New Brunswick Provincial
Nominee Program

Located on Canada’s eastern coast along the Atlantic Ocean, New Brunswick is one of the country’s most welcoming and affordable provinces for new immigrants. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) provides multiple immigration pathways designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, graduates, and professionals who can meet local labour market needs and contribute to the province’s long-term economic growth.

New Brunswick is particularly appealing for immigrants seeking a balanced lifestyle, close-knit communities, and access to nature, including forests, rivers, and lakes. The province is also known for having some of the most affordable housing in Canada, making it an attractive destination for newcomers looking to establish themselves without the high cost of living found in larger metropolitan areas.

The Express Entry Labour Market Stream aims to attract skilled foreign workers to boost New Brunswick’s economy and meet Canada’s Express Entry criteria. It uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, accepting submissions from candidates who meet specific provincial requirements. Applicants must have an active Express Entry profile, live and work in New Brunswick, and hold a valid job offer in a skilled occupation under NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2, along with a Canadian work permit.

Candidates must show language proficiency in English or French at CLB level 7 and provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma. At least one year of skilled work experience is required. The selection system is points-based, considering language skills, education, work experience, age, adaptability, and arranged employment, with a minimum score of 67 points. New Brunswick does not follow a fixed EOI intake schedule and can adjust its intake as needed.

The Entrepreneurial Stream is designed for seasoned business owners and senior managers looking to establish or purchase a business in New Brunswick while actively managing it from within the province. To qualify, applicants must show a genuine connection to New Brunswick, which can be demonstrated by completing an exploratory visit of at least five business days in the past year or by attending an approved information session. Only those with such connections can submit an Expression of Interest.

Applicants need post-secondary education and a minimum of three years of management or business ownership experience, along with language proficiency of at least CLB level 5. Financially, they must have a personal net worth of at least CAD 600,000 and invest a minimum of CAD 250,000 into a qualifying New Brunswick business. Candidates are evaluated on a points grid and must score at least 65 points to stay competitive. Successful applicants are expected to either start a new business or acquire an existing one and actively manage its daily operations.

The Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream is designed for international graduates who have completed their studies in New Brunswick and successfully launched a business there. Applicants must have finished a full-time post-secondary program of at least two years at a recognized institution in the province and lived in New Brunswick during their studies. Additionally, they must have owned and operated a business in the province for at least one year before applying.

There is no minimum investment requirement, but applicants must own 100% of the business, actively manage it, and earn income that meets or exceeds the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 10%. The business should be for-profit and employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident full-time. Candidates must also demonstrate language proficiency at CLB level 7 and comply with all provincial regulations.

The Skilled Worker Stream with Employer Support is designed for foreign nationals who have received a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer. The position must be full-time, non-seasonal, and directly related to the applicant’s skills and experience.

Eligible job offers generally fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2, although certain lower-skilled occupations may qualify if they fall within specific NOC categories identified by the province. Applicants must meet minimum language requirements of CLB level 4, possess at least a high school education, and have work experience related to the offered position.

This stream does not require an Express Entry profile or any financial investment.

New Brunswick is also a participating province under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), an employer-driven immigration initiative designed to address labor shortages and population decline across Atlantic Canada.

Through the AIP, designated employers in New Brunswick can hire foreign workers and international graduates for permanent roles without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Successful applicants receive support with settlement services and may immigrate to Canada along with their families.