Guide to Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador from the US

The peaceful lifestyle, the safety, and the beauty of the natural landscape are just some of the reasons why more people are choosing Newfoundland as their new home. This Canadian province is located on the Atlantic coast and is one of the least populated provinces in the country. Over the years, it has seen tremendous growth, which has attracted many to move to this area. If you are an American planning to move to Newfoundland and Labrador, this guide will give you everything you need to prepare for your move.

Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador from the US: Key Steps

You first need to take care of the legal documents and steps to immigrate to Newfoundland from the US. The Newfoundland & Labrador government offers a specific program that allows interested individuals to apply. 

Currently, there are over 100 Canadian immigration programs, so make sure that you choose the one that is the best fit for the circumstances surrounding your move. For example, you can select immigration programs for those who want to study in Newfoundland and Labrador or those who are direct hires of companies based in Newfoundland.

The Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program is the best program to apply for, for anyone interested in living and working in Newfoundland. This program allows the province to nominate specific individuals with the necessary skills and experience to move to the area. The province introduced this program to solve the labor shortage in the job market. The steps to apply for this program are pretty straightforward. 

The first step involves choosing the most appropriate category for your application. The next step is to complete and submit the required paperwork to the Canadian immigration authorities. If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation from the Canadian government to apply for their Permanent Residence program. This invitation guarantees your move to the province.

Qualifications for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nomination Program

The categories that are available for you to choose from are as follows: 

Skilled Worker Category

This category applies to individuals with the specialized skills required by an employer in Newfoundland. The employer would nominate a prospective employee in this category, especially if that skill is valuable to their business. 

You must meet specific eligibility requirements for this, such as a permanent job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. You must also possess the necessary documentation, certificate, and training to exemplify your specialized skills or knowledge. It would be best if you had a Work Permit from the Immigration department (the permit must be valid by the time of the application). If you qualify, the intended job position must not fall under the ineligible occupation previously determined by the Provincial Nomination Program. 

Priority Skills Category

This category is designed for international workers who can fill jobs (especially skilled jobs) in Newfoundland and Labrador that could help boost the economy. The priority skills typically cover those in the following industries: agriculture, healthcare, technology, and aquaculture. You are required to complete a questionnaire and have at least 60 points on your assessment grid. If you meet all of these qualifications, you will receive an invitation from the Canadian government to apply for Permanent Residence. 

Express Entry Skilled Worker Category 

This category offers the fastest way to gain entry and obtain permanent residence in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. First, you must qualify for the Express Entry pool and score at least 67 (from 100) in the Provincial Nomination Program assessment. You can also obtain faster entry if you have a direct offer from an employer in Newfoundland. You must also provide relevant language test results to ensure you meet the required language ability for your job. 

International Graduate Category

This category is available for anyone wanting to move to Newfoundland and Labrador from the US who has completed a degree from a tertiary institution in Canada. You also qualify for this category if you have completed a post-graduate degree (of at least a year). 

Another qualification for moving to Newfoundland and Labrador under this category is to receive an employment offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. This offer must be for a full-time,  permanent position. You should also possess a legal Work Permit in Canada and meet the other basic requirements. 

International Graduate Entrepreneur Category

This category applies to those wanting to move to Newfoundland and Labrador from the US who have obtained a degree from a Memorial University or College in the North Atlantic. You should be at least 21 and have a diploma relevant to the business sector. 

Additional requirements include a minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test and a valid post-graduate work permit.

International Entrepreneur Category

The final category for the program is intended for experienced business owners or business managers who want to move to Newfoundland and Labrador. You must be 21 to 59 years of age to qualify. You should also hold at least a high school diploma, and you must verify this through the Educational Credential Assessment. 

Those moving to Newfoundland and Labrador under this category must have a net worth of at least $60,000 or show proof of business ownership. You must also employ at least one Canadian citizen to qualify as a permanent resident. 

Why Move to Newfoundland from the US?

The big immigration move to Canada started in 2019 and is showing no signs of declining soon. According to this news report, over 10,000 US residents permanently moved to Canada in 2019 via the Express Entry system. This number was a stark difference from only 600 US residents who did so in 2015. At this rate, Canada is set to welcome nearly half a million new permanent residents in 2022 and more in the coming years. 

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is emerging as one of the top destination choices for these US immigrants. The cheaper cost of living (compared to other major cities and provinces) and the rich culture offers its residents a high quality of life. Moreover, there are many great cities to choose from whether you are immigrating as a full-time skilled worker or want to move as a family.