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Fri Jun

NBPNP Latest Draw Updates

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) made headlines in June 2025 by conducting an unprecedented number of draws, four in just two days, on June 16 and 17. This marks the busiest month for PNP activity in the province this year, underscoring New Brunswick’s growing efforts to meet regional labour demands and support population growth through targeted immigration.

In total, 608 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through two major immigration streams and four distinct pathways, bringing New Brunswick’s year-to-date total to 2,015 invitations, a significant indicator of its active role in Canada's provincial immigration strategy.

Over a span of two days, New Brunswick conducted four separate draws under its Skilled Worker Stream and Express Entry Stream, distributing invitations across diverse occupational categories, with an emphasis on healthcare, construction trades, education, and community services.

The Skilled Worker Stream continues to be a core channel for foreign nationals currently employed in New Brunswick, as well as recent graduates looking to transition to permanent residence.

1. New Brunswick Experience Pathway

This draw focused on candidates whose work permits are expiring in 2025 or early 2026. A total of 25 ITAs were issued to applicants employed in:

  • Healthcare
  • Education and social & community services
  • Construction trades

Notably, Material Handlers (NOC 75101) were excluded from this draw, indicating a possible saturation in that labor category or prioritization of higher-demand sectors.

2. New Brunswick Graduates Pathway

This was the most active pathway in the June draws, with 274 invitations issued over two days. The program targeted international graduates with expiring work permits in the same timeframe (2025 to early 2026).

Exclusions included:

  • Chefs (NOC 62022)
  • Material Handlers (NOC 75101)

This suggests a focus on encouraging graduates from sectors with current workforce shortages, possibly related to the province’s aging population and increasing need for skilled service workers.

3. New Brunswick Priority Occupations Pathway

Only 12 ITAs were issued through this draw, all in the healthcare sector. While specific selection criteria weren’t disclosed, it’s evident that New Brunswick continues to prioritize the recruitment of healthcare professionals,a trend consistent with national immigration policies.

Important Note: New Brunswick has temporarily paused the intake of new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Priority Occupations pathway. Only previously submitted profiles are currently being considered.

The Express Entry Stream, which feeds into Canada’s federal Express Entry system, issued 297 ITAs under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway.

Key Features of This Draw:

Candidates had to be working full-time in New Brunswick for at least one year.

Chefs (NOC 62022) were again excluded, consistent with the Skilled Worker Stream.

New Brunswick's Express Entry stream has two pathways:

  • Employment in New Brunswick – For candidates with a valid full-time job in the province.
  • New Brunswick Interests – For those identified by the province as having skills aligned with long-term economic priorities.

EOIs for jobs under excluded NOC codes remain in the pool for up to 365 days, but will not be considered during this period of restricted intake.

What’s next for New Brunswick immigration?

As New Brunswick continues to align its immigration goals with long-term economic and demographic realities, several projections can be made:

  • Programs will likely continue to prioritize candidates already working or studying in the province. This enhances settlement outcomes and addresses short-term labor shortages without overburdening support systems.
  • Expect more draws focused on key industries like healthcare, education, and skilled trades. With labor gaps in these fields projected to widen, targeted invitations will become the norm rather than the exception.
  • While EOIs are temporarily paused for certain streams, the province may reopen them with revised criteria aimed at streamlining application intake and matching evolving labor needs.

As New Brunswick continues to fine-tune its PNP in response to provincial needs and federal policies, candidates should prepare proactively and consult with immigration professionals when needed.

Stay tuned for updates on new EOI windows, targeted draws, and sectoral priorities as the NBPNP continues to shape the future of Atlantic Canada’s immigration landscape.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.

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