New Brunswick Issues 326 Immigration ITAs in February Draws

New Brunswick has announced the results of its early February 2026 provincial nomination rounds, highlighting a continued preference for candidates who are already connected to the province through employment, education, or French-language ability. The latest selections were conducted under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and resulted in hundreds of candidates being invited to move forward toward permanent residence.

The draws reflect the province’s evolving immigration strategy, which places strong emphasis on economic contribution, long-term settlement potential, and support for Francophone communities.

Also Read New Brunswick Invites Skilled Workers and French Speakers in Latest PNP Draw

Invitation Rounds Held in Early February

Immigration New Brunswick conducted its latest selection rounds on February 2, 2026, issuing a combined 326 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. Candidates were invited through two separate immigration streams that serve different provincial priorities:

• New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
  
• New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
  

Only applicants who had submitted a valid Expression of Interest (EOI) by February 1, 2026, before midnight Atlantic time were eligible to be considered.

Express Entry Stream Selects Workers Already Contributing to the Province

The majority of invitations were issued through the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream, particularly to candidates who are currently employed within the province.

Employment-Based Selections

• Total invitations issued: 166
  
• Occupations considered: Multiple sectors
  

This category is designed for individuals who have already established themselves in New Brunswick’s labor market and demonstrated consistency in employment and residence.

Eligibility Overview

Candidates selected under this pathway were required to meet several conditions, including:

• Ongoing full-time employment with a New Brunswick employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
  
• At least 12 months of work experience in the province
  
• Continuous residence in New Brunswick during the same period
  
• Valid Canadian work authorization
  

Because this stream is aligned with the federal Express Entry system, successful applicants receive a provincial nomination worth 600 additional CRS points, significantly improving their chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residence at the federal level.

Top Stories

• New Brunswick Issues 326 Immigration ITAs in February Draws
• Ontario Secures Larger Immigration Share for 2026
• Alberta Begins 2026 with Major Immigration Draws, Issues 1,169 ITAs
• Canada Sets a New Express Entry Record with Massive French-Speaking Draw
• British Columbia Launches 2026 Immigration Draw With 400+ ITAs

Policy Update: Certain Occupations No Longer Considered

Following the draw, the province confirmed a notable policy change. Future selections under the employment-based Express Entry pathway will no longer include candidates working in accommodation and food services (NAICS 72).

This update signals a recalibration of occupational priorities as the province seeks to balance immigration intake with long-term economic needs.

Francophone Immigration Remains a Key Priority

The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream accounted for 160 invitations, all issued to French-speaking candidates. These selections support the province’s goal of strengthening its Francophone population and preserving linguistic diversity.

Language Threshold Requirement

All candidates invited under Francophone-focused pathways were required to demonstrate at least NCLC level 5 across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Pathways for French-Speaking Candidates

Francophone Priorities Category

Applicants were eligible under this category if they met one of the following criteria:

• Completed an in-person post-secondary program of at least one year at either Université de Moncton or Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick while residing in the province
  
• Received a Letter of Interest issued directly by Immigration New Brunswick
  

This pathway continues to serve as an important route for Francophone graduates and individuals with recognized provincial ties.

Francophone Workers Category

Additional invitations were issued to French-speaking candidates who are employed or have secured permanent job offers in New Brunswick. To qualify, candidates needed to meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Resided in New Brunswick for a minimum of six months, or
  
• Received a job offer through a provincial recruitment initiative led by the Government of New Brunswick
  

This category helps employers retain bilingual workers while supporting regional economic stability.

Related Stories

• New Brunswick Issues 326 Immigration ITAs in February Draws
• New Brunswick Issues First PNP Invitations of 2026
• New Brunswick Restarts Draws While Manitoba Targets Skilled Workers at Home and Abroad
• New Brunswick Conducts Multiple PNP Draws in June, Inviting Over 600 Immigration Candidates
• New Brunswick Increases Its Immigration Capacity for 2025

What the Latest Draws Reveal About New Brunswick’s Immigration Direction

The February 2026 NBPNP results clearly indicate that New Brunswick is prioritizing:

• Candidates with established work experience within the province
  
• French-speaking applicants with strong settlement potential
  
• Strategic occupation selection aligned with labor market needs
  
• Applicants who are likely to remain and contribute long term
  

Prospective applicants are encouraged to maintain accurate EOIs, monitor policy changes closely, and align their profiles with provincial priorities to improve selection chances.