In April 2025, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) conducted two significant invitation rounds, issuing a total of 477 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. These draws, held between April 7 and April 9, 2025, targeted candidates in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, construction trades, IT, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and professional occupations. This news update provides a detailed, SEO-optimized overview of the latest NBPNP draws, eligibility criteria, and application process to help skilled workers and graduates secure permanent residency in New Brunswick.
Table of Contents
- New Brunswick PNP April 2025 Draw Details
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream Draw
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream Draw
- Eligibility and Application Process
- Why New Brunswick Prioritizes These Sectors
- How to Prepare for Future Draws
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Information
New Brunswick PNP April 2025 Draw Details
The NBPNP operates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where candidates submit profiles via the INB Portal. Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) reviews EOIs based on provincial labor market needs, available nomination allocations, and economic priorities. Only selected candidates receive ITAs, and they must submit a complete application within 45 days to be considered for nomination. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation or nomination.
In April 2025, New Brunswick issued 477 ITAs across two streams:
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream: 45 invitations.
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream: 432 invitations.
These draws reflect New Brunswick’s focus on retaining skilled workers and graduates already contributing to the province’s economy, particularly those with expiring work permits in 2025.
New Brunswick Express Entry Stream Draw
Draw Date: April 9, 2025
Cut-off Time: April 6, 2025, 11:59 PM AST
Pathway: Employment in New Brunswick
Invitations Issued: 45
Occupational Categories Targeted:
- Healthcare
- Education and Social & Community Services
- Construction Trades
Eligibility Notes:
This draw was exclusive to candidates who have been working full-time for a New Brunswick employer for at least 12 consecutive months while legally authorized to work in Canada. The stream aligns with the federal Express Entry system, offering successful candidates an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream Draw
Draw Dates: April 7 and April 8, 2025
Cut-off Time: April 6, 2025, 11:59 PM AST
Pathways:
- New Brunswick Experience
- New Brunswick Graduates
Invitations Issued: 432
Occupational Categories Targeted: - Healthcare
- Education and Social & Community Services
- Construction Trades
- Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Forestry *
- Information Technology (IT) *
- Transportation *
- Manufacturing *
- Professional Occupations * (limited to NOC 1000- and 2000-levels, TEER 0, 1, or 2)
Eligibility Notes:
- For most occupations (marked with *), candidates were required to have work permits expiring in 2025.
- No expiry restriction applied to candidates in Healthcare, Education and Social & Community Services, and Construction Trades, highlighting their critical importance to New Brunswick’s economy.
- The New Brunswick Experience pathway targets skilled workers with professional experience in high-demand occupations, while the New Brunswick Graduates pathway is for recent graduates from New Brunswick institutions seeking to establish careers in the province.
Previous Draw: March 2025
For context, the NBPNP held its first draws of 2025 on March 5 and March 6, issuing 498 ITAs under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream (New Brunswick Experience and New Brunswick Graduates pathways). These draws also prioritized Healthcare, Education and Social & Community Services, and Construction Trades, with a cut-off time of March 6, 2025, 11:59 AM AST. The consistent focus on these sectors underscores New Brunswick’s strategic approach to addressing labor shortages.
Eligibility and Application Process
To participate in the NBPNP, candidates must follow these steps:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
- Create a profile on the INB Portal and submit an EOI, detailing your skills, work experience, and intent to live in New Brunswick permanently.
- EOIs are reviewed based on labor market needs and provincial priorities.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- If selected, you’ll receive an ITA via your INB account.
- ITAs are not guaranteed, even if you meet eligibility criteria.
- Submit a Complete Application:
- Within 45 days of receiving an ITA, submit a full application through the INB Portal, including all required documents (e.g., proof of employment, language proficiency, education credentials).
- Pay the $1,365 CAD processing fee (or $2,140 CAD for Entrepreneurial streams).
- Nomination and Permanent Residency:
- If nominated, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency.
- Maintain the conditions of your nomination (e.g., full-time employment) while awaiting a PR decision.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Job Offer: A genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a New Brunswick employer in a targeted occupation.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 (or NCLC 5 for French-speaking candidates in the Strategic Initiative Stream) in English or French.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent; some streams require post-secondary education.
- Intent to Reside: Demonstrate a genuine intent to live and work in New Brunswick permanently.
- Funds: Proof of settlement funds (e.g., $10,000 CAD for a single applicant, plus $2,000 CAD per family member).
For detailed eligibility, consult the NBPNP stream-specific guides on the Immigration New Brunswick website.
Why New Brunswick Prioritizes These Sectors
New Brunswick’s 2025 immigration strategy is driven by a reduced provincial nomination allocation of 2,750 spots (1,500 for NBPNP, 1,250 for the Atlantic Immigration Program), a 50% decrease from 2024’s 5,000 nominations. This reduction has prompted the province to focus on sectors critical to economic stability and public services:
- Healthcare: Addresses shortages in medical professionals and support staff.
- Education and Social & Community Services: Supports schools, childcare, and community programs.
- Construction Trades: Fuels infrastructure development and housing projects.
- IT, Agriculture, Transportation, Manufacturing: Drives innovation, food security, logistics, and industrial growth.
- Professional Occupations: Targets high-skill roles (NOC 1000- and 2000-levels, TEER 0, 1, 2) to enhance economic competitiveness.
The emphasis on candidates with expiring work permits reflects New Brunswick’s commitment to retaining talent already integrated into the local workforce.
How to Prepare for Future Draws
To maximize your chances of receiving an ITA in upcoming NBPNP draws:
- Align with Priority Occupations: Ensure your job offer or work experience matches targeted sectors like healthcare, education, or construction.
- Update Your EOI: Regularly update your INB Portal profile with current employment, language test results, and education credentials.
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer, ideally in a high-demand occupation.
- Prepare Documents: Gather proof of employment, language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF), and educational credentials in advance.
- Monitor Draw Updates: Check the Immigration New Brunswick website for draw schedules and eligibility changes, as the province may adjust criteria based on labor market needs.
- Consider Professional Assistance: Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for guidance on navigating the NBPNP process.
New Brunswick typically conducts monthly draws, with the next expected in May 2025. Stay proactive, as the province prioritizes candidates who align with its economic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)?
The NBPNP is a provincial immigration program that nominates skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs for permanent residency based on New Brunswick’s labor market needs.
2. Who is eligible for the April 2025 draws?
Candidates with full-time job offers in healthcare, education, construction trades, IT, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, or professional occupations (NOC 1000- and 2000-levels, TEER 0, 1, 2) were prioritized. Express Entry stream candidates needed 12 months of full-time work with a New Brunswick employer. Most Skilled Worker stream candidates required work permits expiring in 2025, except in critical sectors.
3. How do I submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
Create a profile on the INB Portal and submit an EOI detailing your skills, work experience, and intent to reside in New Brunswick.
4. Does receiving an ITA guarantee nomination?
No, an ITA allows you to submit a full application, but nomination depends on meeting all stream requirements and provincial discretion.
5. What happens after nomination?
Apply for permanent residency through IRCC within six months of receiving a nomination certificate. Maintain employment and residency conditions during processing.
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program’s April 2025 draws demonstrate the province’s commitment to addressing labor shortages in key sectors like healthcare, education, construction trades, and technology. With 477 ITAs issued, skilled workers and graduates have a clear pathway to permanent residency. By aligning with New Brunswick’s economic priorities and preparing a strong EOI, you can position yourself for success in future draws. Stay updated on the Immigration New Brunswick website and act quickly to seize this opportunity before the 2025 nomination allocation is filled.
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