New Brunswick PNP Draw 2026: First Invitations Under 3 Streams

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="a2d40485-0fa8-4799-b7f1-05911a279029" data-testid="conversation-turn-23" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-699e80c2-461c-832e-b57d-b4e3b2095499-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> New Brunswick has launched its first provincial immigration draw of 2026, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) between January 13 and January 15. The selection round targeted candidates across three key immigration pathways, each requiring a demonstrated connection to the province.

In total, 379 ITAs were issued under the province’s nomination program, reinforcing New Brunswick’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers and Francophone talent to address labour market demands.

The deadline to submit Expressions of Interest for this draw was January 12 at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.

Invitation Breakdown by Stream Invitations were distributed across the following streams:

New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream: 244 ITAs

New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream: 115 ITAs

New Brunswick Express Entry Stream: 20 ITAs

Approximately 64% of all invitations were issued through the Skilled Worker Stream , making it the dominant pathway in this draw.

Skilled Worker Stream The Skilled Worker Stream primarily targets foreign nationals currently working in New Brunswick or holding valid job offers from provincial employers. In this draw, the focus was largely on two pathways:

New Brunswick Experience Pathway Candidates were required to:

Have lived in New Brunswick for at least six months before submitting their EOI.

Be employed full-time in non-seasonal work with a sponsoring employer in the province.

Have completed a minimum of six months of work experience with that employer.

New Brunswick Graduates Pathway Eligibility required:

Completion of a Post-Graduation Work Permit-eligible program at a designated learning institution in the province.

Current full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer willing to support the application, or possession of a non-seasonal job offer.

Strategic Initiative Stream (Francophone Focus) A total of 115 invitations were issued under the Strategic Initiative Stream, which prioritizes French-speaking candidates with strong provincial ties. This marks the first selections under this stream since it was paused in January 2025 due to a large inventory of applications.

To qualify under the Francophone priorities pathway, candidates needed to meet at least one of the following conditions:

Previous residency in New Brunswick and completion of a minimum one-year, in-person program at Université de Moncton or Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick .

Receipt of a Letter of Interest from Immigration New Brunswick.

This stream aims to strengthen the province’s Francophone communities and support economic integration.

Express Entry Stream The Express Entry Stream accounted for 20 invitations. This pathway targets candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .

Under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, candidates were required to:

Have lived in the province for the previous 12 months.

Be employed full-time in a non-seasonal TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 position.

Maintain at least 12 months of full-time employment in a qualifying occupation with a New Brunswick employer.

Successful nominees receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, significantly improving their chances of obtaining permanent residence through Canada’s federal immigration system.

What This Means for Applicants This first draw of 2026 highlights New Brunswick’s targeted immigration strategy, prioritizing candidates with local work experience, employer support, and Francophone credentials. The province continues to emphasize labour market integration and community connections as key selection factors.

Prospective applicants should ensure their Expression of Interest profiles are accurate, current, and aligned with stream-specific eligibility criteria. Maintaining valid employment documentation, language credentials, and residency records remains critical in competitive draws.