New Brunswick PNP Draw Update 2026: 143 Candidates Invited
New Brunswick Invites 143 Skilled Workers in Targeted Immigration Rounds
In a fresh round of provincial immigration activity, New Brunswick has issued over 140 invitations to foreign workers through two major pathways, focusing on sectors facing persistent labour shortages.
The draws, conducted between March 30 and April 1, 2026, reflect the province’s continued effort to attract talent in critical industries such as healthcare, IT, transportation, and manufacturing.
Focused Selection to Address Labour Gaps
The latest selection round saw candidates invited under both the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Each program targeted specific occupational categories aligned with the province’s workforce needs.
Healthcare and IT professionals were prioritized under the Express Entry-linked stream, while transportation and manufacturing roles dominated selections under the AIP. This targeted approach highlights New Brunswick’s strategy of aligning immigration with real-time labour market demands.
Eligibility Timeline for Consideration
To be eligible for either draw, candidates were required to have submitted a valid Expression of Interest to New Brunswick on or before February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AST. Only EOIs meeting this deadline were reviewed during the selection process. This approach allows the province to manage intake efficiently while prioritizing applicants who are employment-ready or already established locally.
Express Entry Stream: For Candidates with Provincial Work Experience
Alongside the Skilled Worker stream, a significant draw was conducted under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway of the Express Entry stream.
| Draw Date | Pathway | ITAs Issued | Candidate Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | Employment in NB Pathway | 297 | 1+ year of full-time work in New Brunswick |
This stream focused on individuals who have been consistently employed in the province for at least 12 months. Though it welcomed applicants from various sectors, Chefs were excluded in this round.
Draw Summary
- Total Invitations Issued: 143
- Draw Dates: March 30 to April 1, 2026
New Brunswick Express Entry Stream (Employment in NB pathway):
- Invitations: 25
- Targeted sectors: Healthcare and Information Technology
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
- Invitations: 118
- Targeted sectors: Transportation and Manufacturing
Eligibility Cut-offs:
- Express Entry candidates needed to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by March 29, 2026 (11:59 p.m. AST)
- AIP candidates required endorsement applications submitted by March 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. AST)
A Slower Round Compared to the Previous Draw
The reduced intake in this round suggests a more selective approach, possibly reflecting evolving labour demands or inventory management within the provincial immigration system.
Understanding the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
The New Brunswick Express Entry Stream operates in alignment with Canada’s federal Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled individuals who already have an active Express Entry profile.
The “Employment in New Brunswick” pathway specifically caters to candidates who are currently employed full-time in the province in skilled, non-seasonal roles. Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program: Employer-Driven Pathway
The Atlantic Immigration Program offers an alternative route for skilled workers and international graduates. Unlike Express Entry-linked streams, this pathway does not rely on CRS scores. Instead, candidates must secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick. The program is employer-driven, ensuring that immigration directly supports hiring needs in the province.
A notable update introduced earlier in 2026 shifted the AIP to a pool-based selection system. Candidates now submit endorsement applications that remain active for up to one year, with selections made through periodic draws based on labour priorities rather than submission order.
What Happens After Selection?
Candidates endorsed through the AIP can apply directly for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Meanwhile, those nominated under the Express Entry Stream benefit from enhanced CRS scores, significantly boosting their chances of receiving an invitation in federal draws.
Excluded Occupations:
In addition to the excluded occupations under the Express Entry stream, the following occupations are also not considered under the Skilled Worker stream in 2025:
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Shippers and receivers | 14400 |
| Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers | 64100 |
| Bartenders | 64301 |
| Hotel front desk clerks | 64314 |
| Other customer service representatives | 64409 |
| Food and beverage servers | 65200 |
| Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related occupations | 65201 |
| Fish and seafood plant workers | 94142 |
| Labourers in food and beverage processing | 95106 |
| Labourers in fish and seafood processing | 95107 |
Final Thoughts
New Brunswick’s latest draws demonstrate a clear focus on precision, targeting sectors where skilled talent is urgently needed. For prospective immigrants, this signals the importance of aligning their profiles with in-demand occupations and staying updated with evolving provincial requirements.
As Canada continues to rely on immigration to support economic growth, provinces like New Brunswick are refining their selection strategies to ensure that newcomers can seamlessly integrate into the workforce and contribute from day one.
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