Effective February 3, 2026, New Brunswick has implemented substantial reforms to its immigration programs, notably the Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) as published on its NB official website. These changes aim to better align immigration with the province’s labor market needs and economic priorities.
🛑 Restrictions on Specific Occupations
NBPNP Updates
The NBPNP will no longer accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) or issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for candidates employed in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72) under its Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams. This includes occupations such as:
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
- Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Chefs (NOC 62200)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
- Bartenders (NOC 64301)
- Hotel front desk clerks (NOC 64314)
- Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers (NOC 65201)
Additionally, certain occupations are now restricted regardless of the industry, including:
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
- Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Cashiers (NOC 65100)
- Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142)
- Shippers and receivers (NOC 14400)
AIP Updates
Under the AIP, New Brunswick will no longer accept endorsement applications for positions in the accommodation and food services sector. Specific occupations now excluded include:
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
- Food service supervisors (NOC 62020)
- Chefs (NOC 62200)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
- Bartenders (NOC 64301)
- Hotel front desk clerks (NOC 64314)
Furthermore, the province will not consider endorsement applications for eight occupations, regardless of sector, including:
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
- Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Retail and wholesale buyers (NOC 62101)
- Shippers and receivers (NOC 14400)
🔄 Transition to a Candidate Pool System
New Brunswick is shifting its AIP to a candidate pool system for endorsement applications, moving away from the previous first-come, first-served model. This change aims to prioritize candidates who align with the province’s labor market needs. Additionally, the province is temporarily pausing the acceptance of new employer designation applications under the AIP to reassess existing designations and ensure alignment with economic priorities.
Currently, endorsement applications for positions offered to overseas candidates are limited to three priority sectors:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction trades
🎓 Extension of the Private Career College Graduate Pilot
In positive news for international students, New Brunswick has extended its Private Career College Graduate Pilot through the end of 2026. This extension applies to students already enrolled in eligible programs at Oulton College or Eastern College. Eligible programs include:
Oulton College:
- Early Childhood Education
- Child and Youth Care
- Human Services Counsellor
- Medical Office Administration
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Practical Nurse
- Primary Care Paramedic
Eastern College:
- Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker
- Early Childhood Education
- Medical Administrative Specialist
- Personal Support Worker
Frequently Asked Questions – New Brunswick PNP Changes 2026
❓ What are the major New Brunswick PNP changes in 2026?
New Brunswick updated its Provincial Nominee Program in 2026 to better match labour market needs. Some occupations are now restricted, and recruitment is focusing more on priority sectors like healthcare, education, and construction.
❓ Which jobs are affected by the New Brunswick PNP changes?
Some jobs in accommodation, food services, retail, and certain processing occupations are now restricted under some immigration streams. Candidates should check updated eligibility rules before applying.
❓ Is the Atlantic Immigration Program also changing in New Brunswick?
Yes. New Brunswick has moved toward a candidate pool selection model and is prioritizing endorsements for healthcare, education, and construction-related occupations.
❓ Can foreign workers still apply to New Brunswick PNP in 2026?
Yes. New Brunswick is still inviting skilled workers, but the province is now focusing more on candidates working in priority sectors and occupations.
❓ Do these changes affect international students in New Brunswick?
Some programs are still available, and certain graduate pilot programs have been extended. Students should check program eligibility based on their field of study and job offers.
📌 Conclusion
These comprehensive changes to New Brunswick’s immigration pathways reflect the province’s commitment to aligning immigration with its economic and labor market needs. Prospective immigrants should carefully review these updates to assess their eligibility and consider alternative pathways if necessary.
