The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program targets qualified candidates who meet specific economic and labour market needs in the province.
Under the NBPNP, candidates can qualify through one of six streams, some with their own sub-categories:
- New Brunswick Express Entry
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker
- New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
- New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
- New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot
- New Brunswick Business Immigration
Candidates can also qualify for New Brunswick immigration via the Atlantic Immigration Program.
On This Page You Will Find
- An overview of New Brunswick immigration streams
- Eligibility criteria for NBPNP pathways
- Details on Express Entry and Skilled Worker categories
- Information on business and international graduate programs
- Frequently asked questions about NB immigration
New Brunswick Express Entry
The New Brunswick Express Entry Stream has two immigration pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residence:
- Employment in New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Interests
Both categories operate through the federal Express Entry system and share several common criteria, but each has its own set of unique requirements based on how the applicant is connected to the province.
Shared Requirements for Both Pathways
To be eligible for either stream, you must:
- Have a valid Express Entry profile with a job seeker validation code
- Score at least CLB 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) using an approved test
- Have a Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Be between the ages of 19 and 55
- Score at least 67 out of 100 points based on NBPNP’s selection factors:
- Age (max 12 points)
- Language ability (max 28 points)
- Education (max 25 points)
- Work experience (max 15 points)
- Arranged employment (max 10 points)
- Adaptability (max 10 points)
- Show that you intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick
Employment in New Brunswick
This stream is for skilled workers already living and working full time in New Brunswick.
You must:
- Be living in New Brunswick with legal temporary resident status
- Be working full time (30+ hours/week) for a New Brunswick employer
- Have worked for the same employer for at least 12 consecutive months in a job classified under TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Have a valid work permit
- Provide:
- Employer reference letter, job offer, or contract
- Work permit and 12 months of pay stubs
- Proof of New Brunswick residency (e.g., lease, bills)
Additional requirements:
- Your employer must meet NBPNP eligibility criteria, including:
- At least 2 years of active operation in New Brunswick
- A physical place of business in the province
- Compliance with labour standards
- Your job must be non-seasonal, permanent, and offer a competitive base wage
- If you are working in a regulated occupation, you must hold the appropriate New Brunswick licence
- If you are a transport truck driver (NOC 73300), you must already hold a New Brunswick Class 1 licence
New Brunswick Interests
This stream is for skilled workers not currently working in New Brunswick but who have received a Letter of Interest from the province through their Express Entry profile.
You must:
- Receive a Letter of Interest from Immigration New Brunswick
- Have at least 1 year of full-time, continuous, paid work experience within the last 10 years in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation (Canadian or foreign experience)
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the INB portal within 45 days of receiving your Letter of Interest
You may receive a Letter of Interest if:
- You or your spouse has a close family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) who has been living in New Brunswick as a citizen or permanent resident for at least 12 months
- You attended an official recruitment event or information session hosted by the Government of New Brunswick within the last year
- You are a francophone whose primary occupation aligns with an in-demand sector in New Brunswick
New Brunswick Skilled Worker
The New Brunswick Skilled Worker stream is a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals with the skills needed in the province. It has three categories: New Brunswick Experience, New Brunswick Graduates and New Brunswick Priority Occupations.
New Brunswick Experience
The New Brunswick Experience stream is for skilled foreign workers who are already living in New Brunswick and have work experience with an eligible local employer. This pathway allows applicants with at least six months of continuous, full-time work in the province to apply for permanent residence.
Unlike Express Entry-aligned pathways, this stream is not points-based and does not require a federal Express Entry profile.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under this stream, you must meet all of the following:
1. New Brunswick Employment
- You must be working full-time (30+ hours/week) in a non-seasonal job for an eligible employer.
- You must have completed at least 6 consecutive months of work for the same employer.
- Your job must fall under a valid NOC code (any TEER level is accepted).
- The job must pay a competitive base wage based on regional labour market standards.
- If your job is in a regulated occupation, you must hold a valid licence or certification in New Brunswick.
- If you are a transport truck driver (NOC 73300), you must have a valid NB Class 1 licence.
2. Education
- Your education must meet the NOC requirements for your job.
- If your credentials are from outside Canada, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) issued within the last 5 years.
3. Language Proficiency
- You must score at least CLB 4 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Accepted tests include: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada, or PTE Core.
- Test results must be less than 2 years old.
4. Residency in New Brunswick
- You must have lived in New Brunswick for at least 6 months with valid temporary resident status.
- Provide supporting documents such as:
- Lease or rental agreement
- NB driver’s licence or vehicle registration
- Utility bills, pay stubs, or insurance policies
5. Intent to Reside
- You must demonstrate your intent to settle in New Brunswick permanently.
- Factors considered include:
- Continued employment
- Property ownership or rental history
- Community ties and networks
6. Age
- You must be at least 19 years old.
New Brunswick Graduates
The New Brunswick Graduates category offers a pathway to permanent residence for recent international graduates of designated learning institutions (DLIs) in New Brunswick. This stream aims to retain skilled talent educated in the province and help meet the local labour market needs.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you must:
- Graduate from a New Brunswick DLI:
You must have completed a program eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from a recognized institution in the province. - Have a Job or Job Offer:
You must be working in a full-time, non-seasonal position in New Brunswick or have accepted an offer for one. Your employer must be eligible and willing to support your application. - Meet the Education Requirements of Your Job:
Your education must match the requirements outlined for your occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). - Demonstrate Language Proficiency:
You need at least CLB 4 in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), unless:- Your job falls under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3; and
- Your completed program in New Brunswick was conducted in English or French.
