In a significant policy reset, the Government of New Brunswick has announced wide-ranging changes to its immigration system, reshaping how skilled workers, international graduates, and overseas candidates will be selected in 2026.

The latest update, released on February 3, 2026, introduces occupation restrictions, new selection models, temporary pauses, and pilot extensions, directly impacting applicants under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

These reforms signal a clear shift toward targeted, demand-driven immigration, with a stronger focus on economic alignment and labour shortages rather than volume-based intake.

What’s Changed? Quick Snapshot

As of February 3, 2026, New Brunswick has introduced the following major changes:

  1. Tightened occupation eligibility under NBPNP and AIP
  2. Stopped issuing invitations for several retail, food service, and processing roles
  3. Shifted the Atlantic Immigration Program to a candidate pool system
  4. Temporarily paused new AIP employer designations
  5. Limited overseas recruitment to priority sectors only
  6. Extended the Private Career College Graduate Pilot until the end of 2026

These changes apply to both in-Canada and overseas candidates.

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Key Changes to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

1. Accommodation and Food Services No Longer Eligible

New Brunswick will no longer accept EOIs or issue invitations under the NBPNP for candidates working in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72) under:

  1. New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream
  2. New Brunswick Express Entry Stream

Important clarification:

  1. If an employer does not fall under NAICS 72, the candidate may still be eligible, even if the job title is similar.

2. Occupations No Longer Considered Under the Skilled Worker Stream

The following occupations are no longer eligible, regardless of sector:

Occupation NOC Code
Cashiers 65100
Fish and seafood plant workers 94142
Labourers in fish & seafood processing 95107
Labourers in food & beverage processing 95106
Meat cutters & fishmongers 65202
Customer & information service reps 64409
Retail salespersons & merchandisers 64100
Service station attendants 65101
Shippers and receivers 14400
Shelf stockers & order fillers 65102

3. Additional Restrictions Under the Express Entry Stream

Under the NBPNP Express Entry stream, the following occupations are now restricted:

Occupation NOC Code
Retail & wholesale trade managers 60020
Retail sales supervisors 62010
Retail & wholesale buyers 62101
Retail & wholesale butchers 63201

Private Career College Graduate Pilot Extended

In a relief move for certain international students, New Brunswick has extended the Private Career College Graduate Pilot until December 31, 2026, but only in limited capacity.

Who Benefits?
  1. Students already enrolled at Oulton College or Eastern College
  2. Those whose programs extend beyond the pilot’s original end date

After 2026:

  1. No new nominations will be issued under this pilot

This confirms that the extension is transitional, not permanent.

Major Changes to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

1. AIP Moves to a Candidate Pool System

New Brunswick has officially shifted the Atlantic Immigration Program to a candidate pool model, meaning:

  1. Employers must now select from a pool of eligible candidates
  2. Endorsements are no longer processed on a simple first-come basis

This aligns the AIP more closely with PNP-style selection.

2. Temporary Pause on New Employer Designations

The province has temporarily stopped accepting new AIP employer designation applications to:

  1. Review existing designated employers
  2. Reassess program priorities
  3. Ensure alignment with economic needs

Already designated employers may continue operations, subject to new rules.

3. Overseas Hiring Restricted to Priority Sectors

For candidates outside Canada, AIP endorsements are now limited to NB-led recruitment in only three sectors:

  1. Healthcare
  2. Education
  3. Construction trades

All other sectors are currently excluded from overseas recruitment.

4. Occupations Restricted Under AIP (Regardless of Sector)

New Brunswick will not consider AIP endorsements for the following roles:

Occupation NOC Code
Butchers (retail & wholesale) 63201
Fish & seafood plant workers 94142
Retail trade managers 60020
Retail sales supervisors 62010
Retail & wholesale buyers 62101
Shippers and receivers 14400
Retail salespersons 64100
Customer service representatives 64409

Additionally:

  1. Accommodation and food service jobs are explicitly excluded, even under AIP.

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What This Means for Immigration Applicants

For In-Canada Workers

  1. Priority is shifting to higher-skilled and shortage occupations
  2. Retail, food service, and low-wage roles face reduced pathways
  3. Express Entry-linked profiles must be carefully aligned

For Overseas Applicants

  1. Options are now more limited
  2. Healthcare, education, and construction are the main focuses
  3. Employer-backed pathways require tighter screening

For International Students

  1. Those in public institutions and priority sectors remain favoured
  2. Private college pathways are clearly being phased out

Conclusion: A Clear Shift Toward Targeted Immigration

New Brunswick’s 2026 immigration overhaul reflects a deliberate move toward control, selectivity, and economic alignment.

The province is no longer focused on volume but on who fills real labour gaps, especially in healthcare, education, and construction. While these changes may reduce options for some applicants, they also bring clarity and predictability for those in priority occupations.

Applicants who adapt early and align their profiles strategically will have a much stronger chance of success.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help

Visa Solutions 4u assists applicants by:

  1. Assessing NBPNP and AIP eligibility after the 2026 changes
  2. Identifying alternative provincial pathways if occupations are restricted
  3. Guiding employers through AIP compliance and candidate pool systems
  4. Helping international students plan PR-safe study and work routes
  5. Preparing strong EOIs and nomination applications

With New Brunswick tightening its immigration system, expert planning matters more than ever.

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