Overview:
Immigration Program Development Officers (IPDOs) with the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) are responsible for processing applications under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This section outlines OIM’s approach to requests from applicants seeking to withdraw an existing provincial approval (endorsement or nomination) and re-apply under the other program.

Once an applicant has been issued an approval under one program – an AIP endorsement or an NLPNP nomination – the applicant is expected to proceed with that pathway and submit or continue their permanent residence (PR) application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Requests from nominees or endorsees to move or cancel their existing application and apply to the other program will not be permitted, except in limited circumstances, described below.

Procedures:

• Upon receiving a request to switch programs after an approval has been issued, OIM officials will advise the applicant in writing that switching is not permitted and that they are expected to proceed with their current program. The communication will use OIM’s standard templated language.
• The Manager of Immigration Programs may consider an exemption only where a material change has occurred outside the applicant’s control that makes continuation on the existing pathway impossible. Examples may include:
  1. Permanent business closure;
  2. PR application refusal; or,
  3. Other extraordinary circumstances that directly prevent continuation on the approved pathway.

• Applicants seeking an exemption from this policy must provide objective evidence to the satisfaction of the IPDO, which may include employer letters, Records of Employment, payroll/HR confirmations, and any other documents requested by OIM to verify the material change.

Exemptions from Policy

• Where an exemption is requested, the IPDO will prepare an exemption request summarizing the facts, evidence, and analysis against this policy, and make a recommendation. The Team Lead will review the request and forward it with a recommendation to the Manager of Immigration Programs.
• If the exemption is approved:
  1. The prior approval (endorsement/nomination) will be cancelled in OIM systems;
  2. IRCC will be informed, as required;
  3. The applicant must follow the standard intake for the new pathway (submit EOI, receive ITA, and submit new complete application);
  4. The new application will be screened and assessed per normal procedures and within allocation availability at that time.
• If exemption is not approved, OIM will advise the applicant in writing, confirm that switching is not permitted, and instruct the applicant to proceed on the currently approved pathway.

 

Last revision: March 2, 2026