The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is for individuals who are working or hold a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer in NB, and possess skills needed by the province.
General Eligibility
At least 19 years old; CLB 4 in all four language skills; supported by an eligible employer that has been operating in NB for at least 24 months; and meets professional requirements, occupational licensing, and stream-specific conditions.
Three Pathways
New Brunswick Experience
Currently working full-time, non-seasonal for the supporting employer; has at least 6 months of full-time work with the same employer; has resided in NB for the past 6 months; and holds at least a high school diploma.
New Brunswick Graduates
Completed a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI in NB; currently working or have accepted a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a supporting employer; and has resided in NB for the past 6 months.
New Brunswick Priority Occupations
Accepted a full-time, non-seasonal job offer that is a direct result of a recruitment mission led by the Government of NB. Requires at least one year of relevant paid experience, a high school diploma, and a position under the priority NOCs listed in the guide.
New Brunswick Experience Selection Priorities
The official notice currently states that as of May 4, 2026, ITAs for the Experience pathway are limited to healthcare, education, and construction until further notice. However, the invitation round table for September 15–18, 2026, lists both Experience and Graduates with more occupational groups, without separating the numbers by pathway. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that all occupations outside the three groups have been reopened for Experience; it is necessary to cross-reference notices, guides, and selection criteria before applying.
Industry and NOC Restrictions – as of February 3, 2026
The Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams do not consider EOIs for issuing ITAs to those working in Accommodation and Food Services (NAICS 72). Positions such as chef, cook, or baker may still submit an EOI if the hiring business does not directly fall under NAICS 72 and the application meets other criteria.
Restricted NAICS 72 occupations include, but are not limited to: NOC 60030 Restaurant and food service managers; 62020 Food service supervisors; 62021 Executive housekeepers; 62024 Cleaning supervisors; 62200 Chefs; 63200 Cooks; 63202 Bakers; 64300 Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses; 64301 Bartenders; 64314 Hotel front desk clerks; 65200 Food and beverage servers; 65201 Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related occupations; 65310 Light duty cleaners. If in the same occupation but working for a business not directly under NAICS 72, candidates may still submit an EOI if they meet other requirements.
The following NOC codes are restricted regardless of industry: 14400, 60020, 62010, 62101, 63201, 64100, 64409, 65100, 65101, 65102, 65202, 94142, 95106, and 95107. You must identify both the NOC of the job and the NAICS of the business.
EOI and Nomination Process
- Check eligibility and prepare documents; create an EOI via the INB portal.
- EOIs are valid for 365 days and are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The province selects based on labor needs, quotas, and specific round priorities.
- If you receive an ITA, submit a complete application by the deadline specified in the invitation.
- If nominated, submit your permanent residence application to IRCC before the certificate expires.
Meeting eligibility or holding a job offer does not guarantee an invitation, nomination, or PR. Workers must maintain legal working status; Immigration New Brunswick does not guarantee application completion before a work permit expires.
EOI submission is free; the provincial nomination application fee is 250 CAD, which is non-refundable.
Updated October 6, 2026. Source: Official New Brunswick Guide and current notices.
Register for Application Assessment
KeyApply provides assistance with eligibility reviews and identifying the appropriate pathway. Selecting the 0 CAD application assessment does not represent the total immigration cost; government fees and professional service fees are determined separately based on the scope of support.
New Brunswick 2026 Updates
As of February 3, 2026, New Brunswick does not consider EOIs from candidates in the accommodation and food services sector under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream. Since May 4, 2026, the New Brunswick Experience pathway has limited ITAs to sectors announced by the province, including healthcare, education, and construction. Priority sectors may change per round.
Source: Government of New Brunswick – Immigration Important Notices.
Discuss your case with KeyApply
Provide your requirements, application status, and goals regarding the NB PNP - (Worker) New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream so KeyApply can discuss the appropriate support direction.
Email: info@keyapply.com. You can call, email, or message via the KeyApply.com website.