Funded in part through the Canada ‑ Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement
These guidelines contain information on the application process for the 2026-27 Newfoundland and Labrador Settlement and Integration Program (NLSIP), funded through the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM), Department of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development (JGRD). Alternate formats are available upon request.
1.0 Introduction
Newcomers provide many distinct benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). They complement the provincial labour market in high-demand and essential work fields, support population growth and stability in communities across the province and contribute to NL’s increasing social and cultural diversity.
NLSIP provides project-based funding to support the social, economic, and cultural integration of newcomers to the province and is guided by the following principles:
- Focus on Newcomers: Benefits newcomers and involve them when appropriate in planning and delivery.
- Relevant and Timely: Evidence-based and address newcomers’ current and future needs.
- Align with Government Priorities: Supports the immigration priorities of JGRD and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (GNL).
- Targeted Support: Target support to meet the needs of particular newcomer groups and regions of the province that require unique or additional support.
- Comprehensive and Non-duplicative: Understand local settlement needs, fill gaps, and avoid duplicating existing services.
- Partnership and Collaboration: Leverage existing programming, services, and expertise from partner programs and organizations. Also, consider opportunities to expand the capacity of other organizations or bring new organizations into a continuum of services.
- Equity and Fairness: Apply Gender-Based Analysis (GBA+) principles, is inclusive, and considers various intersecting factors, including Truth and Reconciliation
NLSIP has three funding streams:
Stream 1: Economic Integration
This stream supports and promotes newcomers’ economic advancement through labour market attachment, including advancing employers’ capacity to hire and support newcomer employees. Priority areas include:
- Improve Labour Market Access for Newcomers
- Foreign Credential Recognition Navigation
- Job Creation and Labour Market Connections
- Workplace- and Industry-Specific Language Training
- Capacity-Building Initiatives for Employers
Stream 2: Settlement Supports and Services
This stream aims to strengthen communities’ ability to attract, welcome, and retain newcomers at all stages of their settlement journey by contributing to a comprehensive range of settlement services throughout NL. Priority areas include:
- Pre-Arrival Settlement Programming
- Settlement Services
- Place-Based Immigration Initiatives
- Building Welcoming Communities
- Projects to Improve or Expand Access to Settlement Services
- Capacity-building initiatives for Service Provider Organizations
- Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- Volunteer Connections and Community Integration
Stream 3: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism
Newfoundland and Labrador is becoming increasingly diverse, and immigration continues to strengthen communities and support employers, especially in rural areas, by helping meet labour needs and contributing to local economic growth. This diversity enriches the province socially, culturally, and economically.
Newcomers often highlight the warm welcome they receive and the genuine efforts across the province to foster inclusion. However, many also report that racism and discrimination persist, affecting their sense of safety and belonging. Ongoing community and organizational initiatives remain important in addressing these challenges and supporting a more inclusive, welcoming Newfoundland and Labrador. Priority areas include:
- Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- Promote public education and awareness on racism, hate, discrimination
- Support racialized and Indigenous communities through culturally responsive programming
- Intercultural Competency and Public Outreach
- Enhance institutional or organizational capacity to identify and address systemic barriers;
- Encourage collaboration between SPOs, public, and governments to advance intercultural competency and anti-racism; and
- Addressing Systemic Racism and Advancing Racial Equity
Applicants can use a single application to apply for funding under all three streams. Proposed activities are not limited to a single stream or category; overlap is expected and encouraged. While not an exhaustive list, Annex B provides more information about the priority areas and project examples.
2.0 Eligibility
2.1 Eligible Applicants
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be either a:
- Non-profit organizations, including newcomer-serving, community, ethnocultural and multicultural organizations registered in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Post-secondary Institution
- Municipality
- Indigenous Governing Body
- Have the experience, infrastructure, and ability to undertake the project’s administrative, reporting, and financial requirements.
- Deliver programs/services in a manner that is respectful and appreciative of diversity, inclusion, Truth and Reconciliation.
- Applicants who previously received NLSIP must have a satisfactory record of past performance as determined by OIM
Non-profit community-based groups and organizations must be incorporated and in good standing with the GNL. To check your organization’s status, please visit the Registry of Companies and Deeds – Online.
Partnerships and coordinated program delivery are encouraged. Jointly delivered projects must be proposed in a single application and supplemented by a partnership agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of all parties.
Ineligible applicants include individuals, businesses, private-sector companies, and for-profit firms; funding bodies whose sole mandate is to award grants or funding; Immigration agents, consultants, or recruiters; and unregistered organizations.
2.2 Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses must be associated directly with the delivery of the projects and include:
- Salaries, Wages and Benefits
- Professional Development and Training
- Examples may include anti-racism or equity, trauma-informed intervention, monitoring and evaluation training, etc.
- Travel and Accommodations
- All proposed travel costs should be for in-province travel only and be as cost-effective as possible.
- OIM may approve out-of-province travel on a case-by-case basis.
- Project Delivery Costs
- Including marketing and promotion, materials and supplies, technology, and related support for virtual and hybrid service delivery.
- This includes costs of purchasing equipment for a temporary loan to newcomers that enables improved access to programming.
