New Brunswick has officially reopened intake for two enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways, making it easier for eligible skilled workers to become permanent residents of Canada.
As of March 5, 2025, candidates can apply through:
Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
New Brunswick Interests Pathway
Both pathways are aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system, allowing faster processing and higher chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Overview of the New Enhanced Pathways
These Express Entry–aligned pathways are designed to attract skilled workers who can support New Brunswick’s economic priorities. By integrating with Express Entry, nominated candidates receive 600 additional CRS points, significantly increasing their likelihood of permanent residence approval.
Key Changes to New Brunswick PNP Pathways
1. Updated Eligibility Criteria
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has introduced important changes to its eligibility requirements:
Minimum age reduced from 22 to 19 years, opening doors for younger skilled workers
Employment in New Brunswick pathway now requires:
At least 12 consecutive months of work experience
Stricter residency and employment connection requirements
These updates aim to ensure stronger long-term retention of newcomers in the province.
2. Occupation-Based Exclusions
Certain occupations are no longer eligible for provincial nomination under these pathways. This targeted approach helps align immigration with New Brunswick’s labour market needs.
Priority sectors include:
Healthcare
Education
Construction
Other critical economic sectors
This strategic filtering ensures nominations are used where they will have the greatest economic impact.
3. Reduced Nomination Allocation for 2025
New Brunswick’s total provincial nomination allocation for 2025 has been reduced:
Total nominations: 2,750 (down from 5,000 in 2024)
NBPNP: 1,500 nominations
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 1,250 nominations
Due to this reduction, the province is prioritizing candidates who best meet economic and labour market needs.
Application Processing and Selection Method
The NBPNP has confirmed that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instead:
Candidates will be selected through scheduled draws starting in March 2025
Invitations to Apply (ITAs) will be issued based on:
Eligibility criteria
Labour market alignment
Overall candidate profile strength
This competitive selection model ensures only highly qualified applicants are invited.
Ongoing Challenges and Government Response
Since reopening, the Immigration New Brunswick portal has experienced heavy traffic and technical challenges. The province is actively working to stabilize the system.
Additionally, New Brunswick is in discussions with the federal government to explore long-term solutions, including potential increases in future nomination allocations to better support economic growth.
Final Thoughts
Despite a reduced number of nominations, New Brunswick’s enhanced PNP pathways remain a strong immigration option for skilled workers aligned with the province’s priority sectors.
By focusing on targeted occupations and Express Entry integration, the province continues to attract newcomers who can contribute meaningfully to its economic recovery and long-term growth.
For eligible candidates, these pathways offer a clear, efficient, and competitive route to Canadian permanent residence.
