New Brunswick has issued a total of 379 invitations through its first round of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws in 2026, Maple News reports. The draws were held between January 13 and 15 and spanned three major immigration streams: the Skilled Worker Stream, the Strategic Initiative, and the Express Entry Stream.
The largest number of invitations—244—were issued under the Skilled Worker Stream, focusing on candidates from the New Brunswick Experience and New Brunswick Graduates pathways. These pathways prioritize individuals who have previously worked or studied in the province, reflecting a strong push to retain talent already integrated into New Brunswick’s economy and communities.
A significant draw was also conducted under the Strategic Initiative stream, where 115 invitations were sent to candidates through the Francophone Priorities pathway. As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick continues to place strategic emphasis on strengthening its French-speaking communities.
The Express Entry Stream contributed another 20 invitations, specifically targeting candidates who already have employment in the province. By aligning with Canada’s federal Express Entry system, New Brunswick can select skilled immigrants who meet its specific labour needs and help them achieve permanent residence more efficiently.
A notable feature of this draw cycle was its broad inclusivity—candidates from all occupational sectors were considered, rather than limiting selection to only high-demand roles. This approach indicates a province-wide demand for labor across various industries as 2026 gets underway.
According to information provided by the province, eligible candidates needed to have submitted their profiles before the cut-off date of January 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm Atlantic Standard Time.
Summary of Invitations Issued:
– Skilled Worker Stream (NB Experience & NB Graduates): 244 invitations
– Strategic Initiative (Francophone Priorities): 115 invitations
– Express Entry Stream (Employment in New Brunswick): 20 invitations
This proactive start to the year highlights New Brunswick’s commitment to addressing local labour shortages while strengthening both its Anglophone and Francophone communities. Prospective immigrants familiar with the province’s environment or already working or studying there may find new opportunities through these pathways in 2026.