New Brunswick holds multiple immigration draws, i.e., New Brunswick held several immigration draws between April 30 and May 3, 2026, issuing a total of 373 invitations across different provincial and Atlantic immigration programs.

The invitations were issued through multiple streams of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), along with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

The May 3 draw was also important because it marked the last selection round under the New Brunswick Experience pathway that considered all occupational sectors.

Starting May 4, the province officially limited invitations under that pathway to only three sectors:

  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Construction trades

In the latest rounds, invitations were issued through:

  • New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
  • New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
  • New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
  • Atlantic Immigration Program

Skilled Worker Stream

New Brunswick conducted two separate draws under the Skilled Worker Stream during this period.

Candidates were invited through:

  • The New Brunswick Experience pathway
  • The New Brunswick Graduates pathway

The first draw took place on May 1 and focused on healthcare occupations.

The second draw was held on May 3 and included candidates from all sectors.

Draw DatePathwaysOccupational Categories SelectedInvitations Issued
May 1, 2026New Brunswick Experience; New Brunswick GraduatesHealthcare87
May 3, 2026New Brunswick Experience; New Brunswick GraduatesAll sectors113

Together, these draws issued 200 invitations, making the Skilled Worker Stream the largest source of invitations during this selection period.

The May 3 draw is expected to be the final broad selection round under the New Brunswick Experience pathway for the near future.

Earlier this month, the province announced that starting May 4, invitations under the pathway would only go to candidates working in healthcare, education, or construction trades.

The province explained that the decision was linked to limited nomination spaces available under the stream.

The Skilled Worker Stream is designed for foreign nationals who already work in New Brunswick or have a valid job offer from an eligible employer in the province.

Strategic Initiative Stream

New Brunswick also invited 106 candidates through the Strategic Initiative Stream.

The invitations were issued across two pathways:

  • Francophone Workers in New Brunswick
  • New Brunswick Francophone Priorities

The province did not release the exact number of invitations issued under each pathway.

This stream targets French-speaking foreign nationals who already have ties to New Brunswick or who can help support the province’s Francophone communities.

Express Entry Stream

The province issued another 17 invitations through the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream.

This stream is connected to Canada’s federal Express Entry system.

The pathway is mainly designed for skilled foreign workers who already have an active Express Entry profile.

To qualify through the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, candidates usually need to:

  • Live in New Brunswick for at least 12 months
  • Work full-time in a skilled and non-seasonal position
  • Have at least 12 months of eligible work experience in the province

Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through this stream gain an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

This greatly improves their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Atlantic Immigration Program

On May 1, New Brunswick also held a draw through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

The province issued 50 invitations to candidates working in transportation, manufacturing, and construction trades.

The AIP is an employer-driven immigration pathway that helps employers across Atlantic Canada hire skilled foreign workers and international graduates.

The program operates in:

  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Newfoundland and Labrador

To qualify under the AIP, candidates generally must:

  • Receive a job offer from a designated employer
  • Meet language requirements based on the job’s TEER level
  • Show eligible work experience, unless exempt
  • Meet education requirements
  • Receive a provincial endorsement

The AIP is open to foreign nationals both inside and outside Canada.

Applicants may also qualify for a temporary two-year work permit while waiting for a final decision on their permanent residence application.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.