Newfoundland and Labrador Issues 131 Invitations in Latest Immigration Draw

Newfoundland and Labrador Conducts New Immigration Draw

On October 9, 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador issued a total of 131 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to immigration candidates. Of these, 130 were issued through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), while one was granted through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Details of the October 9 Draw

This latest round is the province’s largest since August 26, when 140 invitations were released. The October 9 draw marks Newfoundland and Labrador’s first selection round since September 25, when 41 invitations were issued, and is their initial round for October. The selections were made from the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, which allows candidates to submit profiles to be considered for future immigration draws.

Draw Volumes in Context

The number of invitations in this draw is notable, being more than triple the previous round of September 25 and greater than any of the four September draws, which ranged between 36 and 97 invitations. Prior to this, the province had been holding rounds roughly every week but paused for two weeks, potentially contributing to the larger number in this selection.

Atlantic Immigration Program Selections

The single AIP invitation issued on October 9 reflects the overall trend of minimal AIP selections in recent rounds. Since the start of September, five rounds have been held, and three of them included no AIP candidates. As the Atlantic Immigration Program is employer-driven, applicants require a job offer from a designated Atlantic Canadian employer, so demand can fluctuate based on employer needs more than the EOI pool’s size.

Tracking Immigration Draws in 2026

So far in 2026, the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism in Newfoundland and Labrador has issued a total of 2,826 Invitations to Apply across seventeen draws. Of these, 2,430 were through the NLPNP, while 396 invitations were processed under the Atlantic Immigration Program. Previous draws include significant events such as the August 26 round with 140 invitations, July 28 with 445 invitations, and March 6 with another 445, marking some of the highest volumes for the year.

Understanding the Nominee Selection Process

Since February 19, 2025, both the NLPNP and Newfoundland and Labrador’s allocation for the AIP have operated through a single Expression of Interest pool. Candidates submit an EOI profile rather than a full application initially. The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism reviews the pool and periodically issues Invitations to Apply in batches. Only those selected may submit a complete application. Unselected EOIs remain in the pool until they expire or are withdrawn. The timing of draws is not announced in advance, but updates are published on the province’s official ITA updates page.

Express Entry and the NLPNP

Candidates who are nominated through the NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker category receive an additional 600 points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the federal Express Entry system, virtually securing an invitation in a subsequent federal Express Entry draw. Applicants can calculate potential CRS scores using online tools for guidance regarding their standing in the federal pool.

Summary

The October 9, 2026, draw demonstrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to welcoming new skilled workers through both the provincial nominee program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. As of this latest round, the province continues to play a significant role in Canada’s broader immigration draws for 2026.

Source: immigration.ca.