New Brunswick PNP 2025: First Draws, Major Changes & How to Qualify!
New Brunswick Conducts First Provincial Immigration Draws of 2025
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has launched its first immigration draws of 2025, focusing on high-demand occupations to align with the province's labor market needs. Held on March 5 and 6, these draws invited candidates under two pathways of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream.
Key Highlights of New Brunswick’s First Immigration Draws
New Brunswick, like other provinces, is adjusting its immigration strategies in response to a reduced allocation for 2025. The province has received 2,750 provincial immigration spots, with 1,500 allocated to NBPNP and 1,250 under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Pathways Targeted in the Latest Draws
Candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the following pathways:
-
New Brunswick Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Experience Pathway
-
New Brunswick Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
The occupations prioritized in these draws included:
-
Healthcare Professionals
-
Education and Social & Community Services Workers
-
Construction Trades Experts
A total of 498 ITAs were issued, although the NBPNP did not disclose a cut-off score for selection.
Revised NBPNP Immigration Pathways for 2025
In 2025, the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream was expanded to include three distinct pathways:
| Pathway | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Experience | Must be working full-time in a non-seasonal job for an eligible New Brunswick employer for at least six months. The employer must support the application. |
| New Brunswick Graduates | Must have completed an eligible program from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in New Brunswick and secured full-time employment or a job offer. Employer support is required. |
| New Brunswick Priority Occupations | Must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer. The job offer must originate from a government-led recruitment mission and align with priority NOC codes. At least one year of relevant paid experience is required. |
Major Changes to NBPNP in 2025
New Brunswick has implemented several structural changes to its immigration streams to optimize its provincial nomination allocations. The following updates have been introduced:
1. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
-
New Pathways Introduced:
-
Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
-
New Brunswick Interests Pathway
-
-
Discontinued: The New Brunswick Student Connection Pathway has been removed.
-
Restricted Occupations: Several roles, including retail and food service management, administrative assistants, and cooks, are no longer eligible.
2. New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
-
Paused for 2025: The province will not accept new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) due to a sufficient backlog.
-
Permanent Removal: The "In-Person Exploratory Visit to New Brunswick" connection was discontinued.
3. New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
-
Reorganized into Three Pathways:
-
Experience Pathway
-
Graduates Pathway
-
Priority Occupations Pathway (not accepting applications yet)
-
-
Restricted Occupations: A comprehensive list of ineligible NOC codes includes administrative, hospitality, food service, and retail-related jobs.
Real-World Implications of These Changes
1. Boosting Workforce Stability in Key Sectors
By prioritizing sectors like healthcare, education, and construction, New Brunswick is directly addressing labor shortages in critical industries. For instance, hospitals in rural areas struggling with nurse shortages will benefit from streamlined immigration pathways for skilled healthcare workers.
2. Strengthening Employer Support in Immigration
The requirement for employer-backed applications ensures that newcomers have job security upon arrival. This minimizes integration challenges and enhances economic contributions from immigrants.
3. Impact on International Students and Graduates
With the New Brunswick Graduates Pathway, students completing programs at local DLIs can transition smoothly into the workforce, reducing their dependency on federal Express Entry draws.
4. Limitations for Retail and Hospitality Workers
The removal of occupations like food service managers and retail supervisors highlights a shift in focus toward sectors with long-term growth potential. This change may prompt candidates in these fields to explore alternative provinces or upskilling opportunities.
Conclusion
New Brunswick’s latest immigration draws and program restructuring underscore the province’s commitment to economic-driven immigration. While certain occupations have been deprioritized, the changes present opportunities for skilled workers in high-demand fields to secure permanent residency.
Declaration:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Candidates are encouraged to consult official government sources for the latest updates on New Brunswick’s immigration programs.