The provincial government of New Brunswick conducted multiple immigration draws between March 3 and March 6, 2026, issuing invitations to candidates across several provincial immigration pathways.
In the latest selection rounds, a total of 622 candidates were invited through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The draws targeted applicants working in key sectors such as healthcare, education, construction and manufacturing.
The selected candidates were invited through the following immigration streams:
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
- New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
All Expressions of Interest (EOIs) considered in these draws were submitted before March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Skilled Worker Stream Receives the Highest Invitations
The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream accounted for the largest share of invitations, with 279 candidates selected, representing roughly 45% of all invitations issued.
Invitations were issued through two pathways:
- New Brunswick Experience pathway
- New Brunswick Graduates pathway
Candidates working in priority sectors were given preference, including:
- Healthcare
- Education, social and community services
- Construction trades
- Professional occupations
This stream is designed for foreign workers who either currently work in the province or have a valid job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer.
Applicants generally need to:
- Hold a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a New Brunswick employer
- Demonstrate the required skills and experience for the position
- Meet language and settlement requirements
Strategic Initiative Stream Targets Francophone Candidates
Another 189 invitations were issued through the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream, which focuses on French-speaking immigrants.
Invitations were sent through two pathways:
- Francophone Workers in New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Francophone Priorities
Unlike other streams, candidates from all occupational sectors were eligible for selection. This stream aims to strengthen Francophone communities across the province by attracting skilled French-speaking workers who have connections to New Brunswick.
Express Entry Stream Issues Limited Invitations
A smaller number of invitations were issued through the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, with 29 candidates selected, accounting for about 4% of the total invitations.
Invitations were issued through the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, with priority given to candidates working in sectors similar to those targeted in the Skilled Worker Stream, including healthcare, education, construction and professional occupations.
This stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system and is intended for skilled workers who already have an active Express Entry profile.
Candidates selected through this stream typically must:
- Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 months
- Be employed full-time in a skilled position with a New Brunswick employer
- Have at least one year of eligible work experience in the province
Successful candidates who receive a provincial nomination gain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program Invitations
In addition to provincial nominee streams, 125 candidates were invited through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Selected applicants worked in sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Education and community services
- Construction trades
- Professional occupations
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
The AIP is an employer-driven immigration pathway designed to help employers hire skilled workers and international graduates across Atlantic Canada.
The program operates in four Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
To qualify under the program, candidates must:
- Receive a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada
- Meet minimum language requirements
- Demonstrate relevant work experience or eligible graduate status
- Meet the education requirements for the job
- Obtain provincial endorsement before applying for permanent residence
