Great news for people looking to move to New Brunswick! The province has started reopening its immigration programs after adjusting to new federal limits on how many immigrants they can nominate this year. New Brunswick was given 2,750 nomination spaces for 2025, which are divided between two programs:
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – 1,500 spaces
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – 1,250 spaces
However, because of these reduced spaces, New Brunswick will focus on specific industries like health, education, and construction. Some occupations will be restricted from applying.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening with New Brunswick’s immigration programs.
Program Updates and Status
| Immigration Program | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick Express Entry | Will accept new applications soon | Applications will be accepted under two pathways: Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests. |
| New Brunswick Strategic Initiative | Not accepting applications for now | This stream is currently full and will not accept new applications until further notice. |
| Private Career College Graduate | Accepting applications | This program will end in Autumn 2025. |
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker | Open for applications | Now split into 3 new pathways (see details below). |
| New Brunswick Business Immigration | Open for applications | Applicants must have operated their business for at least 6 months. |
| New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot | Open for applications | No changes announced. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | Open for applications | No changes announced. |
Details on Key Programs
1. New Brunswick Express Entry
In the coming weeks, New Brunswick will start accepting applications under two pathways:
- Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- New Brunswick Interests Pathway
Who cannot apply?
The following jobs will not be eligible for this program:
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
- Administrative assistants
- Restaurant and food service managers
- Cooks, bakers, and food service supervisors
2. New Brunswick Skilled Worker Program
This program is now divided into three pathways:
- New Brunswick Work Experience Pathway
- Must have worked full-time for an eligible employer in New Brunswick for at least 6 months.
- Must have lived in New Brunswick during this period.
- New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
- Must have studied at a New Brunswick Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Must have a full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
- New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway
- Must have a full-time job offer in a priority occupation listed by New Brunswick.
- Must have at least one year of experience related to this job.
Who cannot apply?
Several occupations are restricted from applying under the Skilled Worker Program, including:
- Shippers and receivers
- Bartenders and servers
- Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers
- Laborers in food and seafood processing
- Cooks and bakers
3. New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
This stream is currently closed as it has reached its application limit. It may reopen later in 2025, so keep an eye out for updates.
Will New Brunswick Get More Immigration Spaces in 2025?
New Brunswick’s government is negotiating with the federal government to increase its nomination spaces, similar to what happened in Newfoundland and Labrador. If New Brunswick agrees to accept more humanitarian immigrants, it may get more spaces in the future.
For now, keep following updates from Ask Kubeir for the latest news on Canadian immigration!
Need Help?
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.