Immigrate to the province of New Brunswick : Complete Guide to New Brunswick PNP Streams & Eligibility
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals who wish to live and work, or run a business, in New Brunswick. Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) manages the NBPNP in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility for Each Immigration Stream in New Brunswick (NBPNP)
New Brunswick immigration program includes several streams, each with its own requirements. To be eligible to immigrate to New Brunswick, you generally must:
1. Express Entry Stream
Best for: Skilled workers with an active Express Entry profile and connection to New Brunswick.
Valid Express Entry profile under Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, or FST program.
Language: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.
Education: Minimum Canadian high school equivalent + Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Work Experience: Minimum 1 year full-time (or equivalent) in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 5 years.
Connection to : Job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
Currently working full-time in NB for 12 months or more.
Invitation from NB via targeted draw.
Settlement funds: Must meet federal minimum based on family size.
2. Skilled Worker Stream (Employer-Supported)
Best for: Foreign workers already working or with job offers in NB.
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time from an NB employer in TEER 0–4.
Work Experience: 1 year of related work experience in the last 5 years.
Age: Candidate age between 19–55.
Education: High school diploma or higher.
Language: Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
Intent to Reside: Must plan to live and work in NB.
Selection Score: Minimum 60 out of 100 points on NB selection grid.
3. New Brunswick Graduates
Graduate of a designated private career college in NB.
Program must be at least 10 months long and in an eligible occupation
Valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Must have a full-time job offer in a related field from an eligible NB employer.
Meet language requirements (usually CLB 4 or higher).
Must plan to live and work in New Brunswick permanently.
4. New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream
Age: Must be 21 to 59 years old.
Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French.
Minimum two years of post secondary education.
Legally acquired personal net worth of at least CAD $600,000, with CAD $300,000 liquid.
Business investment of at least CAD $200,000 into an NB business.
Must submit a business concept and be invited to apply by the province.
Minimum three years of business ownership or senior management experience in the last 5 years.
Must submit a business performance agreement.
Must have a Visit to New Brunswick and attend an invitation only session.
5. Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pathway towards permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada who want to live and work in New Brunswick.
Valid job offer from a designated Atlantic employer in New Brunswick.
Meet education and language requirements based on the NOC level.
Here’s what typically happens after you apply to immigrate to New Brunswick through a program like the NB Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) or other federal streams:
Application Acknowledgement : You’ll receive a confirmation that your application has been received. This may include a file number or reference ID for tracking.
Application Review : Officials will assess your application to ensure that All documents are complete, You meet eligibility criteria (education, work experience, language, etc.), There is no missing or misleading information
Interview or Additional Information : You may be contacted for a virtual or in-person interview, and additional documents, clarification about your employment or background
Nomination Decision (for NBPNP) : If approved, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which significantly boosts your Express Entry CRS score or supports your non-Express Entry application.
Apply for Permanent Residence : Once nominated, you can submit your PR application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) either through: Express Entry (online) if you’re in that stream, Paper-based process if you’re applying outside of Express Entry
Background & Medical Checks : IRCC will conduct for the criminal record checks, Medical exams, security screenings
Final Decision & Confirmation : If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and also you may be issued a PR visa (if outside Canada)
Important Notice : Atlantic Immigration Program Update 2025
🚫 Effective April 4, 2025, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is paused for the remainder of the year due to reaching the full 2025 application quota. This means,
No new endorsement applications will be accepted
No new employer designation invitations will be issued
Applications submitted on or before April 4, 2025, will continue to be processed.
Applications submitted after this date will be closed and not reviewed.
Why Choose New Brunswick Province?
Affordable Cost of Living : Housing, transportation, and daily expenses are significantly lower than in larger Canadian provinces.
Safe and Peaceful Environment : Low crime rates and a quiet lifestyle make it ideal for families and retirees.
Welcoming Communities : Friendly locals and strong community spirit create a supportive atmosphere for newcomers.
Quality Education : Access to excellent public schools and reputable universities like the University of New Brunswick.
Free Healthcare : Residents benefit from Canada’s universal healthcare system with no out-of-pocket cost for most services.
Immigration Friendly Programs : Multiple pathways through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Bilingual Advantage : As a bilingual province (English and French), it offers opportunities to work and live in both language communities.
Frequently Asking Questions
What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)?
It’s a program that allows New Brunswick to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the province’s economic and labor market needs.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to New Brunswick?
Not always. Some streams require a valid job offer (e.g., Skilled Worker Stream), while others (e.g., Express Entry Stream) may not, especially if you meet other eligibility criteria.
What are the immigration streams under NBPNP?
Express Entry Stream Skilled Worker Stream Critical Worker Pilot Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Is French language required for New Brunswick immigration?
Only if you are applying through the Strategic Initiative Stream for Francophone immigrants. Otherwise, English is sufficient for most streams.
Can I apply to NBPNP from outside Canada?
Yes, many applicants apply from abroad. However, your chances increase with ties to New Brunswick, such as a job offer or study experience.
Can I apply under more than one stream?
You can only apply to one NBPNP stream at a time, but you can update your profile or reapply under a different stream if eligible.
What happens if my application is refused?
You may reapply or appeal depending on the reason. It’s crucial to review the refusal letter and seek professional guidance.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes, your spouse and dependent children can be included in your PR application.
