New Brunswick Holds Intensive June PNP Draws, Inviting Over 600 Candidates in Four Rounds Across Two Days
New Brunswick Accelerates Immigration Pace with a Surge in June Invitations
Canada's eastern maritime province of New Brunswick once again became a focal point in the Canadian immigration landscape this week. On June 16 and 17, the province's immigration authorities conducted four rounds of Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) draws with unprecedented intensity, demonstrating a strong commitment to attracting new immigrants to meet local labour market demands.
This back-to-back draw series issued a total of 608 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), the largest single series of draws in 2025. To date, New Brunswick has invited a cumulative total of 2,015 potential immigrants this year.
Below is a detailed analysis of the four recent draws:
1. Skilled Worker Stream: Three Pathways Activated with Clear Targets
The Skilled Worker Stream was prominent in this selection, inviting a total of 311 candidates through its three different pathways.
- New Brunswick Experience: In the June 16 draw, this pathway issued 25 invitations. The target group was highly specific, focusing on candidates in three key sectors: Healthcare, Education and Social & Community Services, and Construction Trades. A crucial selection criterion was that invitees must hold a work permit expiring in 2025 or in January/February of 2026. Notably, candidates in the occupation of Material Handlers (NOC 75101) were excluded from this draw.
- New Brunswick Graduates: Across draws on June 16 and 17, this pathway was the most active, inviting 274 recent graduates from all sectors. Similar to the Experience stream, candidates were required to have a work permit set to expire in 2025 or in January/February of 2026. However, the provincial government explicitly stated that candidates in the occupations of Chefs (NOC 62022) and Material Handlers (NOC 75101) were not included in this invitation round.
- New Brunswick Priority Occupations: On June 17, this pathway held a small-scale draw, issuing 12 invitations to candidates in the Healthcare sector. The province did not publish specific selection criteria for this draw. It is critical for applicants to be aware that New Brunswick is currently not accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for this pathway and is only processing previously submitted profiles.
2. Express Entry Stream: Focus on Local Work Experience
In parallel with the Skilled Worker draws, the province’s Express Entry Stream also conducted a large-scale draw.
- Employment in New Brunswick: In the June 16 draw, this pathway issued 297 invitations to candidates across all sectors. The core requirement for this round was that candidates must have been working full-time in New Brunswick for at least one year, a policy that heavily favors candidates already integrated into the local labour market. As with the graduates' pathway, the occupation of Chef was also excluded from this draw.
Important Notes and Analysis for Future Applicants
This series of draws highlights several key features of New Brunswick's current immigration policy:
- Prioritizing Local Ties: Whether by requiring local work experience or targeting local graduates, the NBPNP draws show a clear preference for candidates who already have a strong connection to the province.
- Targeting Labour Shortages: The repeated emphasis on healthcare, education, and construction indicates that these are the areas where New Brunswick most urgently needs to fill talent gaps.
- Exclusion of Certain Occupations: Specific occupations like Chefs and Material Handlers were explicitly excluded from multiple draws. Furthermore, the province has noted that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) with a job or job offer under select NOC codes are not currently being considered in either the Skilled Worker or Express Entry streams. Prospective applicants should closely monitor the official government website for the specific list of excluded occupations.
- Changes to Stream Status: The suspension of new applications for the "Priority Occupations" pathway is a critical piece of information for anyone planning their immigration journey through that route.
All Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted to the NBPNP pool remain valid for 365 days. Given the dynamic nature of these policies, prospective applicants are advised to stay informed of official announcements and develop an immigration strategy based on their personal qualifications and the latest invitation trends.
Quebec Expands PSTQ Invitations, Issuing 273 ITAs in First-Ever Draw for Intermediate and Manual Skills Stream
On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 273 invitations to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This draw is particularly significant as it is the first time the province has specifically targeted candidates under the "Intermediate and Manual Skills" stream, marking a steady expansion of the program's scope. The initiative aims to provide an immigration pathway for workers already in Quebec who possess specific work experience and French-language skills, in order to address labor shortages in various regions of the province.
