Live, Work, and Settle in New Brunswick, Canada
The largest among Canada's three Maritime Provinces, New Brunswick lies just south of Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula and borders the U.S. state of Maine.
Known for its affordable lifestyle and promising job prospects, New Brunswick offers a balanced mix of small-town charm and urban living in cities like Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton. The province also boasts stunning lakes, rivers, and outdoor attractions, making it an ideal place for newcomers seeking both opportunity and quality of life.
Individuals with qualifications and experience that align with provincial priorities may apply for a provincial nomination through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
Currently, there are five main immigration pathways under the NBPNP, each catering to different applicant profiles. Below is an overview to help you identify the stream best suited to your background.
1. Express Entry Stream
This stream enables New Brunswick to select candidates from the federal Express Entry system who meet its labour market and demographic goals. It follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) model.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold an active Express Entry profile;
- Must provide a Job Seeker Validation Code or proof of enrolment in a PGWP-eligible program at a recognized post-secondary institution;
- Must currently be living in New Brunswick;
- Must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French equivalent to CLB 7.
2. Skilled Worker Stream
This pathway is for individuals who have secured a permanent, full-time job offers from an employer based in New Brunswick.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must show intent to settle permanently in New Brunswick;
- Must possess a valid job offer and a support letter from an eligible employer;
- Must hold at least a Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent;
- Must be between 19 and 55 years of age;
- Must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at CLB 4.
3. Business Immigration Stream
This category is designed for entrepreneurs who plan to establish, purchase, or actively manage a business in New Brunswick while investing financially in it.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have an eligible connection to New Brunswick to submit an EOI;
- Must hold a post-secondary degree or diploma—either a three-year full-time academic program or a two-year trade diploma;
- Must demonstrate a minimum personal net worth of CAD 600,000, with at least CAD 300,000 available and unencumbered;
- Must be between 22 and 55 years of age;
- Must prove language proficiency in English or French at CLB 5.
4. Strategic Initiative Stream
This stream targets Francophone professionals who possess the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to New Brunswick’s economic development and intend to settle permanently in the province.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must plan to reside in New Brunswick;
- Must have a valid connection to the province;
- Must hold a Canadian or equivalent high school diploma;
- Must show proof of sufficient settlement funds;
- Must be between 19 and 55 years old;
- Must demonstrate French proficiency at NCLC 5.
5. Critical Worker Pilot
Launched in November 2022, this special pilot allows designated New Brunswick employers to hire and support foreign workers to fill critical labour shortages within the province.
Atlantic Immigration Program
As one of the four Atlantic provinces partnering with the Government of Canada, New Brunswick actively recruits skilled foreign talent to address regional labour needs. Applicants may apply from overseas or while holding temporary status in Canada.
To qualify, all candidates must have a valid job offer from a designated employer that meets the program’s conditions.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
If you’re planning to apply for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), follow these structured steps to ensure a smooth application process.
Steps for Applying to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Confirm eligibility | Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for your selected NBPNP stream before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI). |
| Express Entry | Create an Express Entry profile under one of the federal programs (FSW, FST, or CEC). Once done, you’ll receive a profile number and Job Seeker Validation Code. |
| Register on the INB portal | Sign up on the official New Brunswick INB online portal using your personal and contact details. |
| Complete profile | Fill in all required sections including personal information, citizenship, family details, and select your preferred immigration stream. |
| Submit EOI | Specify your connection to New Brunswick, complete details on language ability, education, work experience, and adaptability, calculate your score, and submit your EOI. |
| Full application | Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), submit your complete application within 45 days along with supporting documents, job offer (if applicable), and pay the processing fee via the INB portal. |
| Entrepreneurial streams | Submit an EOI showing your connection to New Brunswick, proposed business details, and points score. After full application submission and fee payment, establish your business within 9 months of arrival and provide a business performance report. |
| Permanent residency | After receiving NBPNP approval, apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through IRCC. The final decision will be made by the federal government. |
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Fee
Below are the processing fees applicable for each stream under the NBPNP:
| Immigration Stream | Application Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream | $250 |
| New Brunswick Express Entry Stream | $250 |
| New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream | $2,000 |
| New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream | $250 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | $1,525 (Processing Fee - $950 and Right of Permanent Residence - $575) |
NBPNP Processing Time
The table below outlines the average processing duration for each stream under the New Brunswick PNP:
| Immigration Stream | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream | 45 Calendar Days |
| New Brunswick Express Entry Stream | 6 Months |
| New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream | 18 Months |
| New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream | 6 Months |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | 8 Months |
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FAQs:New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Eligibility for the NBPNP depends on the stream you apply through. Generally, applicants must have the right skills, education, and work experience that match the province’s labour market needs. You must also show genuine intent to live in New Brunswick, meet language and education requirements, and have sufficient settlement funds.
The average processing time for a Canada PR visa is 6 to 9 months under the Express Entry system, provided all documents are complete and accurate. Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) may take 10–12 months.
Processing time varies by stream. On average, it may take around 45 days for the Skilled Worker Stream and up to six months for the Express Entry or Strategic Initiative Stream. Business Immigration applications can take longer, often up to 18 months.
Once you receive a provincial nomination, you must apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The nomination strengthens your application but the final decision for PR approval rests with the federal government.
After becoming a permanent resident, you have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada. However, since your nomination was based on your intention to settle in New Brunswick, you are expected to live there initially. Moving immediately to another province may raise questions about your genuine intent at the time of nomination.
