, completed in-person at either Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic. This credential must have been obtained within two years prior to the submission of the Expression of Interest.
  • Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of one year of active involvement in managing and owning a business, with at least one-third ownership stake, specifically in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Application Procedure

The NLNP International Graduate Entrepreneur category adopts an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to assess potential candidates. Prospective applicants must first submit an EOI using the PNP’s online platform. Following this initial step, the most competitive and qualified candidates will be invited to formally apply to the program.

Upon receipt of an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application for nomination to the province. This submission includes supporting documentation aligned with the details provided in the original EOI. Moreover, applicants must remit a non-refundable application fee of CAD 250. Additionally, they are mandated to furnish an Audit Report and a Business Continuity Plan, outlining their entrepreneurial aspirations. Subsequently, if the application is deemed complete, the candidate will undergo an in-person interview as part of the evaluation process.

Upon approval of the application, successful candidates will receive an official provincial nomination from Newfoundland and Labrador. With this nomination secured, applicants are then eligible to apply to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent resident status.

Conclusion

The International Graduate Entrepreneur category under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program presents a valuable opportunity for graduates to transition into permanent residency while leveraging their entrepreneurial skills. By fostering business ownership and management within the province, this initiative not only bolsters economic growth but also enriches the cultural and social fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador. Through a rigorous yet transparent selection process, the program identifies and supports individuals who demonstrate the potential to contribute significantly to the local economy and community, thus positioning the province as an attractive destination for skilled graduates seeking a pathway to Canadian permanent residency.

Other Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Programme

Skilled Worker Category

The Skilled Worker Category is for individuals with a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Applicants with the required skills and qualifications to fill labor shortages in the province can apply for permanent residency.

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Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Work Path

The Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Work Path targets skilled workers with experience in occupations that are in high demand in Newfoundland and Labrador. This stream helps meet local labor needs while offering a pathway to permanent residency.

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Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Academic Path

The Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Academic Path is designed for individuals with high-level academic qualifications in fields where there is a shortage of skilled workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. It provides a route to permanent residency for highly educated professionals.

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International Graduate Category

The International Graduate Category is for individuals who have recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Newfoundland and Labrador. This stream allows international graduates to apply for permanent residency and build their career in the province.

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International Entrepreneur Category

The International Entrepreneur Category targets individuals who wish to invest in or start a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. This stream offers a path to permanent residency for entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the province’s economic growth.

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Express Entry Skilled Worker Category

The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, offering a faster route to permanent residency for skilled workers who have experience in occupations that are in demand in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Other Provincial Nominee Programs

Yukon

The Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with specialized experience who wish to settle in Yukon. This program offers pathways for candidates with specific job offers and those with skills that align with the territory’s labor market needs.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers who wish to live and work in Saskatchewan. The program has streams for both individuals with specific job offers and those with experience in high-demand occupations.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) offers immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates. It provides opportunities to settle and contribute to the province’s economy while pursuing permanent residency.

Ontario

Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to live and work in Ontario. The program offers several streams, including pathways for in-demand professionals and business owners.

Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) targets skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates. The program offers multiple pathways to permanent residency, allowing applicants to settle and contribute to Nova Scotia’s growing economy.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) caters to skilled workers, business investors, and individuals who aim to build their future in the Northwest Territories. The program provides opportunities for applicants with job offers in key industries or those with entrepreneurial ambitions to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) is for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the province’s labor market. The program includes streams for skilled professionals, business owners, and those with ties to the province.

Manitoba

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers several immigration pathways for skilled workers, business owners, and international graduates who wish to live and work in Manitoba. Successful applicants can apply for permanent residency after meeting the program's criteria.

British Columbia

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is designed for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who wish to settle and contribute to the province’s economic growth. It offers various streams, including pathways for those seeking to start or invest in businesses.

Alberta

Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (AINP) targets skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and entrepreneurs who wish to live and work in Alberta. The program offers pathways for individuals to apply for permanent residency while contributing to the province’s thriving economy.