New Brunswick immigration reopening and first draw 2025

On February 5, 2025, New Brunswick announced the reopening of its immigration programs after a period of adjustments due to the significant reduction in nomination allocations under the 2025-2027 Immigration Tier Plan. 

‍

On March 5 and 6, the province launched its first PNP draw of the year, and it did so under two modes of the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream. The occupational categories selected were: health care; education, social and community services; and construction trades.

‍

In total, 498 invitations were issued, although no cut-off score was announced for this draw. In addition to this first information, in this blog, I will give details of the update for New Brunswick NPP and AIP candidates. Read with me to the end - let's get started!

‍

‍

Provincial immigration priorities

‍

Due to the reduction in allocations from the federal government, New Brunswick has decided to prioritize key sectors such as health, education and construction and attract the interest of immigrants. However, some sectors of the economy will be restricted from participating in immigration programs.

‍

‍

Changes in the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) occupations.

‍

On February 20, 2025, New Brunswick stopped considering endorsements for certain occupations under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The affected occupations include accounting technicians, administrative assistants, food and beverage service managers, cooks, bakers, among others. Employers seeking to support foreign workers in obtaining Canadian permanent residence will no longer be able to do so through the AIP for these occupations.

‍

‍

How does this change impact applicants and employers?

‍

Applicants who submitted their applications prior to February 18, 2025 will still have their endorsements processed as usual. However, no new applications for restricted occupations will be accepted after that date. Employers and foreign workers will need to adjust their immigration strategies and consider other avenues available in New Brunswick.

‍

‍

Recommendations for successful implementation of the IYP in 2025

‍

Before initiating an immigration application, it is necessary for the applicant to ensure good preparation through:

• A job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick.
• Make sure you meet all program requirements, including qualifying work experience, educational and language level, and demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
• Prepare all necessary documentation, i.e., work certificates, criminal records and language test results. In addition, make sure you have a letter of reference from the community and a letter of support from the employer.

‍

By following these recommendations and complying with program requirements, you can increase your chances of success and take full advantage of these immigration pathways in 2025. Current changes for this year are focused on bringing together efforts in New Brunswick to align its immigration system with the province's labor market needs and economic priorities. 

‍

While on the one hand there are restrictions, it is also optimistic to reflect on the reopening of immigration programs and new opportunities for skilled workers looking to settle in New Brunswick.

‍

I hope this information will be useful for your residency plans in Canada. Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

‍

With love,

‍

Immiland Canada