On March 5 and 6, 2025, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) held its inaugural immigration draws of the year. These draws, which targeted candidates with skills in specific in-demand sectors, marked a significant step in aligning the province’s immigration strategies with its labor market goals. With a reduced immigration allocation in 2025, New Brunswick’s efforts to streamline and focus its provincial nomination pathways are a vital part of this shift.
2025 New Brunswick Immigration Draw: An Overview
The recent draws were held under two key streams of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Program. Candidates were invited under:
- The New Brunswick Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Experience Pathway
- The New Brunswick Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
These draws particularly targeted professionals within critical sectors such as healthcare, education, social services, and construction trades. A total of 498 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued during these events. While the NBPNP did not release specific cutoff scores for the draws, the focus on high-demand occupations indicates the province’s strategic move towards addressing key labor shortages.
In total, New Brunswick’s immigration allocation for 2025 stands at 2,750 spots. Of these, 1,500 are dedicated to the NBPNP, while the remaining 1,250 will be allotted through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Breakdown of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
As of 2025, the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream has undergone significant restructuring, now offering three distinct pathways:
- New Brunswick Experience Pathway
- New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
- New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway (currently not accepting submissions)
To be eligible for these pathways, candidates must meet specific criteria based on their current employment status and work experience. Below are the key eligibility details:
New Brunswick Experience Pathway
- Must be employed full-time in a non-seasonal job with an eligible New Brunswick employer.
- Candidates should have worked for at least 6 consecutive months with the same employer while living in the province.
- The employer must support the application.
New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
- Applicants must have completed a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible program from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in New Brunswick.
- Must be employed full-time in a non-seasonal role with an eligible employer or have accepted such an offer.
- The employer must support the application.
New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway
- Applicants must have received a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer, typically as part of a government-led recruitment mission.
- The job offer should align with priority NOC codes (National Occupational Classification).
- Candidates should have at least 1 year of paid work experience related to the position.
Also Read: UK Seasonal Worker Visa Extended for 5 More Years to Combat Labour Shortage: What You Need to Know
Immigration Program Changes in 2025
New Brunswick has made notable adjustments to its immigration streams to optimize its available provincial nomination allocations. Among the changes are modifications to the intake processes of several key programs. The updates are summarized below:
1. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- New Pathways Added: Starting March 5, 2025, the Express Entry Stream will accept Expression of Interests (EOIs) under two new pathways:
- Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- New Brunswick Interests Pathway
- Pathway Discontinuation: The New Brunswick Student Connection pathway will not be available in 2025.
Note: Several occupation categories will no longer be considered for nomination under this stream, including roles in accounting, administrative support, retail, food services, and hospitality.
2. New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
- Paused for 2025: This stream will not accept new EOIs as the province has sufficient inventory.
- The In-Person Exploratory Visit program, which was paused in November 2024, will also not return in 2025.
3. New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
- Restructured Pathways: The Skilled Worker Stream has now been restructured into the following three pathways:
- New Brunswick Experience
- New Brunswick Graduates
- New Brunswick Priority Occupations (currently not accepting submissions)
- A list of occupations no longer eligible for this stream has been published, including positions in retail management, food services, and customer service roles, among others.
Key Occupations No Longer Eligible for NBPNP (2025)
Due to the province’s need to focus on sectors with the most critical labor shortages, certain occupations are no longer considered under the current streams. Some of these include:
- Accounting Technicians & Bookkeepers
- Retail Sales Managers
- Restaurant & Food Service Managers
- Food & Beverage Servers
- Hotel Front Desk Clerks
- Cooks & Bakers
- Retail Salespersons
- Bartenders & Customer Representatives
This move reflects New Brunswick’s efforts to streamline its immigration pathways and ensure the province attracts skilled workers in the most essential fields.
The Future of New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program
As New Brunswick adapts to a lower provincial immigration allocation in 2025, the changes to its immigration streams reflect a clear focus on meeting the evolving needs of its labor market. By aligning immigration pathways with in-demand occupations and prioritizing candidates who can contribute immediately to key sectors, New Brunswick is positioning itself to address its most pressing workforce challenges.
If you’re interested in exploring the opportunities available through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, it’s essential to assess your eligibility based on the most current criteria. Whether you’re a skilled worker, a graduate, or someone with specific expertise in a priority occupation, these updates offer a streamlined route to provincial nomination.
Conclusion
The first provincial draws of 2025 under the NBPNP mark a significant step in New Brunswick’s ongoing effort to optimize its immigration system. With a focus on high-demand sectors like healthcare, education, and construction, these changes reflect the province’s commitment to addressing workforce gaps. If you’re considering immigration to New Brunswick, now is an ideal time to stay informed about these evolving pathways and assess your eligibility for a smooth application process.
By understanding the recent shifts in immigration policies, you can take the necessary steps to secure an invitation to apply for provincial nomination and make your move to New Brunswick a successful one.
For more information, always ensure to stay updated with the latest announcements and criteria of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
