Newfoundland and Labrador NLPNP draw — August 18, 2026: 122 invitations and what applicants should know
On August 18, 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador issued 122 invitations — all through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP). This is the first 2026 draw that excluded the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a notable shift from earlier rounds that routinely included both programs.
Why this matters
The province moved to an Expression of Interest (EOI) model for the NLPNP in February 2025. Candidates submit EOIs via the Immigration Accelerator Portal with details on education, work history, language ability and settlement plans. The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) reviews EOIs and issues invitations based on evolving priorities. OIM did not provide a comment to media about why the August 18 round excluded the AIP.
Key draw numbers (Jan 1–Aug 18, 2026)
– Total invitations: 2,197
– NLPNP: 1,849 (85% of total)
– AIP: 348
Selected 2026 draw dates and totals
– March 6 — 445 (NLPNP 362; AIP 83)
– March 30 — 245 (NLPNP 209; AIP 36)
– April 13 — 210 (NLPNP 177; AIP 33)
– May 1 — 190 (NLPNP 157; AIP 33)
– May 11 — 186 (NLPNP 168; AIP 18)
– May 28 — 103 (NLPNP 84; AIP 19)
– June 10 — 108 (NLPNP 89; AIP 19)
– July 10 — 57 (NLPNP 17; AIP 40)
– July 28 — 445 (NLPNP 400; AIP 45)
– August 10 — 208 (NLPNP 186; AIP 22)
– August 18 — 122 (NLPNP 122; AIP 0)
What an NLPNP-only draw means
– AIP candidates were not selected in this round. If you were relying on the AIP, you will not have advanced from this draw.
– Only NLPNP EOIs were eligible on August 18. Selection focused on candidates meeting provincial nomination criteria and any OIM priorities in effect at the time.
– OIM may prioritize factors such as employment in healthcare, work outside major urban centres, French-language proficiency, and graduation from a Newfoundland and Labrador post-secondary institution. The province did not publish which NLPNP streams or employment sectors were selected in this round.
Who is most affected
– AIP applicants and employers who recruit through the AIP.
– NLPNP EOI candidates whose profiles align with OIM priorities.
– Employers supporting NLPNP hires should ensure job offers meet provincial requirements and that EOIs reflect accurate employment details.
– International graduates and healthcare workers, who may be relatively advantaged when those priorities are used.
Practical next steps for applicants
– Keep your EOI current: update job offers, language scores, education, or settlement plans in the Immigration Accelerator Portal.
– Watch OIM priority cues and highlight relevant strengths in your EOI and nomination application.
– If invited, file a complete provincial nomination application within 60 days. Missing that deadline forfeits the invitation.
– EOIs are valid for 12 months; after expiry you must submit a new profile.
– Federal processing times (IRCC, as of Aug 10): Base PNP — 13 months; Enhanced PNP — 7 months. These timelines apply after a provincial nomination is issued.
Numbers and deadlines to remember
– August 18, 2026 draw: 122 invitations (all NLPNP)
– Jan 1–Aug 18, 2026 totals: 2,197 invitations (NLPNP 1,849; AIP 348)
– NLPNP share of 2026 invitations to date: 85%
– EOI validity: 12 months
– Time to submit provincial nomination application after invitation: 60 days
– IRCC processing times (as of Aug 10): Base PNP — 13 months; Enhanced PNP — 7 months
Final notes
Program mix and transparency matter because they affect eligibility, employer obligations and candidate strategy. With the August 18 draw limited to the NLPNP and no stream-level disclosure, applicants and employers should prepare EOIs and documentation that clearly demonstrate how they meet the OIM’s stated priorities and be ready to act quickly if invited.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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