Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
October 7, 2015

Supporting Immigration for Stronger Communities

Provincial Government Helps Employers Connect with Skilled Immigrants

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced an initiative to attract more skilled immigrants to the province than ever before. Premier Davis made the announcement at the Association for New Canadians AXIS Career Services Centre in St. John's.

"In an evolving labour market, it is important that we have the best tools available to ensure employers have access to the skilled workers they need to fill jobs. The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category provides employers with the ability to identify and select candidates who meet their labour needs, and features a commitment from the Federal Government to process their immigration applications in six months or less, a reduction of about 50 per cent. Our first priority is always to employ Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but when that is not possible, the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category will encourage more skilled workers to come work here and call our province home, which is key to growing our population."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The new Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, under the Provincial Nominee Program, is a faster way to process economic immigration applications, which supports the Immigration Action Plan of the Population Growth Strategy.

Employers will have access to a pool of candidates who fit labour market needs, and they will be able to use an improved National Job Bank website to connect Express Entry candidates with eligible employers.

The Provincial Government was successful in negotiating with the Federal Government for 550 annual Express Entry nominations, which will assist with increasing overall immigration to the province. This is in addition to the 500 annual nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program.

"Immigrants make invaluable contributions to our culture and our economy. Many bring their entrepreneurial spirit to Newfoundland and Labrador and establish businesses which foster economic growth; others support key industries, contribute to the health care system, and bring valuable skills as educators to our university and colleges. Immigrants also contribute to the cultural development of the province. They bring diversity, and the opportunity to experience other cultures, their food, their music, and their art."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Applicants who apply under the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category are awarded points based on their language abilities, work experience, education and other factors that have been proven to contribute to successful economic integration in Canada. They are then placed into the Express Entry pool and ranked against other applicants. Express Entry candidates who have a valid job offer or a provincial nomination will quickly receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

"The Express Entry Skilled Worker category is an improved way to provide more skilled immigrants with easier access to achieving Permanent Resident status in Newfoundland and Labrador and it promotes this province as a more attractive choice when pursuing their careers. The Association for New Canadians will be ready to assist them in their transition as they begin their jobs and build lives here in this province."
- Megan Morris, Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

For more information on the Express Entry program visit the Federal Government website at www.canada.ca/ExpressEntry or the Provincial Nominee Program website at www.nlpnp.ca .

Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025 is the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's 10-year plan to support individuals and families. The strategy will ensure investments and programs are aligned to encourage individuals to choose Newfoundland and Labrador to live, work and raise a family. The Population Growth Strategy is supported by four action plans covering the main elements of population growth - Workforce Development; Families; Communities; and, Immigration. For more information, visit homeforgoodnl.ca/ .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government announced today the Express Entry Skilled Worker Category, a faster way to process economic immigration applications, which supports the Immigration Action Plan of the Population Growth Strategy.
• The Express Entry Skilled Worker category will help place immigrants in hard-to-fill jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. The category is another tool to help Newfoundland and Labrador employers meet the changing demands of the labour market.
• Applicants who apply under Express Entry Skilled Worker category are awarded points based on their language abilities, work experience, education and other factors that contribute to successful economic integration.
• The Provincial Government was successful in negotiating with the Federal Government for 550 annual Express Entry nominations. This is in addition to the 500 annual nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program.
• The Express Entry Skilled Worker Category supports the Immigration Action Plan of the Provincial Government's Population Growth Strategy in its efforts to ensure our province has a skilled and education population.

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