New Brunswick is making headlines across Canada by nearly tripling its permanent resident quota for 2025. The province has secured 4,250 permanent resident (PR) slots, up from the previously set quota of 2,750. This unprecedented increase underscores New Brunswick’s growing need for skilled workers and its resolve to attract and retain talent from all over the world.
This move comes at a crucial time when key sectors in the province — healthcare, education, and construction — are experiencing significant labour shortages. The policy change aims to match the demand for workers in these industries and drive sustained economic growth.
Key Industries Set to Benefit from Higher Immigration Levels
1️⃣ Healthcare: Filling Critical Gaps
New Brunswick’s healthcare system is under pressure due to an aging population and growing health service demands. Nurses, doctors, and health care workers are in short supply across the province, and adding more permanent residents will help ease these pressures. The government plans to prioritize applications from health care workers to fill these roles promptly.
2️⃣ Education: Providing Quality Instruction
The education sector is experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers and education assistants. To maintain the delivery of high-caliber education and support future generations, the province aims to recruit educators from abroad who can bring their expertise into classrooms across the province.
3️⃣ Construction: Boosting Infrastructure Development
As new infrastructure projects kick off, there is a growing need for skilled tradesmen — carpenters, electricians, and plumbers — to execute these plans. The increased quota will allow New Brunswick to recruit trades workers to help drive its future growth.
Collaborative Approach to Asylum Claimants and Housing Support
As part of its new policy, New Brunswick is also opening its doors to 400 asylum claimants over the next two years. To aid their settlement, the federal government is allocating $14.1 million through the Interim Housing Assistance Program. This funding will help provide temporary housing and support services to help asylum seekers integrate into their new communities and find employment quickly.
Support from Industry Leaders and Small Businesses
This policy change has received strong backing from businesses and industry organizations across the province.
The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, the NB Multicultural Council, and companies like Irving have all recognized the potential benefits of this policy. Small businesses — which form the backbone of the provincial economic structure — will particularly benefit from having access to a larger pool of skilled workers. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 51% of small businesses in the province say their greatest challenge is a shortage of qualified workers.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
If you’re considering making New Brunswick your home, ICC Immigration is here to guide you through the process and maximize your chances of securing permanent residency in Canada.
We specialize in:
✅ Permanent Residency Applications:
We handle all the paperwork and communication on your behalf — whether you’re applying through ExpressEntry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other Canadian immigration streams — to help you navigate the process efficiently.
✅ Work Permits and Study Permits:
If you want to come to Canada temporarily first, we can help you find a suitable work or study permit, allowing you to start your Canadian journey and later apply for permanent residency.
✅ Family Sponsorships:
If you already have family members in Canada, we can help you sponsor them for permanent residency and reconnect your family.
✅ Expert Legal Guidance:
Canadian immigration policy is complex and frequently changing. Our team of qualified lawyers and RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) will stay on top of policy updates and make sure you submit a strong application — reducing the risk of rejection.
Instead of choosing the unpredictable asylum route, we help you pursue permanent and temporary programs that align with your qualifications and goals. Whether you’re already in Canada or planning your move from abroad, we will provide tailored strategies to maximize your success.
The Broader Impact on New Brunswick’s Economy
The policy’s effects will be far-ranging. Filling employment gaps with skilled workers will enable businesses to grow, create additional employment opportunities for locals, and boost the provincial economic base. Furthermore, newcomers bring a rich diversity of skills, perspectives, and innovations, strengthening communities and adding to the overall prosperity of the province.
What’s Next for New Brunswick’s Immigration Strategy
In the coming months, the provincial government will collaborate with industry stakeholders and community organizations to match workers to available jobs. It will also implement supports to help newcomers integrate and settle smoothly in their new home.
This forward-thinking approach will help match newcomers’ skills to sectors experiencing shortage, strengthening the province’s workforce and its ability to grow and innovate in the future.
Final Thoughts
New Brunswick’s decision to nearly triple its permanent resident quota for 2025 signals a dramatic policy shift designed to grow its population, ease chronic labor shortages, and drive sustained economic expansion.
For prospective immigrants, this is a unique opportunity to pursue a future filled with stability, opportunity, and a high standard of living in a welcoming Canadian community.
If you’re ready to make the move, ICC Immigration is here to help you navigate every step of the process — from choosing the right program to securing your permanent residence in Canada.