Last Updated on March 12, 2025
New Brunswick has officially relaunched its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025, bringing significant changes to its immigration streams. The province has also announced a substantial cut in nomination spaces, reducing the number of available spots from 5,500 to 2,750.
Among the most notable changes:
- The Student Connection Stream has been removed.
- The Employer Connection Stream is now called the Employment in New Brunswick Pathway.
- A new Express Entry-linked stream—the New Brunswick Interests Pathway—will invite select candidates based on labor market needs, similar to Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream.
With a limited number of spaces available, prospective immigrants must ensure they meet the new eligibility requirements and apply as soon as possible.
Breakdown of New Brunswick’s 2025 Immigration Allocations
Due to federal government adjustments, New Brunswick’s total immigration nominations have been reduced by 50%, bringing the 2025 allocation down to just 2,750 spots. These spaces are divided as follows:
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP): 1,500 nominations
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 1,250 nominations
The province has acknowledged that these cuts will impact economic growth, particularly in sectors that rely on immigrant labor.
New Brunswick Express Entry Pathway & Excluded Occupations
The province has introduced the New Brunswick Interests Pathway, a new Express Entry-linked stream designed to invite candidates from priority industries based on labor market demands. However, certain National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are now excluded from Express Entry-aligned pathways. Notably, administrative assistants and food service managers are among the occupations that will not be eligible. This indicates a shift toward a more targeted immigration approach, favoring industries facing the most severe labor shortages.
Priority Sectors & Challenges for Other Industries
With a significantly reduced allocation, New Brunswick has announced that it will prioritize immigration for critical sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction & trades
While these sectors will benefit from a more streamlined immigration process, other industries, including food services, food processing, and small businesses, may struggle due to restricted immigration opportunities.
Impact on Businesses & Labor Shortages
The cut in allocations is already raising concerns among employers, particularly in rural communities, where businesses depend on immigrant labor. Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Restaurants in small communities may shut down due to staff shortages.
- Food processors and rural businesses face major hurdles in expansion.
- Sectors outside healthcare, education, and trades are struggling to secure foreign talent.
Government Response & Federal Immigration Discussions
Jean-Claude D’Amours, acting Minister of Post-Secondary Education, addressed the issue in a February 5 press release, stating that the province was forced to make difficult decisions due to the sharp reduction in allocations.
“We expect it will limit our ability to manage economic growth for our province and its businesses.”
Meanwhile, the federal government has proposed potential flexibility in allocations if New Brunswick agrees to accept more asylum seekers. However, the province has denied receiving an official proposal from Ottawa on this matter.
What This Means for Prospective Immigrants
With fewer nomination spaces available, it is critical for eligible candidates to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) as soon as possible. The province will prioritize workers in healthcare, education, and trades, meaning applicants in these fields will have a stronger chance of receiving invitations. New Brunswick’s immigration system is adapting to new constraints and shifting priorities, making it more important than ever for applicants to stay informed about evolving eligibility criteria and program updates.
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