Maple News reports that New Brunswick has secured a notable increase in its federal immigration allocation for 2025, following negotiations with the Government of Canada. The province will now receive 4,250 spots under its immigration programs, an increase of 1,500 over the previously announced 2,750 for this year.
The additional 1,500 slots are allocated specifically to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), a key pathway for skilled workers looking to settle in the province. This increase comes after New Brunswick had initially disclosed a significant 50% reduction in its federal nomination allocation earlier this year.
The province’s total allocation now includes spaces for both the NBPNP and endorsements under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), another federal initiative that supports immigration to Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
In exchange for the increased economic immigration capacity, New Brunswick has agreed to accommodate up to 400 asylum seekers, demonstrating a dual commitment to humanitarian and economic priorities.
The NBPNP has clarified its ongoing focus on key industries that are facing labour shortages. For 2025, the program will continue to prioritize applications from individuals with experience in healthcare, education, and construction trades. While other sectors will still receive support, their access to nominations will remain limited to ensure alignment with provincial labour market needs.
Notably, some occupations may be excluded from participation altogether, as the province works to better match immigration with current and projected economic demand.
This enhanced allocation provides New Brunswick employers with much-needed support in attracting skilled talent and reaffirms the province’s strategic use of immigration as a tool for regional growth. Maple News will continue to monitor how this expanded capacity impacts newcomers and local industries over the coming months.