New Brunswick Issues New Immigration Invitations in Latest Draws
New Brunswick Conducts Fresh Immigration Draws After a Month
Recently, New Brunswick held new immigration draws between March 30 and April 1, 2026, inviting 143 candidates through two major programs. These draws focused on filling labor shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, information technology, transportation, and manufacturing.
Notably, these were the province’s first draws in more than a month, making them an important update for immigration hopefuls.
Breakdown of Invitations Issued
A total of 143 invitations were issued across two immigration pathways:
1. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream
Under the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, 25 invitations were issued to candidates working in:
- Healthcare
- Information Technology (IT)
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Meanwhile, 118 invitations were issued through the Atlantic Immigration Program, targeting workers in:
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
As a result, the province continues aligning invitations with current labor market needs.
Important Deadlines for This Draw
To be considered in these rounds:
- Express Entry candidates needed to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) before March 29, 2026.
- AIP candidates needed to submit endorsement applications before March 31, 2026.
Therefore, meeting deadlines remains crucial for being considered in provincial draws.
What Is the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream?
The Express Entry-aligned New Brunswick stream is designed for skilled foreign nationals who already have an active Express Entry profile.
More specifically, the Employment in New Brunswick pathway targets people who are:
- Living in New Brunswick
- Working there full-time
- Employed in skilled, non-seasonal roles
Major Advantage: 600 Additional CRS Points
Most importantly, successful candidates receive a provincial nomination worth 600 additional CRS points.
Consequently, this almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry.
Understanding the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
In addition, the Atlantic Immigration Program offers another pathway for skilled workers and international graduates.
Unlike Express Entry, AIP does not require a CRS score.
Instead, candidates need:
- A valid job offer
- From a designated employer in New Brunswick
This makes it an attractive option for candidates looking for employer-driven immigration routes.
New AIP Pool System Introduced
Furthermore, an important change came into effect in February 2026.
New Brunswick moved AIP to a candidate pool system, where:
- Applications are selected through scheduled draws
- Invitations are based on labor market priorities
- Selection is no longer first-come, first-served
Additionally, profiles remain valid in the pool for 365 days, giving candidates a full year of consideration.
What Happens After AIP Selection?
Once endorsed by the province, candidates can apply directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residence.
Therefore, AIP remains a strong pathway for many skilled workers seeking Canadian PR.
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
Overall, these draws show that New Brunswick continues prioritizing workers in high-demand sectors, particularly:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
Moreover:
- The Express Entry stream offers a fast-track route through 600 CRS points.
- The Atlantic Immigration Program provides an employer-driven pathway without CRS requirements.
In Conclusion
These latest draws reflect ongoing opportunities for skilled workers interested in immigrating to Canada. Whether through provincial nomination or employer support, both pathways offer promising options for candidates planning their permanent residence journey.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
