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New Brunswick begins accepting immigration applications again
After a period of adjustment, New Brunswick is set to reopen its immigration programs, though with a reduced number of nomination spaces. The federal government has allocated only 2,750 spots for the province this year, split between the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) with 1,500 spots and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) with 1,250 spots.
Tough Decisions for the Province
The decrease in allocation has forced the province to reevaluate its immigration strategy. Jean-Claude D’Amours, Acting Minister of Post-Secondary Education, stated on February 5 that the cuts will limit New Brunswick’s ability to support economic growth and meet labor market demands.
In response, the province is prioritizing key industries such as healthcare, education, and construction, while restricting immigration opportunities in other sectors.
What’s Changing?
Several immigration pathways are being modified, with some reopening soon and others remaining paused. Here’s what applicants need to know:
1. New Brunswick Express Entry: Reopening soon under two pathways:
- Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- New Brunswick Interests Pathway
Some occupations, such as administrative assistants, bookkeepers, restaurant managers, and food service workers, will not be considered.
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative: Currently not accepting new applications due to full inventory.
Private Career College Graduate Program: Accepting applications, but will end in autumn 2025.
2. New Brunswick Skilled Worker: Reopening soon with three new pathways:
- Work Experience Pathway (for those with six months of local experience)
- Graduates Pathway (for those with a job offer and a PGWP-eligible diploma)
- Priority Occupations Pathway (for jobs identified by the government)
Several job categories, including bartenders, food counter attendants, and laborers in food processing, are not eligible.
New Brunswick Business Immigration: Open for business owners who have operated in the province for at least six months.
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot & AIP: Accepting applications with no major changes.
Can New Brunswick Regain Lost Nomination Spaces?
The provincial government has raised concerns with the federal government, and discussions are ongoing. Newfoundland and Labrador, which also faced similar cuts, recently negotiated an increase in its nomination spots by agreeing to accept 290 humanitarian immigrants over three years.
If New Brunswick follows a similar approach, it may be able to restore some of its lost allocation. For now, prospective immigrants should stay updated on policy changes and be prepared for stricter selection criteria in certain streams.