Acronym Glossary:

EOI – Expression of Interest

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

IRCC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

ECA – Educational Credential Assessment

WES – World Education Services

 

Language Tests

Q: Why must language test results be obtained within one year?

A: When submitting an Expression of Interest, individuals may not be invited to apply for up to a year, therefore submitting a language test taken within the last two years may lead to having an expired test if invited to apply later.

This would lead to applicants being unable to submit a full application until having  completed a language test. As a result, we ask that all EOI submissions be made by individuals who have completed an IELTS or CELPIP test within the last 12 months.

 

Q: Are Duolingo or results of other language tests accepted as verification of official language competencies, in lieu of CELPIP and IELTS?

A: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts CELPIP General and IELTS General test results. Newfoundland and Labrador only accepts results from one of these two tests. For more information on federal language testing requirements, please visit the IRCC Help Centre.

 

Q: Will you accept IELTS-Academic or CELPIP-Academic results?

A: In order to be eligible for submitting an Expression of Interest for the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador pathway, you must have completed an IELTS-General test or CELPIP-General test within the last twelve months.

 

Work Experience

Q: I have worked in multiple in-demand occupations, all related to the same field. (As an example, worked as a Mechanical Engineer for two years, and as a Research Associate for one year, both under engineer supervision.) How many years of work experience should I note?

A: The work experience must have been obtained in the specific occupation for which you claim to have experience. In the example above, if the expression of interest is being submitted claiming experience as a Mechanical Engineer, then the work experience would amount to two years – not three years of engineering experience. As such, applicants should not combine industry experience across occupations.

 

Q: Will two years of part-time work experience during full-time study count for one year of work experience?

A: One year of work experience in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work is required).  Part-time work can count toward the work experience requirement, as long as one is not a full-time student at the time the work experience was obtained. However, the total number of hours worked must be a minimum of 1,560 hours.

 

Q: I worked in one position for three years. After that, I worked in an occupation Newfoundland and Labrador considers in-demand, for two years. How many years of experience should I note I obtained?

A: Provide a total summary of years worked in a particular in-demand occupation, within the last ten years. The information must be verifiable.

 

Q: I have in-demand work experience in a regulated occupation, but I am not sure if I can practice my occupation in your field. Am I eligible to submit an Expression of Interest through Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador?

A: Prior to submitting an Expression of Interest, please familiarize yourself with processes in place to practice in your field in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ensure you meet occupational requirements, as per Employment and Social Development Canada’s summary of occupations.

 

Education

Q: I will be completing my Master’s program at Memorial University in three months. May I submit an Expression of Interest right now, or should I wait until I complete my studies?

A: You must meet all eligibility criteria when you submit an Expression of Interest. As such, you need to complete your studies first, and then make an In-demand Academic submission through Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

Q: I have a degree in one of the in-demand sectors, but I completed my studies in another province in Canada and the world. Am I eligible to submit an Expression of Interest?

A: At this time, Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador only accepts Expressions of Interest for Master’s and PhD graduates whose studies are related to key provincial priority sectors. You may wish to consider submitting an Expression of Interest, if you have work experience related to an occupation listed in the In-demand Work stream of the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador pathway.

 

Q: I am completing graduate studies at Memorial University in a field not noted as a priority sector. Would I qualify?

A: The priority sectors for the In-demand Academic stream of Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador are Technology, Health Care, Aquaculture, and Agriculture. If your field of study directly intersects with any of these fields, you may be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest.

 

Education Credential Assessments

Q: I have a Master’s degree in my field in my country of origin, but I am not sure whether it is the equivalent of a Master’s degree in Canada. Should I select “Master’s degree” in the EOI?

A: You must undergo an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) prior to submitting an EOI, to confirm your education equivalency in Canada.

 

Q: I have a Master’s degree but in the ECA report from World Education Services (WES), it is considered a Postgraduate diploma (one year). What should I select as my highest level of education?

A: You should select “Post-secondary degree or diploma.”

 

Q: I have a Master’s degree but in the ECA report from WES, it is considered a Bachelor degree (X years). What should I select as my highest level of education?

A: You should select “Post-secondary degree or diploma.”

 

Miscellaneous

Q: Can I update my EOI profile if my circumstances change (such as receiving an improved language test result) later in time?

A: These expressions of interest are designed to be started and completed at one time, and cannot be further updated. As such, there is no provision to update your profile once your expression of interest is submitted. You can submit a new EOI at a later date, if your circumstances change.

 

Q: Which three documents are mandatory from the list below?

• Resume
• Transcript
• Degree
• Credentials
• Cover Letter

A: There are no mandatory supporting documents. You may submit any three of these documents that you feel best support your expression of interest.

Q: I am a current graduate student at Memorial University, but I have in-demand work experience. May I apply through the In-demand work stream?

A: Yes, you may apply through the In-demand work stream, if you meet all eligibility criteria.

 

Q: I emailed the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism with details on my profile, and am awaiting a response on whether to submit an Expression of Interest. When will I receive my response on whether or not I am eligible?

A: The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism does not provide commentary on prospective applicants’ eligibility. We encourage you to please submit an Expression of Interest, if you feel you are eligible. If you need clarification on any aspects of Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador, we suggest you first review the application guide. Please contact us, if you have questions that are not addressed in the application guide.

 

Q: Can spouses immigrate with principal applicants?

A: The Expression of Interest process is the first step towards permanent immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador. If you receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, you will need to include spouse or common-law partner information in your application, as well as information on any children under 22 years of age.

 

Q: What should I enter in “End date” for a job that I’m still working in?

A: Please enter the most recent date, if you continue to work in the occupation noted.