Breaking: New Brunswick Launches Two Immigration Pathways – Apply Now!
New Brunswick opens intake for two Express Entry PNP pathways, introducing updated eligibility criteria. Learn about the requirements and excluded occupations.
New Opportunities for Skilled Immigrants
Starting March 5, 2025, New Brunswick has opened applications for two Express Entry-aligned pathways under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). Eligible candidates can now submit their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under the following immigration streams:
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Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
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New Brunswick Interests Pathway
However, certain occupations will be excluded from receiving invitations under these pathways.
Key Updates to NBPNP Pathways
In response to recent adjustments in the province’s immigration strategy, the NBPNP has implemented several changes to eligibility requirements:
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Lowering the minimum eligible age from 22 to 19.
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Increasing residency requirements and adding a 12-month consecutive full-time work experience requirement for candidates applying through the Employment in New Brunswick Pathway.
This marks the first intake of 2025 after the province underwent significant modifications to its immigration streams due to a reduction in its provincial nomination allocation.
Allocation of Provincial Nominations in 2025
New Brunswick has received a reduced total nomination allocation of 2,750 for the year, distributed as follows:
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NBPNP: 1,500 nominations
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 1,250 nominations
EOIs submitted through these two pathways will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who is Eligible for an Invitation?
The Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests pathways have distinct eligibility criteria. However, both require applicants to meet specific conditions to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination.
Eligibility Criteria for Each Pathway
| Pathway | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Employment in New Brunswick | - Must have been living and working full-time for a New Brunswick employer for the past 12 consecutive months. |
| New Brunswick Interests | - Must have received a Letter of Interest from ImmigrationNB in their federal Express Entry profile. |
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Must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience within the last 10 years.
Common Eligibility Requirements for Both Pathways
To qualify under either of these streams, applicants must:
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Have a valid Express Entry profile.
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Demonstrate English or French proficiency of at least CLB/NCLC level 7 in all four language skills.
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Meet the federal minimum proof of funds requirement (unless exempt).
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Possess a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.
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Intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
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Be between the ages of 19 and 55.
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Score a minimum of 67 points on New Brunswick’s Express Entry selection grid.
Additionally, employment under both pathways must be classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.
⚠️ Note: Meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation for provincial nomination.
Occupations Excluded from Nomination
New Brunswick has specified certain occupations that will not be considered for nomination under these pathways:
| Job Title | NOC Code |
| Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative Assistants | 13110 |
| Bakers | 63202 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Food Service Supervisors | 62020 |
| Restaurant and Food Service Managers | 60030 |
| Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers | 60020 |
| Retail Sales Supervisors | 62010 |
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