New Brunswick Secures 1,500 More Immigration Spots for 2025 Through Federal Deal
New Brunswick Gains 1,500 Additional Immigration Spots for 2025
New Brunswick has successfully renegotiated its immigration allocation with the federal government, resulting in a notable increase to its 2025 targets. The province will now welcome a total of 4,250 newcomers under its immigration programs—an increase of 1,500 spots compared to the allocation announced earlier this year.
This new development follows months of concern after the federal government initially slashed provincial immigration numbers by half.
1,500 Additional Nomination Spaces for Provincial Program
The additional spaces are entirely allocated to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), which plays a key role in attracting skilled workers to meet labour market needs across the province. The total of 4,250 spaces includes both NBPNP nominations and endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The increased intake offers new opportunities for immigrants targeting New Brunswick—especially those in high-demand sectors.
Strategic Deal Includes Support for 400 Asylum Seekers
Integration Plans for Asylum Seekers Already in Canada
As part of the agreement, New Brunswick officials will meet with asylum seekers currently residing in other provinces who have expressed an interest in relocating. Those who choose to move will receive assistance from local settlement agencies to find housing, job placements, and access to community services.
The province sees these newcomers as potential contributors to its economy, with many expected to fill job vacancies in industries facing staffing shortages.
Priority Sectors Remain the Focus for NBPNP
New Brunswick will continue directing most of its immigration nominations toward key sectors that are vital to its economy. The province has reaffirmed its focus on:
- Healthcare professionals
- Education and childcare workers
- Skilled trades in construction
While these areas will receive the bulk of the nominations, other sectors may still be supported, albeit with limited space. Some occupations will remain ineligible based on labour market demand.
Other Provinces Facing Sharp Reductions in Quotas
While New Brunswick has secured an increased immigration intake, many other provinces continue to face steep reductions in their annual allocations. For example:
- Ontario’s nomination capacity was reduced to 10,750 for 2025, down from 21,500 in 2024.
- British Columbia saw its numbers drop to 4,000, prompting widespread program changes and application restrictions.
Earlier this year, Newfoundland and Labrador also negotiated a revised allocation, increasing their nomination spaces from 1,050 to 2,525.
These shifts come in response to federal changes outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which set the national PNP target for 2025 at only 55,000—a sharp decline from earlier plans to accept 120,000.
What It Means for Prospective Immigrants
New Brunswick’s success in securing additional immigration spaces offers a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals seeking to settle in Canada. With a strong focus on healthcare, trades, and education, the province is aiming to match newcomers directly with employers facing shortages.
For applicants, this means faster processing and more focused pathways—particularly for those whose occupations align with the province’s current needs.
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 |
Conclusion
At a time when most provinces are tightening their immigration programs due to federal limits, New Brunswick has carved out a unique path by aligning humanitarian commitments with economic goals. The agreement to support asylum seekers in exchange for a higher immigration allocation sets the province apart as both forward-thinking and responsive to its labour market demands.
Skilled professionals and asylum seekers alike can expect new opportunities in the province as New Brunswick expands its role as a key destination for newcomers in 2025.
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