New Brunswick PNP Draw Targets Francophone Workers – Dec 2025

New Brunswick Resumes PNP Invitations with December 2025 Draw Targeting Francophone Workers

After a short pause, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is back in action with a fresh round of invitations. On December 9, 2025, the province issued 110 new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across multiple immigration streams. This marks the first provincial draw since November 16, 2025 — and it came with a clear focus on Francophone candidates across a wide range of occupations.

Key Highlights

• New Brunswick held its first PNP draw since November 2025 on December 9, 2025
• A total of 110 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued
• Invitations were sent through both the Express Entry and Skilled Worker Streams
• The draw targeted Francophone candidates across all occupational sectors
• Majority of ITAs went to Skilled Worker pathways for local experience and graduates
• Applications from this draw will be processed in 2026

What Happened in the December 2025 NBPNP Draw?

New Brunswick issued 110 Invitations to Apply through two immigration streams under the NBPNP — the Express Entry Stream and the Skilled Worker Stream. This draw was aimed at Francophone applicants and used a cut-off date of December 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.

This immigration round is part of New Brunswick’s continued push to attract skilled French-speaking workers who are already contributing to the provincial economy. All applications from this draw will be processed in 2026, giving successful candidates a path to permanent residence in Canada.

Breakdown of Invitations by Stream and Pathway

The invites were divided across three key pathways. Here’s how it looked:

While only 8 invitations were issued through the Express Entry pathway, the vast majority — 102 — went to candidates under the Skilled Worker Stream, specifically those with local experience or who graduated from a New Brunswick institution.

Who Was Eligible in This Round?

Each pathway under the NBPNP draw comes with its own set of eligibility requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what was required for each of the targeted groups.

1. Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick

This pathway is tailored for skilled workers already living and working in the province. To be eligible, candidates needed to:

• Have a valid Express Entry profile
• Be living in New Brunswick for at least the past 12 months
• Work full-time in a year-round (non-seasonal) job classified under TEER levels 0–3
• Have 12 consecutive months of full-time authorized work in a TEER 0–3 occupation
• Meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7
• Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent

TEER refers to the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities classification system used in Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC).

2. Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Experience Pathway

This route is ideal for foreign nationals already contributing to the province’s workforce. To qualify, applicants had to:

• Be working full-time in a non-seasonal role with an eligible New Brunswick employer
• Have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience with the same employer
• Reside in New Brunswick for the previous six months before submitting an Expression of Interest

3. Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates Pathway

This stream supports international students who studied in the province and wish to stay and work. Eligibility included:

• Completion of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in New Brunswick
• Currently working full-time in a non-seasonal job — or holding a valid job offer from an eligible employer

Important Note: Certain occupations may not be eligible for invitations under these streams. Make sure to check the latest NBPNP updates before submitting your application.

Why This Draw Matters for Francophone Candidates

This latest draw sends a strong signal that New Brunswick is actively seeking to grow its Francophone population. By targeting French-speaking applicants across all sectors, the province is not only addressing labour shortages but also supporting its linguistic and cultural diversity.

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, so it makes perfect sense that they continue to prioritize Francophone immigration. If you’re fluent in French and working or studying in the province, this could be a golden opportunity to secure permanent residence.

Thinking About Applying to a PNP?

The New Brunswick PNP is just one of several provincial nominee programs across Canada. Each province has its own streams and priorities, so it’s smart to explore your options. For example, if you’re considering other regions, be sure to check out the Manitoba PNP as well — especially if you have ties to Manitoba or relevant work experience.

Eligible candidates who meet the criteria for any of these streams can significantly improve their chances of immigrating to Canada through a provincial nomination — which adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start to 2026

New Brunswick’s December 2025 draw is a fresh indication that the province remains committed to attracting skilled, French-speaking workers who are already contributing to its local economy. Whether you’re working, studying, or gaining experience in the province, now is a great time to explore your options under the NBPNP.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for one of New Brunswick’s PNP streams — or any other provincial program — it’s worth taking a closer look at your eligibility.

Ready to find out if you qualify? Use our free PNP assessment tool and take the first step toward your Canadian immigration journey today!

For more updates on Canada’s PNP draws, Express Entry invitations, and immigration pathways, don’t forget to check out our latest immigration news.