New Brunswick opens intake for two enhanced PNP pathways for PR

Surya Rathee
[Published 06 Mar, 2025 | 05:38 AM]
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Starting March 5, 2025, eligible newcomers can submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) under two Express Entry-aligned pathways:

• Employment in New Brunswick pathway
• New Brunswick Interests pathway

However, certain occupations will not be eligible for invitations under these streams. Furthermore, the NBPNP has also updated key eligibility criteria, including:

• Lowering the minimum age requirement from 22 to 19.
• Increasing residency requirements and introducing a 12-month consecutive work experience requirement for the Employment in New Brunswick pathway.

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This intake marks the first in 2025 following major program adjustments made in response to a significant reduction in the province’s nomination allocation. Unlike previous intakes, EOIs submitted under these pathways will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For 2025, New Brunswick received 2,750 total nomination spaces. Of these, 1,500 are allocated to the NBPNP, while 1,250 will be used under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

Who is eligible to receive an invitation under these streams?

Both Express Entry streams have their own criteria for inviting candidates to apply for provincial nomination. Along with meeting general eligibility requirements, the NBPNP states that candidates who satisfy certain conditions for each stream may be invited for nomination.  

These key invitation criteria are highlighted within the specific eligibility requirements for each pathway below:

Have received a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB in their federal Express Entry profile and have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience within the past 10 years.

Additionally, candidates in both streams must meet the following common eligibility criteria:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile.
• Demonstrate an English or French proficiency equivalent to at least CLB/NCLC level 7 in all 4 language abilities.
• Meet the federal minimum proof of funds requirement (if not exempt).
• Have obtained a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
• Be between the ages of 19 and 55.
• Score a minimum of 67 points on New Brunswick’s Express Entry selection grid.

Employment under both pathways must be in a position that is at a National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training Education Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) level 0, 1, 2, or 3. However, meeting all eligibility requirements for these pathways under the NBPNP does not guarantee an invitation for provincial nomination.  

Excluded occupations

New Brunswick will not nominate candidates for the following occupations:

As New Brunswick refines its immigration pathways, these changes signal a more strategic approach to selecting newcomers who align with the province’s economic needs. While the updated criteria create new opportunities for candidates, they also introduce stricter requirements to ensure long-term retention and labor market integration. 

With a limited number of nomination spaces available in 2025, competition is expected to be high. Prospective applicants should carefully assess their eligibility and prepare strong EOIs to maximize their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for Canada PR.

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Source: gnb.ca