New Brunswick starts intake for two enhanced PNP immigration streams

Starting March 5, 2025, eligible newcomers can apply to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) under two immigration streams. These are the Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests pathways. The province has also updated eligibility rules, making key changes to age limits, work experience, and residency requirements.

Key Updates to the NBPNP

New Brunswick has lowered the minimum age requirement from 22 to 19. Candidates applying under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway must have lived in the province and worked full-time for a New Brunswick employer for at least 12 months before applying.

The province has a reduced immigrant nomination allocation this year. It received 2,750 spots, with 1,500 allocated to the NBPNP and 1,250 for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Because of this limited allocation, applications will not be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Eligibility for the Two Immigration Pathways

Each stream has specific requirements:

• Employment in New Brunswick: Applicants must have lived and worked full-time in the province for 12 consecutive months.
• New Brunswick Interests: Applicants must have a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB in their federal Express Entry profile and at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last 10 years.

Common Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under either pathway, candidates must:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile.
• Show English or French language proficiency at CLB/NCLC level 7 or higher.
• Meet federal proof of funds requirements unless exempt.
• Hold a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Be between 19 and 55 years old.
• Intend to live and work in New Brunswick.
• Score at least 67 points on the province’s Express Entry selection grid.

Additionally, employment under these pathways must fall under NOC TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3, which include managerial, professional, technical, and skilled trades roles.

Occupations Not Eligible for Nomination

New Brunswick has excluded certain occupations from receiving a provincial nomination. These include:

• Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
• Administrative assistants (NOC 13110)
• Bakers (NOC 63202)
• Cooks (NOC 63200)
• Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
• Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
• Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
• Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)

Important Notes for Applicants

Meeting all the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation for provincial nomination. The province will review applications and issue invitations based on its needs and available spots.