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.