This week, Newfoundland and Labrador are set to host the next event in their series of virtual immigration and job fairs.
At 6pm (Gulf Standard Time) on January 24th, 2024, the province will host a virtual immigration fair for individuals in the Middle East and South Asia.
Sign-up, meeting employers and more
Individuals can sign-up for free on the provincial government’s website. The sign-up process is simple, with no extra software needed to attend.
The event will begin with an overview of what provincial immigration pathways are offered to newcomers. In fact, individuals taking part in the fair will be able to conference with immigration officers from Newfoundland and Labrador, and ask questions regarding the immigration process, lifestyle, salaries, cost of living, and broader aspects of living in the province.
In addition, one of the biggest benefits of this immigration and job fair series is the ability to meet and network with different prospective employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants can upload a copy of their resume, accessible to employers at the fair. A full list of exhibitors (employers spanning several industries) for the immigration fair can be found here.
The ability to connect with employers is especially useful for those looking to immigrate to Canada, as the biggest immigration intake of newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador (and to Canada as a whole) is through economic pathways that often require pre-arranged employment. Thus, finding a job in the province can be a major benefit for those seeking to settle in Canada.
Individuals unable to attend the January 24th event at the scheduled time will also have the option of accessing a recording of the fair, which will be available to those who have signed up, until February 24th, 2024.
What documents do I need to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador?
While there can be some variation depending on individual circumstances, and the specific immigration pathway that one chooses applicants for immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador will generally need:
- An educational credential assessment (ECA) to assess how their education compares against Canadian standards;
- An English language proficiency exam (with the specific stream determining what minimum score is required)—Note that IELTS and CELPIP are currently the only accepted English tests;
- Work experience letter(s) confirming relevant and recent work experience. These letters should include: job title, salary, start and end date of employment, and main responsibilities of the role. Letter should be signed on company letterhead by a signatory of the business;
- Proof of funds: recent banking statements confirming applicants have enough money to cover immigration fees (more on this later) as well as their initial settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador;
- A colour photocopy of the bio-data page of their passport (the page containing their picture, name, and date of birth, passport expiration date, etc.); and
- Any other immigration pathway-specific documents that may be required.
What fees must be paid when applying for permanent residence?
Importantly, applicants should be aware that there are two sides to immigration to a province: the provincial and federal.
On the provincial side, applicants may apply under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which do not collect fees.
On the federal side, however, once applicants are approved under the NLPNP or the AIP, they will have to pay the associated fees for a work permit and for permanent residence processing. As part of this, applicants will also have to pay a biometrics fee, and their employer may need to pay a compliance fee (which must be paid by the employer and cannot be retrieved from the applicant).
Fees will also be clearly labelled throughout the application process.
