The Government of New Brunswick has announced significant changes to its provincial immigration programs, effectively reshaping how newcomers enter the workforce. Effective February 3, 2026, these updates place strict limitations on the retail and food service sectors while prioritizing healthcare, education, and construction.
If you are an employer in Saint John or a prospective candidate, these adjustments to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) directly impact your eligibility and hiring processes.
Restrictions on Food Service and Retail
The province is shifting its focus away from the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72). The government will no longer accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) or issue invitations under the NBPNP for candidates employed in this sector. This applies to both the Express Entry and Skilled Worker streams.
Similarly, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will no longer accept endorsement applications for positions within this sector. However, the government notes a specific exception: if you work in a restricted occupation but your employer does not fall under the Accommodation and Food Services sector classification, you may still submit an EOI.
Specific Occupations Removed
Beyond the broad sector restrictions, the province has disqualified specific jobs from consideration regardless of the employer’s industry. Under the Skilled Worker Stream, the province will no longer process EOIs for 14 specific occupations.
Restricted occupations include:
- Cashiers
- Fish and seafood plant workers
- Shippers and receivers
- Store shelf stockers, clerks, and order fillers
- Retail salespersons
- Service station attendants
Under the Express Entry stream, restrictions apply specifically to retail sales supervisors, retail and wholesale butchers, and retail/wholesale buyers.
Atlantic Immigration Program Moves to Pool System
The AIP is undergoing a structural change. The province is moving to a candidate pool system for endorsement applications. During this transition, New Brunswick has temporarily halted the acceptance of new employer designation applications. This pause allows the government to reassess existing employers and ensure the program aligns with current economic needs.
For candidates currently living outside Canada, endorsement applications are now limited strictly to recruitment initiatives in three priority sectors:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction trades
Student Pilot Program Extended
There is positive news for some international students. The NBPNP has extended the Private Career College Graduate Pilot through the end of 2026. This extension applies specifically to international students already enrolled in eligible programs at Oulton College or Eastern College.
Eligible programs include Education and Social Development, Health, and specific trades like Practical Nursing and Primary Care Paramedicine. Once this extension concludes, the province indicates it will stop issuing nominations under this pilot.
For full details on these changes, you can view the original report from CIC News.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply if I work in a restaurant?
Generally, no. The province has stopped accepting applications for the Accommodation and Food Services sector (NAICS 72). However, if you work as a cook or food service supervisor for an employer that is not classified under NAICS 72 (such as a hospital or school cafeteria), you may still be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest.
I am currently studying at Oulton College. Does this affect me?
If you are already enrolled in an eligible program, the Private Career College Graduate Pilot has been extended until the end of 2026 to allow you to complete your studies and apply. This extension is limited to students currently in the system.
Are overseas candidates still eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
Overseas candidates are now restricted to specific sectors. The province is currently limiting endorsement applications for foreign nationals living outside Canada to jobs in healthcare, education, and construction trades.
that is too bad, I have never received better service at retails and fast food outlets as I have in the last couple of years
Accept foreign students, and Non NB resident students, with requirements to pay full fee for education trade certification , no work permit allowed while student status, a second choice is student commits to work in NB after completion of studies/certification for fixed period (Like 10 years) with option to have support from province for temporary residency during the post educational provincial employment commitment, the candidate can of course buy out this commitment or a different out of province employer could pay for the remaing time candidate may have as an outstanding commitment.