- Refreshment costs for snacks and/or beverages necessary to the successful delivery of programming subject to OIM’s prior approval
- Professional Fees
- Costs that support direct program/project costs, including service contracts such as translators, interpreters, subject matter experts, third-party evaluators, and services to develop and set up the computer infrastructure required for program delivery.
- Administrative Costs
- Administrative expenses necessary for operating an organization that are not necessarily directly related to the project up to a maximum of 15 per cent of a project’s total budget.
The following expenses are not eligible:
- Activities or costs that have been undertaken or incurred before the signing of a funding Agreement or take place after the Agreement’s end date.
- Activities or costs paid by partners or other funders.
- Major capital costs.
- Bonuses, stipends, or grants to project staff, program participants, or board members.
- Any activity deemed discriminatory under the NL Human Rights Act.
- Travel outside of NL, except in special circumstances pre-approved by OIM. Contingency and miscellaneous fees not specified or authorized by OIM.
- Financial losses and deficits incurred by the applicant.
OIM reserves the right to identify other ineligible expenses on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants are encouraged to contact OIM to confirm their proposed activities and costs are eligible.
2.3 Eligible Beneficiaries/ Participants
Projects, except for pre-arrival services, must primarily benefit newcomers residing in NL and may target those belonging to one or more Beneficiaries/Participants outlined in Annex B.
Applicants should note that preference may be given to projects that provide services and support for Beneficiaries/Participants who are ineligible to receive support through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs.
3.0 Available Funding
The maximum recommended funding contribution for each project is $300,000. Requests for higher amounts will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the sole discretion of OIM.
4.0 Deadline
The application deadline is April 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Newfoundland Daylight Saving Time).
5.0 Evaluation and Selection
Each complete application received by the deadline will be screened for eligibility. A Selection Committee will evaluate eligible applications according to the below criteria:
Project Design (50 points)
- Projected Client Group(s) and Number of Potential Clients Affected (10)
- Reach of the Project Across NL (10)
- Communication and Outreach Strategy (5)
- Measurable Success Indicators and Clear Intended Outcomes (10)
- Clear, Detailed Budget and Evidence of Cost Effectiveness (10)
- Incorporation of Gender-Based Analysis+ Principles (5)
Project Relevance (30 points)
- Evidence of Need and Relevance to Prospective Client Group (15)
- Connection with GNL Priority Areas (15)
Applicant Capacity (20 points)
- Evidence of Organization’s Capacity, Skills, and Expertise (10)
- Opportunities for Collaboration with other Service Providers, Community Organizations, and/or Municipal, Indigenous communities (5)
- Sustainability and Long-term impact (5)
JGRD reserves the right to select either part(s) or an application in its entirety.
6.0 Accountability Requirements
Potential recipients must sign a funding Agreement with OIM to be considered successful applicants. No legal relationship will exist with an applicant until the Agreement is signed, and the provision of services will not begin until both the applicant and OIM have fully signed the Agreement.
Activity and Financial reporting requirements will be detailed in the Agreement and include, but are not limited to:
- Quarterly Activity Report – activity description, reporting period update, number of participants, narrative report, and measurable outcomes.
- Quarterly Financial Report – actual costs for each eligible expense for the reporting period.
- Service Registration Report
7.0 Submitting an Application
Step 1: Register as a Government Vendor and Obtain a LaMPSS Username (Please go to Step 2 if you have an active LaMPSS username and password)
All applicants must be set up as government vendors and registered for LaMPSS. After registering, the user will receive an email with login credentials, including user ID, password, and Organization ID. Please ensure you check your email (including junk mail) regularly. You can then log into the LaMPSS system and complete your online application.
Applicants must complete this step as soon as possible to avoid delays and to ensure access to the system before the application deadline. Applications not submitted through LaMPSS may not be considered.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Applications will only be accepted when completed and submitted in LaMPSS. Before
you begin your application, please see the LaMPSS resources linked below and ensure
you have thoroughly reviewed the program guidelines.
Additional LaMPSS Resources
If you have forgotten your user ID or password or require assistance with using LaMPSS, please contact our Support Group by email at extorghelp@gov.nl.ca during government business hours, or you can call 1-844-252-6777.
For additional information on the LaMPSS application and the information required when submitting your application, please refer to the NLSIP Application Submission Guide.
8.0 Privacy and Confidentiality of Applicant Information
Applications submitted under NLSIP will become property of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; consequently, they will be subject to the terms of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). The applicant’s responsibilities under ATIPPA will be detailed further in their funding Agreement. Applicants should note that any proprietary, personal, or sensitive information contained in their proposal should be marked as confidential and will be subject to appropriate consideration as defined within ATIPPA. Public requests for information under ATIPPA will not ordinarily include any materials deemed to be proprietary in nature.
9.0 Contact Information
9.1 Program Support
If you have questions about the NLSIP, the application process, or require assistance, please email settlement@gov.nl.ca or call 709-729-6607.
9.2 User Technical Support
Should you require assistance with using LaMPSS, please email extorghelp@gov.nl.ca or call 1-844-252-6777.