New Brunswick Introduces Comprehensive Immigration System Changes for 2026

On February 3, 2026, the Government of New Brunswick officially announced major reforms to its provincial immigration system. These adjustments aim to better align immigration selection with the province’s evolving labour market and economic priorities. The changes directly affect applicants submitting immigration applications through:

• The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Let Phan Immigration walk you through the most important updates in this article.

Changes to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

Restrictions on the Accommodation and Food Services Sector

One of the most significant updates to NBPNP in 2026 is the suspension of accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for candidates working in the Accommodation and Food Services sector.

This restriction applies to both:

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Express Entry Stream

The affected NOC occupations include:

• NOC 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers
• NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors
• NOC 62021 – Executive housekeepers
• NOC 62024 – Cleaning supervisors
• NOC 62200 – Chefs
• NOC 63200 – Cooks
• NOC 63202 – Bakers

However, an important exception remains. Candidates working under the above NOC codes may still qualify if their employer operates outside the accommodation and food services industry.

List of Restricted Occupations under NBPNP 2026

Skilled Worker Stream

NBPNP will no longer consider applications under the following 14 NOC occupations:

• NOC 14400 – Shippers and receivers
• NOC 60020 – Retail and wholesale trade managers
• NOC 62010 – Retail sales supervisors
• NOC 62101 – Retail and wholesale buyers
• NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
• NOC 64100 – Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
• NOC 64409 – Customer and information services representatives
• NOC 65100 – Cashiers
• NOC 65101 – Service station attendants
• NOC 65102 – Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers
• NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers
• NOC 94142 – Fish and seafood plant workers
• NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
• NOC 95107 – Labourers in fish and seafood processing

Most of these occupations fall within entry-level or service-based roles with higher workforce replacement rates.

Express Entry Stream

In addition to restrictions within the accommodation and food services sector, NBPNP has also limited the following occupations under the Express Entry stream:

• NOC 60020 – Retail and wholesale trade managers
• NOC 62010 – Retail sales supervisors
• NOC 62101 – Retail and wholesale buyers
• NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale

Extension of the Private Career College Graduate Pilot

The Private Career College Graduate Pilot has been extended until the end of 2026, although eligibility criteria remain limited.

The program is available only to international graduates from:

• Oulton College
• Eastern College

Eligible programs include:

Oulton College Programs

• Education and Social Development
  • Early Childhood Education / Educational Assistant
  • Child and Youth Care
  • Human Services Counsellor
• Health-related programs
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Practical Nursing
  • Primary Care Paramedic

Eastern College Programs

• Education and Social Development
  • Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker
  • Early Childhood Education
• Health-related programs
  • Medical Administrative Specialist
  • Personal Support Worker

The extension demonstrates the province’s continued commitment to retaining international graduates, particularly in occupations experiencing severe labour shortages.

Reforms to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in New Brunswick

Transition to a Candidate Pool System

A major structural change to AIP in New Brunswick is the transition from direct application intake to a Candidate Pool system. This new approach enables the province to:

• Improve application management efficiency
• Select candidates aligned with labour market needs
• Increase competitiveness in candidate selection

Temporary Suspension of New Employer Designations

New Brunswick has temporarily paused accepting new employer designation applications under AIP. This measure is intended to:

• Reassess economic and workforce priorities
• Strengthen foreign recruitment oversight
• Ensure employer compliance and program integrity

Priority Recruitment for Three Essential Sectors

For candidates applying from outside Canada, AIP endorsements are now limited to the following priority sectors:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Construction Trades

These sectors are currently facing significant labour shortages across the province.

Additional Occupational Restrictions under AIP

Similar to NBPNP, AIP will also discontinue endorsement applications for candidates working in the accommodation and food services sector. Additionally, this program also restricts 6 other occupational NOC codes:

• NOC 60030 – Restaurant and food service managers
• NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors
• NOC 62021– Executive housekeepers
• NOC 62024 – Cleaning supervisors
• NOC 62200 – Chefs
• NOC 63200 – Cooks
• NOC 63202 – Bakers
• NOC 64300 – Maîtres d’hôtel and hosts/hostesses
• NOC 64301– Bartenders
• NOC 64314 – Hotel front desk clerks

Conclusion

The 2026 immigration reforms highlight New Brunswick’s shift toward a labour-market-driven selection model that prioritizes long-term economic sustainability. By tightening eligibility for service-based occupations while strengthening pathways for essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and construction, the province is encouraging candidates to pursue career pathways aligned with workforce demands.

As Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve, staying informed and building a well-structured immigration strategy will be crucial for increasing nomination and permanent residency success rates.

For applicants considering New Brunswick as their immigration destination, reviewing their current profile, occupational pathway, and long-term settlement plan is more important than ever.

Phan Immigration’s team of experienced consultants is ready to support applicants throughout the immigration process by:

• Conducting detailed eligibility assessments
• Developing tailored immigration strategies to improve ITA prospects
• Providing comprehensive legal and documentation support
• Offering ongoing guidance throughout the application process and policy updates

Contact Phan Immigration today: Canada Hotline: +1 647-390-0912; Vietnam Hotline: 078 208 4466