Canada’s Atlantic province of New Brunswick is again drawing attention for its smart, labour-driven immigration moves. In April 2025, the province conducted two major invitation rounds under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), selecting candidates from sectors vital to its economy—including healthcare, education, skilled trades, and technology. The total number of invitations issued across both draws was 477, with specific focus placed on individuals already working in the province or those whose work permits are set to expire this year.
If you’re a skilled professional with Canadian work experience or a recent graduate from a New Brunswick institution, these draws prove there’s a direct route to permanent residence through NBPNP. But as always, selection is never random. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program?
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program operates on a points-based system using an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Before applying, interested candidates must first submit an EOI via the INB portal. These expressions are then reviewed by the province based on several factors—local labour market demand, immigration targets, and economic priorities.
Important to note:
- Meeting eligibility doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply.
- Being invited doesn’t automatically mean you will be nominated.
- A complete application must be submitted within 45 days once invited.
This structured, demand-based approach ensures that the province selects candidates who align best with its real-time workforce requirements.
April 2025 NBPNP Invitation Rounds: Full Breakdown
New Brunswick held two separate draws in April 2025, each focused on specific streams and occupations.
Draw 1 – April 9, 2025
Stream: NB Express Entry Stream – Employment in New Brunswick
Cut-off: April 6, 2025 (11:59 pm AST)
Invitations Issued: 45
Eligible Occupations: Healthcare, Education and Social & Community Services, and Construction Trades
This draw was strictly limited to individuals currently working full-time in New Brunswick for at least the past 12 consecutive months with valid authorization.
Draw 2 – April 7–8, 2025
Streams Included : NB Skilled Worker Stream – New Brunswick Experience, and NB Skilled Worker Stream – New Brunswick Graduates
Cut-off: April 6, 2025 (11:59 pm AST)
Invitations Issued: 432
Targeted Occupation Categories
- Healthcare
- Education and Social & Community Services
- Construction Trades
- Agriculture, Aquaculture & Forestry
- Information Technology (IT)
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Professional Occupations
Conditions:
- Only candidates with work permits expiring in 2025 were selected for most occupations.
- No expiry restriction applied to jobs in Healthcare, Education, Social Services, and Construction.
- Professional occupations were limited to NOC 1000- and 2000-levels, classified under TEER 0, 1, or 2 of Canada’s National Occupation Classification.
Who Should Be Paying Attention?
These draws reflect a sharp focus on retention and long-term employment potential in New Brunswick. Candidates who have invested time working in the province or graduating from its institutions are receiving priority.
Also, the province’s willingness to issue invitations to individuals with expiring work permits is a good indicator that New Brunswick wants to retain foreign talent already contributing to the local economy.
If you’re working in sectors like healthcare, education, skilled trades, or tech—and your permit is due to expire soon—this could be the perfect time to apply under the NBPNP.
New Brunswick’s targeted immigration strategy sends a strong message: if you’ve already been contributing to the province and your profession is in demand, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program could offer you a fast track to permanent residency.
For future applicants, this is a good reminder to:
- Secure work opportunities in New Brunswick
- Focus on priority sectors
- Keep your documents and work history updated in the INB portal
- Watch for draw announcements and act quickly if invited
The program’s ability to adapt and target key industries ensures that newcomers who arrive through NBPNP are well-positioned for success.
The April 2025 invitation rounds prove that the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program continues to be a dependable and effective pathway for foreign workers and graduates already making a difference in the province. With a labour-market-first approach, New Brunswick is attracting the right kind of talent—and if you’re in the right industry, you could be next. For professional help with your Canadian immigration journey, reach out to ImmigCanada—your trusted partner in making Canada home.
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