According to the latest announcement On August 16, 2024, New Brunswick stops issuing ITAs for Express Entry PNP. This decision affects potential applicants who had hoped to obtain ITAs through this particular PNP program and signifies a significant change in the province’s immigration strategy. This is a significant shift for anyone following New Brunswick immigration news as it pertains to the Provincial Nominee Program.

As per the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the province has declared that it has used up all of the ITAs for the Express Entry category for New Brunswick. New Brunswick has not released its 2024 allocation figures.

The province has stated that it will process applications that are completed in full by Friday, August 16, 2024. Furthermore, candidates who acquired an ITA prior to this deadline are still advised to submit their full nomination applications.

New Brunswick Express Entry Program 

Within its Express Entry program, New Brunswick offers three different streams, each with unique qualifying requirements. The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program are the three programs through which all candidates must be enrolled in the federal Express Entry pool.

  • NB Employment Connection Stream: This stream is intended for those who have lived in New Brunswick for at least six months and who either have a full-time employment offer from a province company or are employed full-time already.
  • NB Student Connection Stream: This stream is intended for overseas students who have completed their studies at one of the approved New Brunswick institutions. Students must be enrolled in a program that is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in order to be eligible.
  • NB Priorities Connection Stream: Applicants in this stream may be sent a letter of interest if they can show that their professional background fits the needs of the province’s labor market right now.

Different Methods to Apply for the NB PNP 

In recent years, New Brunswick has been a more popular destination for immigrants. The results of the 2021 Census show that 10,855 (1.4%) of the population was non-permanently residing, while 44,125 (5.8% of the population) were foreign-born immigrants who were permanent residents. When compared to a decade before, in 2011, there were 28,465 immigrants; this is over twice as many immigrants.

This year has seen a sharp increase in interest in New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The province declared on May 17 that the Expressions of Interest for the New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream will be temporarily suspended. The purpose of this suspension is to give the immigration service time to handle the enormous volume of current applicants.

It is recommended that newcomers who are interested in applying under this stream check if they qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program first.

The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream is one of the remaining streams that applicants may want to apply for if they are still interested in coming to New Brunswick under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This stream is intended primarily for competent French-speaking individuals who have indicated that they intend to settle down and work in New Brunswick long-term.

The November 2022 introduction of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program is an additional alternative. This employer-driven stream aims to alleviate the province’s critical manpower shortages in important industries. Candidates must first obtain employment with one of the six selected employers taking part in the Pilot in order to be eligible to apply under this program. On behalf of the applicant, these employers will thereafter submit the application to the provincial government.