Fredericton, June 16, 2025 — While most provinces are grappling with deep cuts to their immigration quotas for 2025, New Brunswick has secured a modest rebound through a strategic federal side agreement—unlocking 4,250 provincial and Atlantic Immigration nominations, despite the earlier 50% cut.
Earlier in 2025, Ottawa cut New Brunswick’s PNP and AIP nomination spaces from 5,500 to just 2,750—a move that raised concerns about the impact on vital sectors such as health care, education, and construction. In response, the provincial government successfully negotiated an additional 1,500 spots, bringing the total back to 4,250 for the upcoming year.
However, this increase comes with a trade-off: New Brunswick has agreed to accept up to 400 asylum claimants over the next two years. The federal government will support this commitment through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which provides temporary housing for asylum seekers.
ECONOMIC NEEDS MEET POLICY LIMITS
This reallocation arrives at a critical time. New Brunswick, like much of Canada, is grappling with serious labour shortages—especially in healthcare, education, and construction—which remain the province’s top priorities for immigration nominations in 2025.
While some other sectors may still receive nominations, these will be more limited, and certain occupations have been temporarily excluded from the program altogether. Provincial officials acknowledge the revised quota is less than ideal but view it as a necessary compromise to keep essential migration pathways open for the local economy.
AIP ALLOCATION FULLY UTILIZED
It’s important to note that the additional 1,500 nominations apply exclusively to the NBPNP. The province’s AIP quota, fixed at 1,250, has already been fully allocated for 2025. Due to overwhelming demand, the Atlantic Immigration Program suspended applications earlier this spring.
NATIONAL CUTS CAST A LONG SHADOW
New Brunswick is only the second province to renegotiate its immigration quota successfully. Most others continue to operate under drastically reduced allocations following the federal government’s decision to slash the national PNP target from 120,000 to 55,000 for 2025.
For example:
- Ontario’s allocation dropped from 21,500 in 2024 to 10,750 this year.
- British Columbia’s fell from 8,000 to 4,000.
- Saskatchewan and Alberta have confirmed similar reductions of up to 50%.
These cutbacks have forced provinces to restructure immigration streams, limit application windows, and adjust labour market strategies to cope with fewer nominees.
LOOKING AHEAD
New Brunswick’s new agreement offers a rare success story amid a challenging immigration landscape, but it also highlights the tough balancing act provinces face between addressing economic needs and meeting federal commitments around refugee resettlement and housing.
