New Brunswick PNP Issues 379 ITAs in January 2026 Draw

New Brunswick PNP Issues 379 Invitations in First 2026 Draw Across Three Immigration Streams

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) kicked off the new year with a promising start, issuing 379 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) during its first round of draws for 2026. Held between January 13 and 15, this multi-stream invitation round targeted skilled workers and French-speaking candidates, all of whom had strong ties to the province.

Whether you’re an international graduate, a skilled worker already living in New Brunswick, or a French-speaking applicant looking to settle in Atlantic Canada, this draw might be an encouraging sign for your immigration journey.

Key Highlights

• 379 ITAs were issued in New Brunswick’s first PNP draw of 2026.
• Invitations were split across three streams: Skilled Worker, Express Entry, and Strategic Initiative.
• 244 invites (64%) went to applicants under the Skilled Worker Stream.
• The Strategic Initiative Stream resumed after a year-long pause, inviting 115 Francophone candidates.
• Only 20 candidates were invited through the Express Entry stream.
• All streams required candidates to have existing ties to New Brunswick.

Overview of the January 2026 NBPNP Draw

This latest round of the New Brunswick PNP invited eligible candidates from three specific streams:

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

The Expression of Interest (EOI) submission deadline for this draw was January 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AST. Applicants who had submitted their EOIs by this date were considered for selection.

New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream — 244 Invitations

By far the most active stream in this draw, the NB Skilled Worker Stream accounted for 244 of the total 379 invitations. This stream is tailored for foreign nationals who are already contributing to New Brunswick’s workforce or have recently graduated from a local post-secondary institution.

Breakdown of Invitations

Eligibility for the New Brunswick Experience Pathway

Candidates needed to meet the following criteria:

• Have lived in New Brunswick for at least six months prior to submitting an EOI
• Be employed full-time in a non-seasonal role with a New Brunswick employer
• Have at least six months of continuous employment with the same employer

Eligibility for the New Brunswick Graduates Pathway

• Completed a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution in New Brunswick
• Currently employed full-time in a non-seasonal job or have a valid job offer from a local employer

This stream continues to be a gateway for skilled workers and international grads who have planted roots in the province and want to stay for the long haul.

New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream — 115 Invitations

After being paused for all of 2025, the Strategic Initiative Stream resumed with 115 invitations issued through its Francophone Priorities pathway. This stream targets French-speaking applicants with strong provincial ties.

Breakdown of Invitations

Who Was Eligible?

Candidates needed to meet at least one of the following conditions to receive an invite:

• Previously lived in New Brunswick and completed at least a one-year, in-person program at either Université de Moncton or the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB)
• Received a Letter of Interest from Immigration New Brunswick

This stream gives a significant opportunity to Francophone immigrants looking for a more culturally familiar and community-driven settlement experience in Canada.

New Brunswick Express Entry Stream — 20 Invitations

The Express Entry Stream saw only 20 invitations issued in this draw, highlighting its more selective approach. This stream is meant for candidates who already have a profile in the federal Express Entry system and who also meet specific provincial requirements.

Breakdown of Invitations

Eligibility Criteria

• Resided in New Brunswick for the past 12 months
• Currently working full-time in a non-seasonal job classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Have worked full-time in such a position for the past year, with either the same or a different eligible New Brunswick employer

One of the key benefits of being nominated through this stream is the addition of 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, which can significantly boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence at the federal level.

Why This Matters for Immigration Candidates

This latest round of NBPNP invitations signals a strong start to the province’s 2026 immigration goals. It emphasizes New Brunswick’s ongoing commitment to attracting individuals who are already contributing to the province, whether through work, study, or community involvement.

If you’re considering applying to a provincial nominee program, it’s important to understand the specific eligibility requirements—and to keep an eye on which streams are active. Unlike some other PNPs like the Manitoba PNP, which uses a point-based system, New Brunswick’s streams often require existing ties to the province, such as employment or previous residency.

Final Thoughts

The first NBPNP draw of 2026 shows that New Brunswick is looking for candidates who are already committed to the province, especially skilled workers, international graduates, and Francophone newcomers. If you meet the criteria and have connections in the province, now might be the perfect time to explore your options.

Want to find out if you qualify? Take the next step and check your eligibility for New Brunswick’s PNP programs.

And if you’re not sure which PNP stream is right for you, explore more options like the Manitoba PNP to compare your chances and pathways.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Canadian immigration draws and tips on how to strengthen your application!