New Brunswick is set to gradually reopen its immigration programs following a period of transition. This comes after the federal government allocated only 2,750 nomination spaces to the province for the year.
These spaces will be distributed between the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) with 1,500 spots and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) with 1,250 spots.
In a February 5 press release, Jean-Claude D’Amours, acting Minister of Post-Secondary Education, emphasized that the reduced allocation for 2025 has led to challenging decisions.
"We anticipate this will impact our ability to support economic growth and businesses in the province," D’Amours stated.
Given these limitations, the province has stated that immigration priority will be given to key sectors such as health, education, and construction, while offering some support to other industries. However, certain sectors will face restrictions on participation.
Program and Stream Updates
The table below outlines the latest updates for each of New Brunswick’s immigration streams.
|
Stream |
Status |
Details |
|
New Brunswick Express Entry |
Wiil begin to accept new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under two pathways in coming weeks |
Will accept NOIs under: |
|
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative |
Will not accept new EOIs at this time |
This stream has sufficient inventory and is not seeking new applications. |
|
Private Career College Graduate Program |
Accepting EOIs |
Set to end in autumn of 2025. |
|
New Brunswick Skilled Worker |
Starting to accept EOIs |
Has branched into three streams. |
|
New Brunswick Business Immigration |
Accepting EOIs |
Applicants can apply for a nomination if their business has been running for six months or longer. |
|
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot |
Accepting applications |
N/A. |
|
Atlantic Immigration Program |
Accepting applications |
N/A. |
Program Updates and New Selection Criteria
Below are the latest details for immigration streams that have undergone changes or introduced new selection criteria.
New Brunswick Express Entry
In the coming weeks, the New Brunswick Express Entry stream will begin accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the following pathways:
- Employment in New Brunswick pathway
- New Brunswick Interests pathway
However, candidates in the following occupations will not be considered at this time:
- Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
- Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110)
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030)
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
Additionally, the New Brunswick Student Connection under this stream will not be available for 2025.
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
The Strategic Initiative stream has currently reached its capacity for Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and as a result, the PNP will not be accepting new EOIs at this time.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to check the program’s page later this year for updates and further details.
Additionally, the "In-Person Exploratory Visit to New Brunswick" option, which was paused in November 2024, will not be reinstated in 2025.
New Brunswick Skilled Worker
The New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream will begin accepting new applications in the coming weeks. This stream has now been divided into three distinct pathways, which will be managed under the Skilled Worker category:
- New Brunswick Work Experience pathway
- New Brunswick Graduates pathway
- New Brunswick Priority Occupations pathway
Eligibility Criteria for Each Pathway
Each pathway under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream has specific eligibility requirements in addition to meeting the general criteria for the stream.
|
Pathway |
Eligibility Requirements |
|
New Brunswick Work Experience |
- Must have worked full-time in a non-seasonal position for an eligible New Brunswick employer in the past six months. |
|
New Brunswick Graduates |
- Must have completed a program at a New Brunswick Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). |
|
New Brunswick Priority Occupations |
- Must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer as a result of a recruitment mission led by the Government of New Brunswick. |
Occupations Not Eligible for the Skilled Worker Stream
At this time, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) will not be considering candidates for the Skilled Worker stream in the following occupations:
- Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
- Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110)
- Shippers and Receivers (NOC 14400)
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030)
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
- Bartenders (NOC 64301)
- Other Customer Representatives (NOC 64409)
- Food and Beverage Servers (NOC 65200)
- Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Occupations (NOC 65201)
- Process Control and Machine Operators – Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 94140)
- Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
- Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 95106)
- Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing (NOC 95107)
Could New Brunswick’s Allocation Increase in the Future?
It remains uncertain whether New Brunswick will be able to secure an increase in its nomination allocations. However, the provincial government has expressed its concerns to the federal government, and discussions are ongoing.
Recent developments in Newfoundland and Labrador suggest that adjustments may be possible. Initially facing a 50% reduction in immigrant nomination spaces for 2025, the province successfully negotiated a deal with the federal government, reducing its cut to just 2.3% compared to 2024. This was achieved through an agreement to accept 290 humanitarian immigrants over the next three years—an approach that Immigration Minister Marc Miller has acknowledged can help provinces restore lost nomination spaces.
While New Brunswick’s situation is still unfolding, it is possible that reaching a similar agreement regarding humanitarian immigration could help the province regain some of its allocation.
