In response to significant changes in immigration quotas, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has introduced two new Express Entry streams starting March 5, 2025. This adjustment not only creates more opportunities for skilled workers abroad but also raises the bar for comprehensive candidate qualifications, ensuring that only high-quality talent aligning with the province’s development needs will be selected.

1. Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
2. New Brunswick Interests Pathway

The Employment Pathway requires applicants to have worked full-time for a local employer in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months. Meanwhile, the Interests Pathway requires applicants to have received a Letter of Interest (LOI) from Immigration NB in their Express Entry profile and to have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) continuous work experience within the past 10 years. Both streams will be rigorously assessed based on specific criteria, ensuring that only truly eligible applicants receive a provincial nomination.

Application Requirements

1. Hold a valid Express Entry profile
2. Meet language proficiency requirements (English or French: CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills)
3. Satisfy federal settlement funds requirements (unless exempt)
4. Possess a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent education
5. Express a clear intent to reside and work in New Brunswick long-term
6. Score at least 67 points on the provincial nomination assessment
7. Hold a job classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC)

One of the most notable changes in this optimization is the lowering of the minimum age from 22 to 19 years old, which aims to attract more young talent. Additionally, the residency and employment requirements for the Employment Pathway have been further strengthened, emphasizing stable work and long-term settlement in New Brunswick.

However, meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation, as the selection process is not based on a first-come, first-served basis but rather on comprehensive assessment scores and specific eligibility factors.

Excluded Occupations

To better align with the province’s economic and labor market needs, New Brunswick has explicitly excluded certain occupations from eligibility, including:

• Accounting Technicians & Bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
• Administrative Assistants (NOC 13110)
• Bakers (NOC 63202)
• Cooks (NOC 63200)
• Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020)
• Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC 60030)
• Retail & Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC 60020)
• Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC 62010)

Reduced Immigration Quotas in 2025

It is important to note that New Brunswick’s overall immigration nomination quota for 2025 has been reduced compared to previous years, with a total of 2,750 spots allocated as follows:

• 1,500 spots under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• 1,250 spots under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

This change reflects New Brunswick’s shift towards a more targeted and pragmatic immigration strategy, ensuring the province remains competitive in attracting top-tier global talent.

Overall, these updates to New Brunswick’s immigration policies lower certain entry barriers while strengthening work and residency requirements, offering more opportunities for skilled workers who seek to settle permanently in Canada. Applicants should closely monitor official guidelines and ensure they meet all criteria to maximize their chances of receiving an invitation in this competitive selection process.