What are Newfoundland and Labrador's main industries?

Fisheries and seafood processing, offshore oil and gas, and a growing ocean-technology and healthcare sector in St. John's are among the province's significant industries.

Is settlement support available outside St. John's?

Some supports exist in smaller coastal and rural communities, but settlement services are more concentrated in St. John's given the province's population distribution.

Does NLPNP include a category for international graduates?

Yes, the NLPNP includes an International Graduate category for eligible graduates of recognised post-secondary institutions, subject to current program criteria.

Canadian Immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador

Last updated August 3, 2026 · Reviewed by Immigration Content Lead · Review cadence 60 days

Quick answer

Newfoundland and Labrador nominates candidates through its Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program and Rural Community Immigration Pilot. The province's economy centres on fisheries, offshore energy and, increasingly, healthcare and technology in St. John's.

Key takeaways

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) includes Express Entry, skilled worker and international graduate categories.
The province also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural Community Immigration Pilot.
Fisheries and seafood processing remain foundational to Newfoundland and Labrador's economy.
Offshore oil and gas activity has historically been a significant economic driver.
St. John's has a growing healthcare, technology and ocean-technology sector.
Settlement services are concentrated in St. John's, with limited supports in smaller communities.

Newfoundland and Labrador's nomination pathways

The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) includes an Express Entry Skilled Worker category, a Skilled Worker category for candidates outside Express Entry, and an International Graduate category. The province also participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, both of which offer additional community- or employer-based pathways.

Because eligibility criteria, occupation priorities and intake vary across these programs and can be updated by the province or IRCC, applicants should verify current details directly rather than relying on general summaries.

Labour market character

Newfoundland and Labrador's economy has long depended on fisheries and seafood processing along its extensive coastline, alongside offshore oil and gas activity that has been a significant economic driver. St. John's, the province's capital, has a growing healthcare, technology and ocean-technology sector.

Major industries

Fisheries and seafood processing across coastal communities.
Offshore oil and gas activity.
Ocean technology and marine research, concentrated in St. John's.
Healthcare and public services, primarily in St. John's.

Popular occupations

Occupations often connected to the province's economy include registered nurses, mechanical engineers, welders and cooks, though specific NLPNP and Rural Community Immigration Pilot priority occupations are set periodically and should be confirmed directly.

Settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador

Settlement services are concentrated in St. John's, with more limited supports available in smaller coastal and rural communities through IRCC-funded organisations, providing language training, employment support and newcomer orientation.

Frequently asked questions

Does Newfoundland and Labrador have more than one immigration pathway?: Yes, in addition to its own Provincial Nominee Program, the province participates in the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, each with distinct eligibility rules.
What are Newfoundland and Labrador's main industries?: Fisheries and seafood processing, offshore oil and gas, and a growing ocean-technology and healthcare sector in St. John's are among the province's significant industries.
Is settlement support available outside St. John's?: Some supports exist in smaller coastal and rural communities, but settlement services are more concentrated in St. John's given the province's population distribution.
Does NLPNP include a category for international graduates?: Yes, the NLPNP includes an International Graduate category for eligible graduates of recognised post-secondary institutions, subject to current program criteria.

Official sources

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.