The Canadian province of New Brunswick has recently organised several immigration selection rounds aimed at attracting skilled professionals and international graduates.
Between March 3 and March 6, 2026, the province distributed 622 invitations to eligible candidates through different provincial immigration programs, as well as a regional pathway designed for Atlantic Canada.
The invitations were directed toward applicants working in sectors where labour shortages remain significant, including healthcare, construction, education, and other professional fields.
Also Read New Brunswick Invites 622 Candidates in Multiple Immigration Draws
Provincial and Regional Immigration Programs Used in the Draws
The recent invitation rounds were carried out under several immigration pathways operated by the province and the Atlantic region. These included streams under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, along with the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Candidates were selected through the following pathways:
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
- New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
- New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
- Atlantic Immigration Program
Only candidates who had already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) before March 2, 2026 were considered during these selection rounds.
Skilled Worker Stream Dominates the Latest Draws
The Skilled Worker Stream accounted for the largest share of invitations during these draws.
A total of 279 applicants were invited through two different routes within this stream:
- New Brunswick Experience pathway
- New Brunswick Graduates pathway
The province focused heavily on individuals working in industries that currently require more skilled workers. The targeted sectors included:
- Health care services
- Education and community support occupations
- Construction and skilled trades
- Professional and technical jobs
This immigration pathway mainly serves foreign nationals who are already employed in the province or have received a job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
To qualify, applicants typically need to demonstrate:
- A permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible employer
- Relevant work experience and skills for the role
- Adequate language ability
- The ability to establish themselves successfully in the province
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Strategic Initiative Stream Encourages Francophone Immigration
Another important component of the draws involved the Strategic Initiative Stream, which focuses on attracting French-speaking immigrants.
Through this stream, 189 invitations were issued under two pathways:
- Francophone Workers in New Brunswick
- Francophone Priorities pathway
Unlike other selection categories, candidates from any occupation could be considered under this program.
The main objective of the stream is to support the expansion of French-speaking communities across the province and strengthen cultural diversity in New Brunswick.
Express Entry Stream Also Issues Invitations
A smaller portion of candidates were invited through the provincial stream connected to Express Entry.
Under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, the province issued 29 invitations to skilled workers who are already living and working in the province.
Priority was given to individuals employed in occupations similar to those targeted in the Skilled Worker Stream, particularly in healthcare, construction, education, and professional services.
Applicants selected through this pathway must generally:
- Have lived in the province for at least one year
- Be employed full-time in a skilled occupation
- Have accumulated 12 months of work experience in New Brunswick
Receiving a provincial nomination through this stream significantly improves an applicant’s chances of securing permanent residence, as nominees receive 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in the federal immigration system.
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Atlantic Immigration Program Invites Additional Candidates
Beyond provincial streams, 125 invitations were issued through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
This program allows employers across Atlantic Canada to recruit international workers when the local labour supply cannot meet hiring needs.
The program operates across four provinces in the region:
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Candidates invited through this pathway had professional backgrounds in several industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Education and community services
- Construction trades
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
- Professional occupations
To qualify for the program, applicants must usually obtain a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada, meet language and education requirements, and receive an official provincial endorsement.
New Brunswick Continues to Address Labour Shortages Through Immigration
These latest selections demonstrate how New Brunswick continues to rely on immigration to support economic growth and fill workforce gaps.
By targeting workers in priority sectors and encouraging French-speaking immigration, the province aims to strengthen both its labour market and its demographic growth. Programs such as the NBPNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program remain essential pathways for skilled workers seeking to settle permanently in Canada.
