New Brunswick has introduced significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025, adjusting its immigration pathways following a sharp reduction in nomination spaces allocated by the federal government.
The province has been granted 2,750 nomination spots, a substantial decrease from 5,500 in 2024. The distribution includes:
- 1,500 nominations under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- 1,250 nominations under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Key modifications include the elimination of the Student Connection Stream, the renaming of the Employer Connection Stream to the Employment in New Brunswick Pathway, and the introduction of a new New Brunswick Interests Pathway, which aligns with Express Entry and targets high-demand industries. These changes reflect New Brunswick’s strategic approach to managing reduced allocations while prioritizing economic and labor market needs.
Priority Occupations for New Brunswick Immigration in 2025
New Brunswick’s revised PNP structure places a strong emphasis on attracting skilled workers in sectors critical to the province’s growth. The updated nomination criteria will favor candidates with experience in:
- Healthcare and medical services
- Education and academic professions
- Construction and skilled trades
This shift aligns with federal immigration priorities to address labor shortages in essential fields. However, it also means that some occupations previously eligible for Express Entry-aligned pathways will no longer receive priority. Notably, roles such as administrative assistants and food service managers are now excluded from Express Entry-linked provincial nominations. For prospective immigrants, this adjustment underscores the importance of aligning their skills with the province’s targeted labor needs to enhance their chances of receiving a nomination.
Concerns Grow as Businesses Face Labor Market Challenges
The reduction in immigration allocations has sparked concerns among New Brunswick’s business community, particularly in industries that rely on foreign talent to sustain operations. Key sectors impacted by these changes include:
- Hospitality and food services, where ongoing labor shortages have already led to disruptions
- Food processing and manufacturing, which depend on a stable workforce for consistent production
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those outside of healthcare, education, and construction, that now face greater challenges in hiring skilled workers
With fewer nomination spaces available, many employers are concerned that workforce shortages could slow economic growth, forcing businesses to seek alternative solutions such as employer-specific work permits or labor market impact assessments (LMIAs) to hire foreign talent.
Will New Brunswick Seek Additional Immigration Allocations?
The New Brunswick government has acknowledged the challenges posed by the reduction in nomination spaces, but there is no official confirmation on whether the province will negotiate for additional allocations in 2025.
However, a recent development in Newfoundland and Labrador suggests that provinces willing to support humanitarian immigration efforts may have the opportunity to regain lost nomination spaces. Last month, Newfoundland and Labrador secured an increase in its PNP allocation after committing to resettling 290 humanitarian immigrants over the next three years.
Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller has hinted that provinces open to accepting more humanitarian newcomers could receive adjustments to their immigration quotas. It remains to be seen if New Brunswick will take a similar approach in discussions with Ottawa.
New Brunswick PNP Changes: What Prospective Immigrants Should Know
For skilled workers and business applicants considering New Brunswick as their immigration destination, the 2025 program changes highlight a strong preference for candidates in high-demand occupations.
- Individuals in healthcare, education, and construction will have the highest chances of receiving a nomination
- Applicants in other sectors may need to explore alternative pathways such as employer-driven work permits or federal Express Entry programs
- With reduced nomination spaces, competition will be higher, making well-prepared applications crucial
Staying informed and aligning skills with New Brunswick’s priority sectors will be key to navigating the updated PNP structure.
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