New Brunswick 2025 Provincial Draws: First NBPNP Results & Program Updates
New Brunswick has launched its 2025 provincial draws, issuing 498 invitations to skilled workers in healthcare, education, and construction through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). This marks the province’s first round of invitations under its restructured immigration streams, designed to address labor shortages amid a reduced federal nomination quota. Here’s what applicants need to know.
2025 NBPNP Draw Details: Targeted Occupations & Pathways
March 5–6 Draw Results:
- Pathways:
- New Brunswick Experience: Workers with 6+ months of local employment.
- New Brunswick Graduates: Graduates from NB-designated institutions.
- Occupations Prioritized:
- Healthcare (e.g., nurses, physicians).
- Education & Social Services (e.g., teachers, counselors).
- Construction Trades (e.g., electricians, carpenters).
- Invitations Issued: 498 ITAs (no cut-off score announced).
New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream: 2025 Changes
The NBPNP has restructured its Skilled Worker stream into three pathways:
| Pathway | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Experience | – Full-time work in NB for 6+ months. – Employer support required. |
| New Brunswick Graduates | – PGWP-eligible graduate. – Job offer or current employment in NB. |
| Priority Occupations | – Job offer from NB employer via gov’t recruitment. – 1+ year experience in priority NOC. |
Excluded Occupations: Retail managers, cooks, administrative assistants, and 15+ others (see NBPNP guide).
NBPNP Program Overhaul: Stream Suspensions & Focus
1. Express Entry Stream:
- New Pathways: Employment in NB (job offers) & NB Interests (strategic sectors).
- Closed: Student Connection pathway.
2. Strategic Initiative Stream:
- Paused for 2025: No new EOIs accepted.
3. Reduced Nomination Quota:
- 2025 Allocation: 1,500 spots under NBPNP (down 35% from 2023).
- Federal Cuts: Align with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027.
Why New Brunswick Prioritizes These Sectors
- Healthcare Crisis: NB faces a 15% nurse vacancy rate.
- Construction Demand: 5,000+ housing units needed by 2026.
- Education Gaps: 20% teacher shortage in rural schools.
Next Steps for Applicants
- Check Eligibility: Verify if your occupation is prioritized (see excluded NOCs above).
- Prepare Documents: Language tests, credential assessments, employer letters.
- Monitor Draws: NBPNP expects monthly invitations for targeted sectors.
Conclusion
The New Brunswick 2025 provincial draws reflect the province’s urgent labor needs and tighter federal quotas. While reduced nominations increase competition, targeted sectors like healthcare and construction offer clearer pathways. Stay updated via the NBPNP portal for future rounds.