New Brunswick issues 326 invitations in February draws
New Brunswick conducted two rounds of invitations under its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) on February 2, issuing a total of 326 invitations to apply for a provincial nomination. The draws targeted skilled workers, French-speaking candidates, and individuals employed or studying in the province.
The selections were made through the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream and the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream. Candidates were required to have submitted an Expression of Interest by February 1, 2026, to be eligible for consideration.
- Total of 326 invitations issued under two NBPNP streams
- Draws conducted on February 2, 2026
- Focus on French speakers and in-province workers or graduates
- 166 invitations under Express Entry Stream
- 160 invitations under Strategic Initiative Stream
- Future draws to exclude accommodation and food services occupations
Program overview
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program enables the province to select candidates who meet local labour market needs. Successful nominees can apply for permanent residence through federal immigration channels. The program includes several streams aligned with both federal and provincial priorities, similar in structure to other provincial initiatives such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
Express Entry Stream results
The February draws included 166 invitations under the Express Entry Stream through the Employment in New Brunswick pathway. Eligible applicants in this category are typically individuals already employed in the province in full-time positions that fall within the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) 0–3 occupational levels.
Candidates selected under this stream must have spent the previous 12 months working and residing in New Brunswick while holding valid Canadian work authorization. The province has stated that future draws will not consider those employed in accommodation and food services (classified under NAICS 72) for this pathway.
As this stream is linked to the federal Express Entry system, a nomination from New Brunswick provides an additional 600 points toward a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System score, significantly improving their standing in future federal invitation rounds.
Strategic Initiative Stream results
In the same set of draws, 160 invitations were issued through the Strategic Initiative Stream. This stream supports the province’s Francophone immigration strategy by encouraging French-speaking newcomers to live and work in New Brunswick. Invitations were extended under two pathways: Francophone Priorities and Francophone Workers in New Brunswick.
To qualify under either pathway, candidates must demonstrate at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (NCLC) level 5 in all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Occupational selection covered all sectors.
Francophone Priorities and Workers pathways
The Francophone Priorities pathway targets French-speaking graduates from institutions such as Université de Moncton or Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), as well as individuals who have received a Letter of Interest from the provincial government. Applicants must have completed an in-person program of at least one year in duration.
The Francophone Workers in New Brunswick pathway is aimed at French-speaking individuals employed in full-time, permanent positions with provincial employers or those holding valid job offers. Eligibility also extends to candidates who have lived in New Brunswick for at least six months or participated in a government-led recruitment mission.
Background and context
New Brunswick’s provincial draws form part of Canada’s broader strategy to attract and retain skilled workers across all provinces and territories. The NBPNP complements federal immigration programs by addressing specific demographic and workforce requirements, including French-language retention outside Quebec.
Recent policy adjustments, including the exclusion of certain hospitality occupations from the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, reflect the province’s targeted approach to managing labour supply and demand. Similar policy refinements have been observed in other provincial programs across Canada.
Public relevance
The February 2 draws highlight New Brunswick’s continued focus on both economic migration and Francophone community growth. By allocating invitations across multiple pathways, the province aims to balance workforce integration with regional development goals.
These developments are of interest to prospective immigrants, employers, and policymakers monitoring shifts in provincial nomination trends across Canada’s immigration system.
Readers seeking to stay informed about updates to provincial nominee programs, including those in Manitoba and other provinces, can follow ongoing coverage of Canada’s immigration draws and policy announcements.