New Brunswick issues 373 invitations to apply through the NBPNP and AIP

The province of New Brunswick issued a total of 373 invitations to apply (ITAs) through immigration programmes in draw periods from 30 April to 3 May 2026. Invitations were issued across three streams of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Programme (NBPNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream

Two draw periods were held under New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream during this period. Candidates were invited via two pathways: the New Brunswick Experience pathway and the New Brunswick Graduates pathway.

The first draw on 1 May 2026 targeted candidates in the Healthcare sector, with 87 ITAs issued. The second draw on 3 May 2026 opened to candidates across all sectors, with 113 ITAs issued. In total, the Skilled Worker stream accounted for 200 ITAs – the largest share of this draw series.

These two draws are particularly significant as the 3 May 2026 draw is the last time the New Brunswick Experience pathway will consider all occupations. According to an official announcement by the Government of New Brunswick, from 4 May 2026 onwards, the Experience pathway will only issue invitations to candidates in three sectors: Healthcare, Education, and Construction trades. The decision was made due to limited remaining nomination allocations and applies “until further notice”.

The New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream is for foreign nationals currently working or holding a job offer from an eligible employer in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick Strategic Initiative stream

The NBPNP invited 106 candidates across all sectors through two pathways of New Brunswick Strategic Initiative stream: Francophone Workers in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Francophone Priorities. Specific allocations between the two pathways were not disclosed by the Government of New Brunswick.

The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative stream targets French-speaking foreign nationals with connections to the province.

New Brunswick Express Entry Stream

The province issued 17 invitations through New Brunswick Express Entry Stream – a stream connected to the federal Express Entry system. This stream is for foreign skilled workers with active Express Entry profiles.

To qualify through the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, candidates generally must meet the following conditions: live in New Brunswick for at least 12 months; work full-time in a non-seasonal skilled position for a New Brunswick employer; and accumulate at least 12 months of eligible work experience in the province.

Candidates receiving a provincial nomination through this stream are awarded an additional 600 points in the the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), significantly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Atlantic Immigration Program

On 1 May 2026, New Brunswick held an AIP draw, issuing 50 invitations to candidates working in Transportation, Manufacturing, and Construction trades.

The AIP is an employer-driven programme designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign skilled workers and international graduates. The programme 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 (depending on the TEER of the position); demonstrate relevant work experience (with exemptions for certain international graduates); demonstrate adequate educational credentials; and receive endorsement from the province where they will work and settle.

The AIP is open to foreign nationals outside Canada with no Canadian work experience. Federal AIP processing times are currently estimated at approximately 40 months. Candidates may be eligible for a two-year temporary work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed.