New Brunswick updates provincial immigration programs
The Government of New Brunswick has announced major updates to its immigration pathways, introducing new occupational restrictions and procedural changes to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the province’s Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The measures, released on February 3, 2026, revise eligibility rules for both domestic and overseas candidates and extend one of the province’s pilot initiatives through 2026.
According to the provincial government, the adjustments aim to align immigration intake with current labour market priorities and streamline application management.
- Restrictions introduced for several occupations under NBPNP and AIP
- Transition to a candidate pool system for the Atlantic Immigration Program
- Temporary pause on new employer designations under AIP
- Limits on overseas recruitment in specific industries
- Extension of the Private Career College Graduate Pilot to the end of 2026
Changes to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
Under the updated framework, the NBPNP will no longer accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) or issue Invitations to Apply for individuals employed in the accommodation and food services sector. The restriction applies to both the Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams.
Applicants working in 14 additional occupations, including cashiers, fish and seafood plant workers, and retail trade supervisors, will also be excluded from consideration under the Skilled Worker stream. For the Express Entry stream, restrictions extend to retail sales supervisors, retail and wholesale butchers, and other listed roles.
The province clarified that workers may remain eligible if their employer’s primary business activity is outside the accommodation and food services sector.
Examples of affected NOC codes
Roles such as restaurant managers (NOC 60030), cooks (NOC 63200), bakers (NOC 63202), and hotel front desk clerks (NOC 64314) are among those now ineligible for nomination consideration. Other restricted categories include retail and wholesale buyers (NOC 62101), cashiers (NOC 65100), and shippers and receivers (NOC 14400).
These updates represent a targeted shift away from hospitality and retail occupations, with the province focusing on sectors aligned with long-term economic objectives.
Extension of the Private Career College Graduate Pilot
The Private Career College Graduate Pilot, initially launched in 2022, has been extended until the end of 2026. The extension applies to international students already studying in eligible programs at Oulton College and Eastern College whose completion dates exceed the original three-year pilot timeline.
The pilot supports international graduates in specific health, education, and social services fields, including programs such as practical nursing, early childhood education, and medical office administration. No new nominations will be issued after the pilot’s eventual closure.
Adjustments to the Atlantic Immigration Program
New Brunswick has also introduced structural changes to its Atlantic Immigration Program. Effective February 3, the province moved to a candidate pool model for endorsement applications submitted by designated employers.
In addition, new employer designation applications are temporarily on hold while authorities review existing designations to ensure alignment with provincial priorities. Endorsements for overseas job offers are currently limited to healthcare, education, and construction-related roles.
Employment in the accommodation and food services sector is no longer eligible for endorsement under the AIP, except where the employer’s operations fall outside the NAICS 72 classification.
Restricted occupations under the AIP
The AIP now excludes endorsement applications for eight occupations, including retail salespersons (NOC 64100), retail trade managers (NOC 60020), butchers (NOC 63201), and shippers and receivers (NOC 14400). Similar to the NBPNP, these updates primarily affect service and retail-related positions.
Context within Canadian provincial programs
New Brunswick’s policy shift reflects wider provincial efforts to refine nominee and regional immigration programs across Canada. Adjustments such as these are designed to better match skilled immigration with local labour shortages, a practice also visible in other provinces such as Manitoba through its Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
By narrowing eligible occupations and revising intake processes, provincial immigration systems continue to evolve to meet changing economic requirements and demographic goals.
Next steps and program monitoring
The Government of New Brunswick has indicated that program implementation details and transition processes will be monitored through 2026. Updates on how current endorsement applications are managed under the new system are expected once administrative reviews are complete.
Further announcements will be published as the province refines its approach to employer designations and candidate selection under both the NBPNP and AIP frameworks.
For continued coverage of immigration developments across Canadian provinces and territories, including nominee program updates and pilot extensions, follow related news and policy updates on this platform.