New Brunswick is tightening its immigration rules. Starting May 4, 2026, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program restricts Invitations to Apply under the NB Experience pathway. The province will only issue invitations to candidates working in healthcare, education, and construction trades.

Why New Brunswick is Changing the Rules

The government made this decision because nomination spaces are running low. While official numbers remain unreleased, recent data from CIC News estimates the province has an allocation of 3,603 nominations for the year.

Your Options Outside the Targeted Sectors

If you submitted an Expression of Interest under the Skilled Worker Stream and work outside these three sectors, you have other options. The government recommends two paths.

First, you can withdraw your current application and submit a new one under a different program. Second, you can keep your current profile and create a new profile using a different email address. This allows you to submit an additional application or apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Previous Immigration Updates

This update follows major changes implemented earlier this year. On February 3, New Brunswick stopped accepting applications from workers in the accommodation and food services sector for both the Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams. The province also blocked 14 specific job codes, including cashiers and retail sales supervisors, from the Skilled Worker Stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sectors are currently eligible for the NB Experience pathway?

The province only issues invitations to workers in healthcare, education, and construction trades.

When do these new immigration limits take effect?

The restrictions begin on May 4, 2026.

What should I do if my job is not in a targeted sector?

You can withdraw your current Expression of Interest and apply under a different stream. You can also create a new profile with a different email address to explore other options like the Atlantic Immigration Program.