New Brunswick Kicks Off 2025 Provincial Nominee Program with Early Draws
New Brunswick recently held its first draws of 2025 under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) on March 5 and 6. The program focused on inviting skilled workers from key sectors experiencing labor shortages in the province. These draws, which came after a period of adjustments to align the program with the province’s labor market needs, mark the beginning of the province’s 2025 immigration initiatives.
A New Approach for 2025 Immigration Streams
For 2025, New Brunswick’s immigration allocations have been significantly reduced. The province has received 2,750 spots for provincial immigration this year. Of these, 1,500 will be allocated through the NBPNP, and the remaining 1,250 will be reserved for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
This reduction has prompted New Brunswick to adjust the structure of its immigration streams to better meet local workforce demands and economic priorities.
Key Highlights from the March 2025 Draws
On March 5 and 6, the NBPNP conducted its first provincial immigration draws under two pathways of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream. The successful candidates were drawn from the following pathways:
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker—New Brunswick Experience Pathway
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker—New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
The focus of these draws was on selecting candidates from high-demand occupations in the healthcare, education and social services, and construction trades sectors. The draws resulted in a total of 498 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), though the province did not announce a specific cut-off score for these invitations.
Eligible Occupations Targeted in the Draws
The province specifically targeted candidates working in the following categories:
| Occupation Category | Specific Sectors Targeted |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals |
| Education & Social Services | Teachers, social workers, and community service providers |
| Construction Trades | Skilled trades, including electricians, carpenters, and more |
New Structure for the Skilled Worker Stream
As of 2025, New Brunswick’s Skilled Worker Stream has been reorganized into three distinct pathways. These pathways are tailored to meet specific labor market needs:
| Pathway Name | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Experience Pathway | Candidates must currently be working full-time in a non-seasonal role for an eligible employer in New Brunswick. Applicants must have worked for the same employer for at least six months. |
| New Brunswick Graduates Pathway | Candidates who have completed a program eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in New Brunswick. Applicants must be employed full-time in a non-seasonal role, or have a job offer. |
| New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway | Candidates with a job offer from a New Brunswick employer in one of the province’s priority occupations, with at least one year of paid work experience in the field. |
Changes to New Brunswick Immigration Streams in 2025
This year, New Brunswick has implemented several updates across its immigration streams to better utilize its reduced allocation. Notable changes include the addition of new pathways, the discontinuation of certain categories, and restructuring of the skilled worker stream.
Stream-Specific Updates for 2025
| Stream Name | Updates for 2025 | Discontinued/Not Accepted Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick Express Entry Stream | – Two new pathways: Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests. – The New Brunswick Student Connection pathway will not return in 2025. | NOC 12200 – Accounting Technicians NOC 13110 – Administrative Assistants NOC 60020 – Retail Managers, etc. |
| New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream | – Paused for 2025 due to sufficient inventory. – No new EOIs will be accepted this year. | N/A |
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream | – Reorganized into three distinct pathways: 1) New Brunswick Experience Pathway 2) New Brunswick Graduates Pathway 3) New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway (currently not accepting applications) | NOC 12200 – Accounting Technicians NOC 60020 – Retail Managers NOC 63200 – Cooks, etc. |
Occupational Exclusions: A Key Focus for 2025
To streamline the nomination process and ensure that the province attracts the most relevant and skilled workers, New Brunswick has excluded certain occupations from eligibility under various streams. Below are some of the key exclusions for 2025:
Occupations Not Considered for 2025 Draws:
| NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 12200 | Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers |
| 13110 | Administrative Assistants |
| 60020 | Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers |
| 63200 | Cooks |
| 94142 | Fish and Seafood Plant Workers |
Candidates in these excluded occupations will not be considered for provincial nomination under the respective streams in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Skilled Workers
As New Brunswick continues to adjust its immigration processes in line with labor market priorities, skilled workers from critical sectors remain in high demand. The province’s focus on healthcare, education, social services, and construction trades offers excellent opportunities for candidates who meet the specific eligibility criteria.
As New Brunswick adapts its approach to meet the needs of both its economy and immigrant workers, the changes introduced in 2025 reflect a more targeted and efficient immigration system designed to support the province’s long-term growth.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
