New Brunswick conducts first immigration draws of 2025

New Brunswick has started its 2025 immigration process with its first provincial draws on March 5 and 6. The province invited candidates from select occupations through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). These invitations aim to fill labor shortages in key sectors, ensuring a strong workforce for the province.

New Immigration Draw Details

The latest draws invited candidates under two pathways of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream:

• New Brunswick Experience Pathway – For those already working full-time in New Brunswick.
• New Brunswick Graduates Pathway – For recent graduates from eligible New Brunswick institutions with job offers.

Candidates in healthcare, education, social services, and construction trades were the focus. A total of 498 invitations to apply (ITAs) were sent. The province did not disclose the minimum score required for selection.

New Brunswick's Immigration Allocation for 2025

The federal government has given New Brunswick 2,750 provincial immigration spots for 2025. Of these:

• 1,500 spots are for the NBPNP
• 1,250 spots are for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

With a lower immigration allocation this year, New Brunswick has adjusted its programs to match its labor needs better.

Changes to the NBPNP in 2025

The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream now has three pathways:

1. New Brunswick Experience Pathway – Applicants must be working full-time in the province for at least six months with an employer willing to support their application.
2. New Brunswick Graduates Pathway – Open to those who completed a program at a designated learning institution in New Brunswick and have a full-time job offer.
3. New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway – Reserved for candidates in high-demand jobs who have received a job offer through a government-led recruitment mission.

Other Immigration Program Changes

Several key updates have been made to New Brunswick's immigration programs this year:

• New Brunswick Express Entry Stream – Now has two pathways: Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests. The previous Student Connection Pathway has been discontinued.
• New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream – Paused for 2025 due to a high number of existing applications.
• New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream – Now includes three pathways but has paused submissions for the Priority Occupations Pathway for now.

Additionally, the province has stopped considering certain occupations for immigration, including administrative assistants, cooks, food service supervisors, retail managers, and customer service roles.