NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
The International Graduate Entrepreneur category of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLNP) offers graduates from local post-secondary institutions the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after gaining entrepreneurial experience within the province.
Program Requirements
- Express Entry Profile: Not required.
- Connection to Province: Must have completed education and gained work experience within the province.
- Job Offer: Not required.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum of CLB 7.
- Level of Education: At least a two-year post-secondary program.
- Work Experience: Minimum of one year as a business owner and manager.
- Investment Requirement: None.
Connection to Province
Applicants must have graduated from a post-secondary program of at least two years in duration at either Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland & Labrador. Additionally, they must have at least one year of experience owning and managing a local business.
Language Proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with a minimum requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7.
Level of Education
The educational credential must be a two-year post-secondary degree or diploma, completed in-person at a recognized institution within Newfoundland & Labrador. This credential must have been obtained within two years prior to submitting the Expression of Interest.
Work Experience
Applicants are required to have at least one year of active experience managing and owning a business in which they hold at least one-third ownership in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Application Procedure
The selection process involves an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Candidates must submit an EOI via the PNP’s online service. The most competitive candidates will be invited to apply to the program.
Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates must submit a detailed nomination application to the province, accompanied by an application fee of CAD $250. This application must include supporting documentation from the original EOI, an Audit Report, and a Business Continuity Plan that outlines their entrepreneurial intentions. Candidates must also participate in an in-person interview.
If the application is successful, the candidate will receive an official provincial nomination from Newfoundland and Labrador. With this nomination, the candidate can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent resident status.
