New Brunswick holds multiple draws, issuing invitations to PNP and AIP applicants

New Brunswick issued a total of 373 invitations across its immigration programs in a series of selection rounds between April 30 and May 3, 2026.

Invitations were issued across three New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) streams as well as through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

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The May 3 draw also marked the last time, for the foreseeable future, that the New Brunswick Experience pathway issued invitations with all occupational categories considered. Earlier this month, the province announced it would limit the pathway to three occupational categories until further notice, starting May 4.

In the latest selection rounds, candidates were invited through the New Brunswick AIP and the following NBPNP streams:

• New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream;
• New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream; and
• New Brunswick Express Entry Stream.

Skilled Worker Stream

Two separate draws were conducted under the Skilled Worker Stream during this period. Candidates were invited through two pathways:

• The New Brunswick Experience pathway; and
• The New Brunswick Graduates pathway.

The first draw, held May 1, targeted candidates in the Healthcare occupational category. The second, held May 3, was open to candidates across all sectors.

Combined, the Skilled Worker Stream accounted for 200 invitations, the largest share of any single stream in this selection round.

These draws are particularly significant as the NBPNP announced earlier this month that starting May 4, it would no longer be issuing new invitations to apply (ITAs)  under the New Brunswick Experience pathway, unless it falls under the healthcare, education or construction trades sectors.

The province announced that the restriction would last “until further notice.”

The decision is driven by a limited number of nomination spaces available under the stream, the province indicated.

The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is designed for foreign nationals who have current employment with, or a job offer from, an eligible employer in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream

NBPNP invited 106 candidates across all sectors through two pathways of the Strategic Initiative Stream:

• Francophone Workers in New Brunswick; and
• New Brunswick Francophone Priorities.

The exact breakdown between the two was not shared.

The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream targets French-speaking foreign nationals who have connections to the province.

New Brunswick Express Entry Stream

The province issued 17 invitations in this selection round through the Express Entry Stream, which is aligned with the federal Express Entry system.

The New Brunswick Express Entry Stream is designed for skilled foreign nationals with an active Express Entry profile. To qualify under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, candidates typically must:

• Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months;
• Be working full-time in a skilled, non-seasonal position for a New Brunswick employer; and
• Have accumulated at least 12 months of eligible work experience in the province.

Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through this stream obtain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA  for Canadian permanent residence.

Atlantic Immigration Program

On May 1, New Brunswick held a draw under the Atlantic Immigration Program, issuing 50 invitations to candidates working in transportation, manufacturing, and construction trades.

The AIP is an employer-driven pathway designed to help employers across Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates. The program operates in four provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

To qualify, candidates must:

• Receive a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada;
• Meet minimum language requirements (dependent on job offer TEER);
• Demonstrate relevant work experience (exemptions in place for certain international graduates);
• Demonstrate sufficient education (dependent on job offer TEER); and
• Obtain an endorsement from the province where they will work and settle.

The AIP is open to foreign nationals outside Canada who do not have Canadian work experience. However, as of time of writing, federal processing time for the AIP is estimated to be about 40 months. Applicants may be eligible for a temporary two-year work permit while they wait for their permanent residence application to be processed.

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