On August 16, New Brunswick announced that it would cease issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under its Provincial Nominee Program’s (PNP) Express Entry category. The province stated that it has already reached its full allocation of ITAs for this stream. However, New Brunswick has not disclosed its allocation numbers for 2024.
The province has indicated that applications fully submitted before Friday, August 16, 2024, will continue to be processed. Additionally, candidates who received an ITA prior to this date are still encouraged to submit their complete nomination application.
New Brunswick’s Express Entry
New Brunswick offers three streams under its Express Entry category, each with distinct eligibility requirements. However, all candidates must be in the federal Express Entry application pool through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The NB Employment Connection stream is aimed at individuals who have been living in New Brunswick for at least six months and are either currently employed full-time or have a full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
The NB Student Connection stream is designed for international students enrolled in programs at designated institutions in New Brunswick that qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Through the NB Priorities Connection stream, candidates may receive a letter of interest if they can demonstrate that their experience aligns with the province’s labor market needs.
Alternative ways to apply to the NB PNPNew Brunswick has grown increasingly popular among newcomers in recent years. Census 2021 data reveals that 44,125 people, or 5.8% of the population, are foreign-born immigrants (permanent residents), and 10,855, or 1.4%, are non-permanent residents. This nearly doubles the immigrant population from a decade ago, which stood at 28,465 in 2011.
Interest in New Brunswick’s PNP has surged this year. On May 17, the province temporarily paused issuing Expressions of Interest under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream. This pause allows the immigration department to better manage the already large inventory of candidates.
If you wish to apply under this stream, check your eligibility for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
For those still aiming to immigrate to New Brunswick through the PNP, you can explore other options, such as the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream. This stream targets French-speaking skilled workers who are committed to living and working in New Brunswick permanently.
Another option is the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program, an employer-driven stream introduced in November 2022. This program aims to attract skilled workers to address urgent labor shortages in key industries across the province. You must apply to one of six designated employers under the Pilot program, who will then submit an application to the provincial government on your behalf.
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