Program status · Last reviewed July 2026
The NLPNP International Entrepreneur Category runs on the Expression of Interest model introduced February 2025 and continues accepting registrations; the provincial application fee has been waived since December 2025. Source: NL Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism – International Entrepreneur. Eligibility advice, program selection, and filings remain with the partner RCIC or lawyer.
How NL selects
Newfoundland and Labrador runs a two-step EOI model
Since February 2025, NLPNP uses an Expression of Interest model for the International Entrepreneur Category: the province reviews EOI profiles and issues Invitations to Apply to the candidates it prefers.
1
Profile. The candidate submits an EOI profile documenting net worth, the business concept, and language and experience evidence.
2
Visit. An exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador is completed (mandatory for candidates applying from outside the province) before formal application.
3
Invite & apply. NLPNP selects preferred profiles and issues an Invitation to Apply; the full application and net worth verification follow.
Low volume means every file has to be a clean fit for the province's ocean-economy, tech, or tourism priorities. We build the concept and the business plan to that standard before the EOI goes in.
Active · accepting files
Newfoundland & Labrador · NLPNP International Entrepreneur
Newfoundland & Labrador
A low-volume, high-fit Atlantic stream: $600K net worth, $200K invested at 33.3% ownership, and a mandatory exploratory visit before the EOI goes in.
Available streams
International Entrepreneur
International Graduate Entrepreneur
Net worth
$600K minimum
Investment
$200K at ≥ 33.3% ownership, or $1M at a lower stake
Job creation
≥ 1 for Canadian / PR
Language
CLB 5 minimum
Experience
2+ years business ownership (≥ 25%) in the last 5 years, or 5+ years senior management in the last 10
Work-permit phase
2-year work permit; nomination after operating the business for around 12+ months
What we tell partners about Newfoundland & Labrador
1
NL runs the smallest annual nomination allocation among the active streams we track, low-volume but still issuing invitations in 2026.
2
A mandatory exploratory visit to Newfoundland and Labrador is required before the EOI is submitted for candidates applying from outside the province.
3
The province waived its provincial application fee for the International Entrepreneur Category effective December 5, 2025.
4
Ocean economy, technology, and tourism businesses are the strongest fit; passive investment does not qualify.
5
The International Graduate Entrepreneur sub-stream requires a Memorial University degree and an active business already operating post-graduation.
What we deliver, and what stays with your firm
CanBizVisa delivers
- Business plan aligned to NLPNP International Entrepreneur Category criteria
- Market study and location rationale
- Financial model and investment plan
- Job creation plan and premises strategy
- Source-of-funds organization
- Operating and performance evidence after landing
Your firm remains responsible for
- Eligibility assessment and immigration advice
- Registration / EOI strategy and timing
- Legal submissions and government filings
- Client representation before the province and IRCC
FAQ
Newfoundland & Labrador entrepreneur files, answered
Does the $200K investment always require 33.3% ownership?+
That is the standard route. NL also accepts a higher $1M equity investment at a lower ownership share for candidates who want to invest more capital but hold a smaller stake in the business. We scope which route fits the client's capital and control preferences before drafting the plan.
Is the exploratory visit really mandatory?+
Yes, for candidates applying from outside Newfoundland and Labrador. It has to happen before the EOI is submitted. We help plan the visit itinerary so it supports the eventual business plan and location rationale, not just satisfies the requirement.
Has the application fee changed recently?+
Yes. Newfoundland and Labrador waived the provincial application fee for the International Entrepreneur Category effective December 5, 2025. We confirm current fee status before every submission since provincial fee policy can change.
Why is NL's allocation so much smaller than BC or Alberta?+
Newfoundland and Labrador runs one of the smallest annual nomination allocations among the active provincial entrepreneur streams. That means fewer files move through the program each year, and the province is selective about sector fit, ocean economy, tech, and tourism businesses are the strongest match.
Do you provide immigration advice or file the application?+
No. We are a business consulting company, not an immigration firm. We work behind your client's RCIC or immigration lawyer on the commercial file only: business plan, market research, financial model, and operational documentation. We do not provide immigration advice.
Comparing provinces?
Every PNP entrepreneur stream, side by side
From Insights