New Brunswick Conducts First Provincial Immigration Draws of 2025
2025-03-17 | Abroad Pathway Immigration | Leave a Comment
New Brunswick has officially held its first immigration draws of 2025 under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). The draws, which took place on March 5 and 6, 2025, issued a total of 498 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across two immigration pathways.
Pathways Targeted in the Draws
The invitations were extended to candidates under the following streams:
New Brunswick Skilled Worker—New Brunswick Experience Pathway
This stream is designed for individuals currently working full-time in non-seasonal jobs with eligible employers in New Brunswick. Candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time employment with the same employer while residing in the province.
New Brunswick Skilled Worker—New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
This pathway is intended for recent graduates from designated learning institutions in New Brunswick who are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Candidates must either be currently employed full-time or have a valid job offer from an eligible employer in the province.
Priority Occupations in the Draw
The March 2025 draws prioritized candidates with experience in the following high-demand sectors:
- Healthcare
- Education and Social & Community Services
- Construction Trades
New Brunswick continues to focus on attracting skilled workers in key industries to address its labor shortages
Changes in New Brunswick Immigration for 2025
New Brunswick has made several changes to its immigration programs in response to a reduced provincial allocation for 2025. This year, the province has been allocated 1,500 spots under the NBPNP and 1,250 spots under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Key Updates to Immigration Streams
New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
Effective March 5, 2025, this stream will only accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under two pathways:
- Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- New Brunswick Interests Pathway
Note: The New Brunswick Student Connection Pathway has been discontinued for 2025.
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
This stream has been paused for 2025 due to an adequate inventory of applications. Additionally, the In-Person Exploratory Visit to New Brunswick option has been removed.
Exclusions from New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
New Brunswick has also removed certain occupations from eligibility under the Express Entry Stream. The following jobs are no longer considered:
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
- Administrative assistants (NOC 13110)
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
- Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
These updates reflect the province’s strategy to streamline its immigration programs and focus on sectors facing the most significant labor shortages.
New Brunswick’s first draws of 2025 demonstrate a targeted approach to immigration, ensuring that skilled workers in priority sectors can support the province’s economic growth. With new program changes and exclusions, prospective immigrants must carefully assess their eligibility before applying.
