New Brunswick has successfully secured a higher immigration intake for 2025 following negotiations with the federal government, marking a significant shift from earlier concerns about reduced immigration quotas. The province has been granted an additional 1,500 spaces, bringing its total allocation for the year to 4,250.
This expanded allocation will be distributed between the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), with all of the newly acquired spots going to the NBPNP.
Also Read New Brunswick Secures 1,500 More Immigration Spots for 2025 Through Federal Deal
Context: A Reversal from Earlier Reductions
Earlier in February 2025, New Brunswick had reported a dramatic 50% reduction in its immigration nomination capacity, dropping from over 5,500 in 2024 to just 2,750 slots. This sudden reduction raised concerns among employers and immigration stakeholders, especially in sectors struggling with labour shortages.
However, the new agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has provided the province a lifeline to partially restore its immigration intake levels.
How the Deal Was Secured
The enhanced allocation is the result of a bilateral arrangement under which New Brunswick agreed to accommodate up to 400 asylum seekers over the next two years. In return, the federal government approved the province’s request for more provincial nomination spaces.
To support this initiative, the federal government has pledged funding through the Interim Housing Assistance Program, which will provide temporary housing support for incoming asylum claimants.
New Brunswick officials are also actively working to identify and assist asylum seekers already present in Canada who are interested in relocating to the province. These individuals will receive help from local settlement agencies with housing, employment placement, and integration into local communities.
Focus on In-Demand Sectors
In line with its workforce priorities, the NBPNP will continue to emphasize nominations in key industries experiencing acute labour shortages, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Skilled construction trades
While these priority sectors will benefit from increased nomination availability, other sectors will still receive limited support. Additionally, some occupations have been restricted from the program entirely due to shifting workforce strategies.
National Landscape: Immigration Cuts Impacting Provinces
New Brunswick is one of only two provinces so far to have successfully negotiated an increase in their 2025 immigration quotas. Newfoundland and Labrador previously announced a similar deal in February, increasing its allocation from 1,050 to 2,525 spaces.
However, most provinces and territories continue to struggle with substantial reductions:
- Ontario has seen its allocation halved from 21,500 in 2024 to 10,750 in 2025.
- British Columbia‘s nomination cap has been reduced from 8,000 to just 4,000, prompting drastic reforms to its PNP, including stream closures and application limits.
These cutbacks reflect a broader shift in Canada’s immigration strategy. The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027, released in October 2024, slashed the 2025 national target for the Provincial Nominee Program from a proposed 120,000 to just 55,000.
What This Means for Aspiring Immigrants
The new allocation offers a renewed opportunity for skilled workers targeting New Brunswick. Candidates in healthcare, trades, and education should pay close attention to upcoming NBPNP updates and consider lodging their applications promptly.
Additionally, the province’s proactive strategy in welcoming and integrating asylum claimants may become a model for other regions looking to balance humanitarian commitments with economic needs.
Final Thoughts
New Brunswick’s success in negotiating a larger immigration allocation in exchange for supporting asylum seekers demonstrates a creative and balanced approach to addressing both workforce shortages and humanitarian obligations. While most provinces continue to adapt to reduced quotas, New Brunswick has charted a path forward—prioritizing both economic growth and social responsibility.
