New Brunswick's Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) continues to play a vital role in attracting talented individuals to the province, supporting its economic growth and addressing labor market needs. In early February 2026, the program conducted two significant draws on February 2, issuing a total of 326 invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. These draws highlight New Brunswick's strategic focus on retaining skilled workers already employed in the province, welcoming French-speaking candidates to bolster its bilingual communities, and prioritizing in-province graduates and those with strong ties to the region.
The NBPNP operates through several streams, including the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream and the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream. These pathways allow the province to nominate candidates for Canadian permanent residence, often in alignment with the federal Express Entry system. A provincial nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream provides a substantial boost of 600 points to a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, dramatically increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
One key draw targeted the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, specifically under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway. This stream invited 166 candidates. It focuses on individuals who are already contributing to the provincial economy through full-time employment. To qualify, candidates needed to have been working in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (classified under Canada's National Occupational Classification system) for at least the past 12 months. This work could have been with the same or different employers in the province, but it required valid work authorization throughout that period and continuous residence in New Brunswick for the last year. The draw selected candidates from all occupational sectors, demonstrating broad inclusivity for skilled professionals across various industries.
A notable upcoming change affects this pathway: starting in future draws, candidates working in the accommodation and food services sector (classified under NAICS 72) will be excluded. This adjustment reflects the province's evolving labor market priorities, likely aiming to direct nominations toward higher-skill or more critically needed roles while managing overall allocation limits.
The second draw fell under the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream, which issued 160 invitations, primarily targeting French-speaking candidates. This stream emphasizes New Brunswick's unique status as Canada's only officially bilingual province (English and French) and supports efforts to strengthen Francophone communities. Two main pathways were highlighted: the New Brunswick Francophone Priorities pathway and the Francophone Workers in New Brunswick pathway.
For the Francophone Priorities pathway, eligible candidates needed to demonstrate French language proficiency at least at NCLC level 5 in all four abilities—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They also had to either have completed an in-person program of at least one year at Université de Moncton or Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), or hold a Letter of Interest from Immigration New Brunswick. This pathway effectively supports in-province graduates and those with established educational ties, making it easier for international students who studied in French-language institutions to transition to permanent residency.
The Francophone Workers pathway similarly required NCLC level 5 proficiency in French across all abilities. Candidates needed to be employed in a permanent, full-time position with a New Brunswick employer or possess an accepted job offer. Additional requirements included residing in the province for at least the last six months or having secured a job offer through a government-led recruitment mission. This approach helps retain French-speaking talent already integrated into the workforce or recruited directly for provincial needs.
All candidates considered in these February draws had to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time. The EOI system allows Immigration New Brunswick to assess and rank profiles based on factors like employment ties, language skills, education, and alignment with provincial priorities before issuing invitations.
These draws underscore New Brunswick's commitment to targeted immigration that directly benefits its economy and cultural fabric. By prioritizing those with real connections—through work, study, or language—the province ensures newcomers can integrate quickly and contribute meaningfully. For skilled workers employed in the province, French speakers eager to join vibrant Francophone communities, and recent graduates from local institutions, these opportunities represent a faster, more reliable path to Canadian permanent residence compared to competing solely in the federal Express Entry pool.
As 2026 progresses, the NBPNP is expected to continue issuing invitations aligned with labor shortages and demographic goals. Prospective applicants should monitor official updates, ensure their EOI profiles are accurate and up-to-date, and prepare documentation demonstrating eligibility. With its welcoming environment, affordable living, and emphasis on bilingualism, New Brunswick remains an attractive destination for those seeking to build a future in Canada.
Written by Gagandeep Singh