08/18/2025
Super Visa: Canada's 'Fast Track' Alternative for Parent and Grandparent Reunification
For many families hoping to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada, the limited lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents a significant hurdle. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Canada's Super Visa program, which serves as an attractive alternative by offering a long-term visitor visa with year-round applications. The report details the core differences between the Super Visa and the PGP, outlines eligibility criteria and application procedures, and offers professional strategies to address common reasons for refusal, helping applicants increase their chances of success.
08/17/2025
New Trends in Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs: Multiple Provinces Issue Targeted Invitations, Focusing on Key Sectors and Strategic Talent
Recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada reveal a growing trend towards highly targeted invitations for specific industries and communities. Manitoba issued a small number of high-scoring invitations through a strategic initiative; Alberta focused on construction and tech workers with two targeted, low-score draws; and Newfoundland and Labrador invited nearly 400 candidates through its provincial and Atlantic programs. These actions underscore a nationwide shift towards using immigration to precisely fill specific economic and community needs.
08/15/2025
Canada's Express Entry May See Major Overhaul: Three New Occupational Categories Proposed to Attract Global Top Talent
The Canadian federal government is contemplating a significant reform of its flagship immigration program, Express Entry, by proposing three new selection categories for 2026 targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move aims to more strategically attract top-tier talent capable of driving Canada's economic growth, enhancing its global competitiveness, and supporting national security. The proposal is now open for public consultation until September 3, 2025. These adjustments not only signal a shift in Canada's future immigration strategy but could also have far-reaching implications for the study choices and post-graduation career paths of international students.
08/15/2025
Major Overhaul to Canada's Express Entry: Upfront Medical Exams Mandatory from August 21, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pivotal change to its Express Entry system. Effective August 21, 2025, all candidates applying for permanent residence through this stream will be required to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This marks a significant shift from the current "apply-then-test" model to a new "upfront medical" protocol, directly impacting future applicants' timelines and preparatory strategies.
08/13/2025
Prairie Provinces Surge! 2025 Guide to Immigrant Jobs in Canada: Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina Claim Top Spots
According to the latest BMO Labour Market Report Card released on July 11, 2025, the landscape for immigrant employment in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation. Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina have emerged as the top three cities for newcomers to find a job, driven by strong employment growth and falling unemployment rates. The report not only highlights the economic vitality of the Prairie provinces but also provides an invaluable guide for skilled workers and prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.
08/13/2025
Canada's Latest Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Talent, Inviting 2,500 Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third Express Entry draw of the month on August 8, 2025, once again issuing invitations to candidates with French-language proficiency. A total of 2,500 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this round, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This draw again highlights the Canadian immigration system's continued emphasis on candidates with specific skills and language abilities, particularly the demand for French speakers.
08/11/2025
Manitoba PNP Update: First August Draw Focuses on "Strategic Recruitment" with a Cut-off Score of 724
The central Canadian province of Manitoba held its first provincial nominee draw of the month on August 7, 2025. In its 251st Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 37 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to skilled workers. Notably, this was not a general draw but one that specifically targeted candidates directly invited by the provincial government through a "Strategic Recruitment Initiative," with a minimum required score of 724. Invited candidates were primarily from the Francophone community and local employer-sponsored programs.
08/11/2025
CRS Score Rises Significantly in New Canadian Experience Class Draw
On August 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. Compared to the last CEC draw, this round saw a significant drop in the number of invitations issued and a corresponding increase in the score requirement, reflecting the heightened level of competition among candidates.
08/11/2025
IRCC's First August Express Entry Draw Results Released, Provincial Nominee Program Favored Again
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw of the month on August 6, 2025. This draw exclusively targeted candidates with a provincial nomination, issuing a total of 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 739. This round once again highlights the Canadian immigration system's strong emphasis on the Provincial Nominee Program and continues the 2025 trend of focusing on specific candidate categories.
08/07/2025
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