New Brunswick Opens Intake for Two Enhanced PNP Pathways to Permanent Residence

March 6, 2025 – New Brunswick

New Brunswick has officially opened its application intake for two enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways, providing new opportunities for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Starting March 5, 2025, eligible candidates can submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) under the following Express Entry-aligned pathways:

• Employment in New Brunswick pathway
• New Brunswick Interests pathway

Key Changes and Eligibility Updates

The NBPNP has introduced several modifications to its immigration pathways, including:

• Lowering the minimum eligible age from 22 to 19 years.
• Increased residency and work experience requirements for the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, now requiring at least 12 consecutive months of full-time work in the province.

Additionally, the province has clarified that EOIs will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Provincial Nomination Allocation and Program Adjustments

New Brunswick’s 2025 immigration nomination allocation has been reduced to 2,750 candidates, divided between:

• NBPNP – 1,500 nominations
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – 1,250 nominations

Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

To qualify for either of the two pathways, candidates must:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile
• Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB/NCLC Level 7
• Meet the federal proof of funds requirement (if applicable)
• Hold a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
• Intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick
• Be between 19 and 55 years old
• Score a minimum of 67 points on the province’s Express Entry selection grid
• Work in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system

Pathway-Specific Criteria

• Employment in New Brunswick: Candidates must have lived and worked full-time in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months.
• New Brunswick Interests: Candidates must have received a Letter of Interest from Immigration NB in their Express Entry profile and have at least one year of full-time work experience in the past 10 years.

Occupations Excluded from Nomination

Certain occupations are not eligible under these pathways, including:

• 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)

Next Steps for Applicants

Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit their EOIs under the revised NBPNP pathways.