Here’s everything we know so far. 

Key Takeaways

• Expressions of interest are now open or will open soon for certain pathways in Saskatchewan’s Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams.
• There are lists of excluded occupations for both the SINP Skilled Worker program and the Express Entry stream.
• The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream is not accepting new EOIs right now.
• The New Brunswick Student Connection is not returning for 2025.

NB Express Entry Stream to Start Accepting NOIs Soon 

Immigration New Brunswick confirmed that the NB Express Entry stream will soon begin accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) under two pathways:

• Employment in New Brunswick pathway via the New Brunswick Express Entry stream

• New Brunswick Interests pathway via the New Brunswick Express Entry stream

 Occupations Currently Not Considered For Express Entry Streams 

If you are currently working in or planning to apply under certain occupations, you should note that these roles will not be considered at this time: 

• Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200) 

• Administrative assistants (NOC 13110) 

• Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) 

• Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030) 

• Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010) 

• Food service supervisors (NOC 62020) 

• Cooks (NOC 63200) 

• Bakers (NOC 63202) 

If your occupation is on this list, you may need to consider a different stream or explore other immigration options. 

This list may change as the province’s needs evolve, so it’s important to keep track of official announcements. 

Expressions of Interest Open For New Brunswick Skilled Worker Streams 

The NB Skilled Worker streams have now opened for Expressions of Interest for 2025. This program has changed for 2025 and now includes the following pathways:  

• New Brunswick Experience pathway 

• New Brunswick Graduates pathway 

• New Brunswick Priority Occupations pathway.  

Occupations Currently Excluded from Skilled Worker Streams 

New Brunswick is not currently considering applications from Skilled Workers in the following occupations:  

• Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200) 

• Administrative assistants (NOC 13110) 

• Shippers and receivers (NOC 14400) 

• Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) 

• Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030) 

• Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010) 

• Food service supervisors (NOC 62020) 

• Cooks (NOC 63200) 

• Bakers (NOC 63202) 

• Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) 

• Bartenders (NOC 64301) 

• Hotel front desk clerks (NOC 64314) 

•  Other customer representatives (NOC 64409) 

• Food and beverage servers (NOC 65200) 

• Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related occupations (NOC 65201) 

• Process control and machine operators – food and beverage processing (NOC 94140) 

• Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142) 

• Labourers in food and beverage processing (NOC 95106) 
• Labourers in fish and seafood (NOC 95107). 

New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream Not Accepting Expressions of Interest  

The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream for French speakers has a backlog of applications and, as a result, will not be accepting new Expressions of Interest in the short-term. The current announcement advises applicants to return to the website ‘later in the year’ for information and updates.  

The website also confirms that that exploratory visit to New Brunswick connection is paused and is not returning for 2025.  

New Brunswick Student Connection Not Returning in 2025

Previously, many international graduates took advantage of the New Brunswick Student connection under the NB Express Entry stream. For 2025, the province has decided not to continue this student-specific route. However, New Brunswick graduates with a valid job or job offer can still apply through the NB Employment pathway or explore other streams if they meet the eligibility criteria. 

Why Are We Seeing These Changes to New Brunswick’s PNP in 2025?

These changes are in response to a broader recalibration of Canada’s immigration system at the federal level. In October 2024, the federal government announced a 50% reduction in annual PNP nomination targets. This dramatic policy shift aims to balance immigration levels with infrastructure and labor market capacity, with a goal of reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada and permanent residents being admitted in 2025 (compared to 2024).
The statement from Immigration New Brunswick notes that the goal is to ensure these programs are effectively addressing the province’s workforce priorities while adapting to shifting federal targets.
Here’s the statement:
“Immigration New Brunswick is adjusting its 2025 provincial economic immigration programs and pathways in view of overall changes to Canada’s immigration system and to ensure that our programs are correctly oriented to best address critical provincial workforce needs and priorities.” 

Next Steps For PNP Hopefuls in 2025

If you’re interested in provincial immigration programs in 2025, you should keep a close eye on updates from your target province. With PNPs becoming more focused and competitive, tailoring your application to align with provincial priorities will be more important than ever.

In the meantime, get organized. We suggest making sure you have key documents, like work references, proof of funds, updated language results, and valid police certificates, ready to go.

Consider signing up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed about program changes, and reach out to immigration consultants for guidance to develop an immigration plan A, B and potentially C.