Eligibility Criteria for Receiving an ITA from New Brunswick

Starting March 5, 2025, eligible newcomers can now submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). This marks the beginning of the intake process for two key Express Entry pathways:

• Employment in New Brunswick Pathway

• New Brunswick Interests Pathway

Both pathways impose restrictions on specific occupations, making some ineligible for invitations. The NBPNP has also revised certain eligibility conditions:

• Lowering the minimum age from 22 to 19.

• Increasing residency requirements and introducing a 12-month work experience condition for the Employment in New Brunswick pathway.

March 5 signifies the first intake of 2025 following significant changes to the NBPNP, prompted by reductions in provincial nomination allocations. Unlike previous years, EOIs submitted under these two pathways will not be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

This year, New Brunswick has received a reduced immigrant nomination allocation of 2,750, distributed as follows:

• NBPNP: 1,500 nominations

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 1,250 nominations

Eligibility Requirements for Provincial Nomination

Both Express Entry streams have distinct eligibility criteria. However, to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for a provincial nomination, candidates must meet specific conditions for each pathway:

Employment in New Brunswick Pathway:

• Must have resided in New Brunswick and worked full-time for a New Brunswick employer for at least 12 consecutive months.

New Brunswick Interests Pathway:

• Must have received a Letter of Interest (LOI) from Immigration NB in their federal Express Entry profile.

• Must have completed at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience within the past 10 years.

Common Eligibility Criteria for Both Pathways:

• All candidates under both NBPNP streams must:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile.

• Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB/NCLC level 7 across all four abilities.

• Meet the federal proof of funds requirement (if not exempt).

• Possess a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent credential.

• Commit to living and working permanently in New Brunswick.

• Be aged between 19 and 55.

• Achieve a minimum of 67 points on New Brunswick’s Express Entry selection grid.

Employment under both NBPNP pathways must fall under NOC TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Excluded Occupations Under NBPNP

The following occupations are ineligible for a provincial nomination in New Brunswick:

The NBPNP emphasizes that merely meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee an ITA for a provincial nomination.