New Brunswick PNP and AIP: 2026 Draws, Pools, and How It Works

New Brunswick is one of Canada's most active provincial nomination players. If you're targeting this Atlantic province, you need to understand its dual-pool system and the latest invitation trends. This article breaks down everything Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) expects from applicants in 2026, including the two separate candidate pools, how invitations are issued, and what the most recent draws tell us about provincial priorities.

Two Separate Pools: NBPNP and AIP

Immigration New Brunswick operates two distinct intake pools. One is for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), and the other is for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Each has its own rules, timelines, and process steps.

1. NBPNP Candidate Pool

Under the NBPNP, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the INB portal. Once submitted, your EOI is placed into the NBPNP candidate pool. It remains valid for 365 days from the date of submission.

ImmigrationNB reviews the EOIs in the pool and may issue an invitation to apply. If you receive an invitation, you must submit a complete application within the timeframe specified in the invitation letter. Invitations are issued based on provincial labour market needs, the province's remaining allocation, and other factors and priorities determined by the Government of New Brunswick.

Important: Meeting the eligibility criteria for an NBPNP stream does not guarantee you will receive an invitation to apply. Additionally, receiving an invitation does not guarantee you will be nominated.

2. AIP Candidate Pool

Under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you and your designated employer must submit a complete application through the INB portal. This application is then placed into the AIP candidate pool.

ImmigrationNB reviews and selects applications in the pool for processing. Selection is based on provincial labour market needs, the remaining allocation, and other factors and priorities set by the Government of New Brunswick.

Applications that are not selected will expire after 365 days. If this happens, the designated employer and candidate can submit a new endorsement application. Again, meeting the AIP eligibility criteria does not guarantee your application will be selected for processing. Provincial approval is not guaranteed, even if your application is selected.

Latest Invitations and Endorsement Draws (April – May 2026)

ImmigrationNB publishes detailed draw results. Here are the most recent invitation rounds, including the date, cut-off time, pathways, occupational categories, and the number of invitations issued.

How the Draws Work: Priorities and Cut-offs

Each draw has a specific cut-off date and time (Atlantic Standard Time). Only EOIs or applications submitted before that cut-off are considered. ImmigrationNB then reviews the pool based on provincial labour market needs, remaining allocation, and government priorities.

From the latest draws, key observations include:

• Healthcare remains a top priority across all streams — it appears in the Express Entry Stream, the Skilled Worker Stream, and is a consistent theme.
• Francophone candidates have a dedicated pathway through the Strategic Initiative, which issued 106 invitations in one draw covering all sectors.
• Atlantic Immigration Program is targeting Transportation, Manufacturing, and Construction Trades — issuing 50 endorsements in one round.
• The Skilled Worker Stream issued 87 invitations for Healthcare (May 1) and 113 invitations for all sectors (May 3), showing that this stream is the most active for new graduates and workers already in the province.

First Steps for New Brunswick Immigration

If you're ready to start, here is the official sequence of first steps recommended by Immigration New Brunswick:

1. Explore NB immigration programs — Determine which stream or program fits your background.
2. Consider using a representative — You may choose to hire an authorized immigration consultant or lawyer.
3. Understand what happens after nomination — Provincial nomination allows you to apply for permanent residence to IRCC.
4. Review reports on fraud — Be aware of scams and fraudulent offers.
5. Prepare before you arrive — Plan your settlement, housing, and employment in New Brunswick.
6. Know what to do after you arrive — Includes applying for a Social Insurance Number, health card, and driver's licence.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

New Brunswick's system is straightforward but competitive. You must submit a valid EOI (NBPNP) or application (AIP) and wait for an invitation. The province is transparent about its priorities — healthcare, francophone talent, trades, and transportation are clearly in demand.

Remember: meeting eligibility criteria does not equal a guaranteed invitation. The pool is reviewed regularly, and only those who align with current labour needs and allocation limits will be selected. If your EOI or application expires after 365 days, you can submit again — but many candidates choose to strengthen their profile before re-entering.

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