Effective February 3, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick has updated eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker Stream, excluding certain occupations primarily in accommodation, food services, and retail sectors from receiving expressions of interest or invitations to apply.
The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream provides a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals employed or with job offers in full-time, non-seasonal positions with eligible New Brunswick employers. As of February 3, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick will not consider applications from candidates working in specified occupations within the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72) and certain retail and related occupations, regardless of sector. Candidates in these excluded occupations may still apply if employed outside these sectors. Applicants are responsible for maintaining valid work authorization during processing, and processing times are not guaranteed.
- Effective February 3, 2026, Immigration New Brunswick is not accepting EOIs or issuing ITAs under the Skilled Worker Stream for candidates in accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72) occupations.
- Excluded NOC codes include but are not limited to restaurant and food service managers, chefs, cooks, bartenders, hotel front desk clerks, food and beverage servers, and related roles.
- Additional excluded occupations regardless of sector include retail and wholesale trade managers, retail sales supervisors, cashiers, meat cutters, fish and seafood plant workers, and labourers in food and seafood processing.
- Candidates in excluded occupations may submit EOIs if employed by businesses outside the accommodation or food services sector.
- Applicants must maintain valid work authorization throughout the immigration process; processing times are not guaranteed.
- Restriction effective February 3, 2026, excluding certain occupations from consideration under the Skilled Worker Stream.
- No EOIs or ITAs will be issued for candidates in specified NOC codes primarily in accommodation, food services, and retail sectors.
- Foreign nationals applying under the New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream, particularly those employed in accommodation, food services, and specified retail occupations.
- Eligible skilled workers with full-time, non-seasonal employment or job offers from New Brunswick employers.
- Review the relevant application guides for your pathway: New Brunswick Experience, New Brunswick Graduates, or New Brunswick Priority Occupations.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if eligible and employed in permitted occupations and sectors.
- Complete required forms including NB-004 Employment Information and NB-005 Consent and Declaration.
- Monitor your Immigration New Brunswick profile for updates.
- Restriction effective February 3, 2026.