In a major policy reversal, Newfoundland and Labrador has secured 1,000 additional economic immigration spots for 2025, bringing its total allocation to 2,525. This follows a strong provincial pushback against the Government of Canada’s recent reductions, which had initially cut the province’s economic immigration intake by 50%. With the labour market facing critical shortages, provincial officials successfully negotiated the reinstatement, ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador remains competitive in attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
Federal Immigration Cuts and Provincial Response
Earlier this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a 50% reduction in the province’s economic immigration allocations under both the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The move was part of a broader national adjustment, aimed at controlling regional immigration levels.
However, Newfoundland and Labrador’s government swiftly opposed the cuts, arguing that the province’s low temporary resident population, demographic challenges, and strong international recruitment efforts warranted reconsideration. In response to this advocacy, the federal government agreed to restore 1,000 economic immigration spaces, ensuring businesses and communities can continue to benefit from skilled newcomers.
Revised Immigration Allocations for 2025
Under the new agreement, the economic and humanitarian immigration allocations for Newfoundland and Labrador have been adjusted as follows:
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): Gains 1,000 additional spaces, increasing its total allocation to 2,050 (compared to 2,100 in 2024).
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Maintains its 475 spots for 2025.
- Humanitarian Immigration: The province will welcome 290 humanitarian migrants over two years, with the federal government covering costs for relocation and housing.
Temporary Suspension of Economic Immigration Applications
To efficiently implement these changes, Newfoundland and Labrador has announced a temporary pause on new economic immigration applications and job vacancy assessments until mid-February. The NLPNP’s 25-day service standard will also be temporarily suspended to allow for process improvements.
However, priority processing will continue for:
- Healthcare professionals
- In-demand occupations critical to the province’s economic stability
The government is working on enhancing processing tools to support employers in recruiting skilled workers more effectively.
Employers Encouraged to Hire Humanitarian Migrants
As part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s broader workforce strategy, the province is urging employers to consider hiring humanitarian migrants to address labour shortages in sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Early childhood education
- Construction
- Business administration
- Retail and food services
Over 100 individuals with relevant experience have already expressed interest in relocating to Newfoundland and Labrador under this initiative.
Newfoundland and Labrador Expands Immigration Opportunities Across Multiple Sectors
This recent policy change aligns with the province’s broader efforts to attract skilled professionals, including those in the film and television industry. Newfoundland and Labrador recently introduced an artist-friendly immigration policy under its Provincial Nominee Program, enabling newcomers with cyclical employment in film and television to apply for permanent residency.
Provincial Leaders Applaud the Reinstatement
Premier Dr. Andrew Furey welcomed the decision, emphasizing Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to maintaining a strong immigration pipeline:
“Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province to have successfully negotiated the reinstatement of economic immigration spaces. While we continue to advocate for more capacity to meet our long-term goals, we appreciate the federal government’s decision to restore these critical spots.”
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills, Sarah Stoodley, highlighted the importance of these spaces in supporting essential services:
“This decision is a step in the right direction for Newfoundland and Labrador. It ensures that we have the workforce needed to sustain critical sectors like healthcare and education. I want to thank all the business owners and community groups who stood with us in pushing for this reversal.”
Immigration Remains Key to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Economic Growth
With the reinstatement of 1,000 economic immigration spaces, Newfoundland and Labrador is reinforcing its commitment to skilled workforce expansion and long-term population growth. The province continues to advocate for additional immigration capacity, ensuring that businesses and communities remain economically resilient.
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