Maple News reports that New Brunswick issued a total of 326 invitations to immigration candidates in its latest round of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws held on February 2, 2026. The province extended these invitations under the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream and the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream, continuing its drive to attract skilled talent and enhance its Francophone population.
The Express Entry Stream accounted for the largest number of invitations, with 166 candidates invited through the ‘Employment in New Brunswick’ pathway. This stream targets candidates already working in the province or holding valid job offers. Importantly, New Brunswick welcomed candidates from all occupational sectors, indicating an inclusive demand for diverse skillsets across its labor market.
In parallel, the Strategic Initiative Stream issued 160 invitations focused on French-speaking applicants. Draws were conducted under two primary pathways: the ‘NB Francophone Priorities’ and ‘Francophone Workers in NB’. As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick is taking strategic steps to preserve its Francophone heritage by welcoming skilled French-speaking newcomers.
All candidates considered in these draws had submitted their profiles on or before February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AST. The province’s approach of accepting applicants from all occupational backgrounds in both streams underscores its commitment to long-term demographic and economic sustainability.
With a population aging at a faster rate than other provinces, New Brunswick’s latest immigration efforts are part of a broader strategy to grow its workforce and support key industries. This includes not only healthcare and education but also construction, IT, and transportation, where labor shortages continue to be a pressing issue.
By leveraging federal Express Entry mechanisms while maintaining its own pathways for Francophone immigration, New Brunswick demonstrates a responsive and targeted approach to population growth and talent retention. More draws are expected in the coming months as the province ramps up its economic immigration targets.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on provincial and federal immigration initiatives, helping skilled workers and newcomers stay informed as they plan their path to Canada.