Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 and Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador

Service standards are intended to describe wait times under normal circumstances. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, programs and services may be affected.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 and Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador

Service standards are intended to describe wait times under normal circumstances. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, programs and services may be affected.

Please visit Government of Newfoundland and Labrador COVID-19 website for related updates on provincial programs and services.

Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism Operations

Is the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) open during this pandemic?

  • The OIM team continues to be fully operational
  • We continue to respond regularly to emails and telephone inquiries.
  • We continue to receive correspondence by mail, but there may be delays in receiving your mail, due to COVID-19 related periodic postal service interruptions.

Is the OIM accepting PNP applications during this period?

  • OIM continues to accept Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) applications through the online application portal.
  • OIM no longer accepts NLPNP paper applications. Please visit the NLPNP transition to electronic applications for more information.
  • Workers and employers are required to inform OIM of any changes in their status, including reduction in working hours, temporary layoffs, or other changes in employment. The OIM team will work with employers, nominees, and endorsees, to address challenges as they arise.

Is the OIM accepting business immigration applications during this period?

  • The Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the International Entrepreneur category is proceeding without interruption, and is open on an ongoing basis.
  • The EOI for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category is open year-round and available to Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic international graduates who own and operate a business in the province.

Will Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) applications be processed during this period?

  • The processing of Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) applications is the responsibility of Labour Market Development Officers (LMDOs) with the Employment and Training Programs Division of the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
  • Employers are invited to continue contacting the nearest Immigration, Population Growth and Skills office to seek LMDO assistance with JVA applications.

Will new Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) applications be considered?

  • The Department of Immigration, Population Growth & Skills (IPGS) reserves the right to determine whether individual JVA applications will be considered.
  • Employers are invited to contact the OIM prior to considering JVA to address their needs, in order to determine the best approach for their workforce needs during this period.

Is the OIM accepting new AIP designation applications?

  • Yes, OIM continues to accept new AIP designation applications. Employers must scan and email AIP applications to immigration@gov.nl.ca, as paper applications are no longer accepted.
  • Designated employers can contact their assigned Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Officer with the Federal Dedicated Service Channel.
  • For provincial enquiries regarding AIP designation, please email immigration@gov.nl.ca.
  • Workers and employers must inform OIM of any changes in their status, including reduction in working hours, temporary layoffs, or other changes in employment. The OIM team will work with employers, nominees, and endorsees, to address challenges as they arise.

Is the OIM accepting new AIP endorsement applications?

  • Yes, OIM continues to accept new AIP endorsement applications, but employers must scan and email AIP applications to immigration@gov.nl.ca, as OIM no longer accepts paper applications.
  • Workers and employers must inform OIM of any changes in their status, including reduction in working hours, temporary layoffs, or other changes in employment. The OIM team will work with employers, nominees, and endorsees, to address challenges as they arise.

If I am not able to obtain some required documents (transcripts, language test, personal net worth verification report, etc.) before the deadlines, would OIM consider extending the deadlines?

  • OIM is aware that some applicants may have difficulty in obtaining the required documents to apply to either the PNP or the AIP.
  • If you are experiencing a delay in applying, please email OIM describing your specific circumstances. We will take this into consideration when assessing your application.

Will my MCP coverage be impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

  • No, your MCP will not be impacted. Please review MCP website Medical Care Plan for updates.

Provincially Funded Settlement and Integration Programs and Projects

Are provincially-funded settlement and integration programs and services still available?

Federal Operations Affecting Employers, Workers, and International Students/Graduates

To manage the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Government of Canada announced travel restrictions that limit travel to Canada. Health authorities also issued guidance and restrictions that limit our ability to process applications in a regular capacity. Find out how these restrictions affect immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport applications.

Is IRCC processing study or work permits for workers and students in other countries?

  • Due to office closures and some offices working with essential staff only, there will be processing delays. Some Visa Application Centers are closed until further notice. See which IRCC offices are temporarily closed: Find a visa application center

Are visitors or temporary foreign workers and international students allowed to travel to Canada now?

Are there any special instructions for students travelling from India?

If I lose my job during this period, will I be eligible for Employment Insurance or the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

  • The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has now closed to all current and retroactive applicants. However, Employment Insurance is applicable for eligible employees who are facing unemployment.  Full details and updates are available on the CERB Transition to New Benefits

How can I obtain biometrics during COVID-19?

What will happen if my Permanent Residence application is/has been approved during COVID-19?

  • Detailed information and instructions can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

Will the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) be extended by the federal government for employers?

  • The CEWS is in place to help workers transition back to their jobs and to support employers as they increase their revenues.
  • The CEWS has been extended by the federal government. For more information and application forms, see: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) – Canada.ca

What is the COVID Alert App?

  • COVID Alert is Canada’s free exposure notification app that can notify people of possible exposures before any symptoms appear.
  • You can download the app through the federal government’s website.

Is there any new guidance from Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)?

  • The PHAC has published guidance to advise people how to assess and reduce their risk in order to go out safely during the pandemic.