New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
New Brunswick, one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces, offers a welcoming environment for newcomers. Known for its affordable cost of living and family-friendly communities, New Brunswick is an ideal destination for those looking to settle in Canada. The province is also officially bilingual, with both English and French recognized at the provincial level.
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) allows skilled workers, international graduates, and business investors to live, work, and contribute to the province’s economy. Successful applicants receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which can be used to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
NBPNP Streams:
1. Express Entry Labour Market Stream
This stream uses Canada’s federal Express Entry system to match skilled workers with New Brunswick’s labour market needs. Candidates with work experience in high-demand occupations may receive a provincial nomination, boosting their Express Entry score and improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Eligibility:
- Must have work experience in an eligible occupation
- Meet federal Express Entry requirements (language, education, work experience)
- Show intent to live and work in New Brunswick
2. Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
This stream is designed for international graduates from a New Brunswick university or college who have started or acquired a business in the province.
Eligibility:
- Completed full-time studies in New Brunswick
- Have active involvement in the business
- Demonstrate financial capacity to support business operations
3. Skilled Workers with Employer Support
Candidates in this category must have a permanent, full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer. The employer must demonstrate the need for the candidate and support their application.
Eligibility:
- Job offer must meet provincial wage and skill requirements
- Must have relevant work experience for the offered position
- Intention to live and work in New Brunswick permanently
4. Entrepreneurial Stream
This stream targets investors and experienced business people looking to own or actively manage a business in New Brunswick.
Eligibility:
- Business plan demonstrating financial investment and operational involvement
- Minimum personal net worth and investment amount (as defined by the NBPNP)
- Intention to live in New Brunswick and actively manage the business
NBPNP Processing Timeline
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates have 90 days to submit a complete application to the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
- Interview: Applicants may be invited for an interview with an NBPNP officer.
- Nomination Certificate: Successful candidates receive a Certificate of Nomination, valid for six months from the date of issue.
- Permanent Residency Application: Candidates submit their application to IRCC for permanent residence under federal guidelines.