CIC News | Latest New Brunswick PNP Draw: 498 ITAs Issued
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Draws: Key Updates & Immigration Changes in 2025
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) commenced its first draws of 2025 on March 5 and 6, targeting in-demand occupations that align with the province’s labor market needs. These draws reflect the province’s strategic approach to optimizing its immigration allocations amidst a reduced provincial immigration quota.
With an allocation of 2,750 provincial immigration spots for 2025, New Brunswick has designated 1,500 spots under the NBPNP and 1,250 through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
NBPNP’s First Draws of 2025: Who Was Invited?
The March 5-6 draws were conducted under two specific pathways within the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream:
New Brunswick Skilled Worker—New Brunswick Experience pathway
New Brunswick Skilled Worker—New Brunswick Graduates pathway
These draws prioritized applicants in high-demand sectors, inviting candidates from the following industries:
Healthcare
Education and Social & Community Services
Construction Trades
A total of 498 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in this draw. However, no cut-off score was announced by the NBPNP.
New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream: Pathway-Specific Eligibility
To qualify for one of these pathways, applicants must meet additional eligibility criteria beyond the general Skilled Worker stream requirements:
Changes to NBPNP Immigration Streams in 2025
To efficiently utilize its limited nomination allocations, New Brunswick has restructured several of its immigration pathways:
1. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
New Additions:
Accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under two pathways from March 5, 2025:
Employment in New Brunswick pathway
New Brunswick Interests pathway
Discontinued:
The New Brunswick Student Connection pathway has been removed from the program.
Occupations No Longer Considered:
2. New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
Paused for 2025: The province has met its intake requirements and will not accept new EOIs.
Permanent Discontinuation:
The In-Person Exploratory Visit to New Brunswick connection, which was paused in November 2024, will not be reinstated.
3. New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
Restructured into Three Pathways:
New Brunswick Experience Pathway
New Brunswick Graduates Pathway
New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway (not currently accepting applications)
Occupations Removed from Consideration:
NOC 12200 – Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers
NOC 13110 – Administrative Assistants
NOC 14400 – Shippers and Receivers
NOC 60020 – Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers
NOC 60030 – Restaurant and Food Service Managers
NOC 62010 – Retail Sales Supervisors
NOC 62020 – Food Service Supervisors
NOC 63200 – Cooks
NOC 63202 – Bakers
NOC 64100 – Retail Salespersons and Visual Merchandisers
NOC 64301 – Bartenders
NOC 64314 – Hotel Front Desk Clerks
NOC 64409 – Other Customer Representatives
NOC 65200 – Food and Beverage Servers
NOC 65201 – Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Occupations
NOC 94142 – Fish and Seafood Plant Workers
NOC 95106 – Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing
NOC 95107 – Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing
Conclusion
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is undergoing critical changes to align with its reduced allocation for 2025. The restructuring of immigration pathways ensures that the province prioritizes high-demand occupations and maximizes the effectiveness of its nominee program.
If you are considering immigration to New Brunswick, assessing your eligibility for the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream and its new pathways is essential. Stay updated on program changes to make informed decisions about your application.