- Live in New Brunswick:
You must have lived in New Brunswick for at least six months with valid temporary residence status. - Plan to Stay in the Province:
You must intend to live and work in New Brunswick long-term. - Be At Least 19 Years Old.
Special Case: MAHE–UNB Nursing Graduates
If you completed the MAHE–UNB Dual Degree in Nursing and have accepted a registered nurse position (NOC 31301), you are exempt from the education and residency requirements.
You must submit your valid temporary registration permit from the Nurses Association of New Brunswick (NANB).
New Brunswick Priority Occupations
The New Brunswick Priority Occupations category provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who receive a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in a high-demand occupation. This job offer must come directly as a result of a recruitment mission led by the Government of New Brunswick.
Who Can Apply
You may qualify if you:
- Receive a Full-Time Job Offer
Your job offer must:- Be from an eligible New Brunswick employer;
- Be for a permanent, non-seasonal position in a priority NOC code (listed below);
- Result directly from participation in a Government of New Brunswick-led recruitment mission.
- Have Related Work Experience
You need at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of paid work experience in the same or a related job (same or related NOC) within the last 5 years. - Meet Job-Specific Education Requirements
Your education must match the National Occupational Classification (NOC) requirements for your job. - Show Language Proficiency
You must score at least CLB 4 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) on an approved English or French test. - Intend to Stay in New Brunswick
You must show a genuine intent to live and work in the province permanently. - Be at Least 19 Years Old
Priority Occupations
Your job offer must fall under one of the following NOC 2021 codes:
Healthcare
- 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
- 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- 33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
- 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- 44101 – Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations
Education
- 41220 – Secondary school teachers
- 41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
- 42201 – Social and community service workers
- 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants
- 43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Construction trades
- 70010 – Construction managers
- 70011 – Home building and renovation managers
- 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades, and telecommunications occupations
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers
- 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- 72102 – Sheet metal workers
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72201 – Industrial electricians
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 72320 – Bricklayers
- 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 72402 – Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
- 72500 – Crane operators
- 73100 – Concrete finishers
- 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers, and finishers and lathers
- 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
- 75110 – Construction trades helpers and labourers
- 75101 – Material handlers
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
The New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream targets French-speaking skilled workers who have the education, work experience, and intent to live and work in New Brunswick (NB) permanently.
Who Can Apply
You may be eligible if you:
- Are at least 19 years old.
- Demonstrate French-language proficiency at NCLC 5 or higher in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
- Have a Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
- Have a qualifying connection to New Brunswick (see below).
- Meet or are exempt from the federal proof of funds requirement.
- Score at least 65 points out of 100 on the NBPNP Strategic Initiative selection grid.
Qualifying Connection to New Brunswick
You must meet at least one of the following:
A. Exploratory Visit
- Conducted within 12 months of applying.
- Lasted at least 5 full business days.
- You explored job opportunities, housing, schools, communities, and professional networks.
- Not available if you have been a temporary resident of another Canadian province in the past 5 years.
B. Genuine Job Offer
- Full-time, year-round, permanent job in a TEER 0 to 5 occupation.
- Offer must meet market wage rates.
- Regulated occupations require a valid NB license or certification.
- Employer must be in good standing and directly hiring you (not through agencies).
C. NB Strategic Priorities
You may be invited to apply if:
- You graduated from Université de Moncton or Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) within the last 6 months.
- You have been living in NB and working remotely for a Canadian company outside Quebec for at least 12 months.
- You received a Letter of Interest from NB Immigration.
Selection Factors (Maximum 100 Points)
Factor | Maximum Points |
Age | 12 |
French Language Skills | 28 |
Education | 25 |
Work Experience | 15 |
Adaptability | 20 |
Minimum to Qualify | 65 |
Adaptability Points (Examples)
- Exploratory visit: 15
- Previous NB employment: 15
- Job offer in NB: 15
- Family ties in NB: 5
- NB education: 5
- Spouse’s French level (CLB/NCLC 5+): 5
- Spouse’s work experience in NB: 5
New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot
The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot offers a permanent residence pathway for international students who complete specific programs of study at eligible private career colleges in New Brunswick.
Candidate Requirements
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- Intent to Reside: Show strong ties to New Brunswick and your plans to stay long term.
- Job Offer: Secure full-time, non-seasonal employment related to your field of study within 90 days of graduation.
- Wage: Your offered wage must be competitive for your occupation in New Brunswick.
- Language: Minimum of CLB/NCLC 5 in each language ability using an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF).
- Education: Completion of an eligible program (minimum 10 months, with one 35-week exception) from an approved college.
- PR Ready: You must be ready to apply for permanent residence with all required documentation on hand.
Work experience is not required to apply under this pilot.
Eligible Colleges and Programs
Only graduates from two private career colleges are eligible:
- Eastern College
- Oulton College
Eligible Occupations
The following occupations are linked to approved programs of study offered by Eastern College and Oulton College.
1. Education and Social Development
Eastern College:
- Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker
- NOC 42201 – Social and Community Service Workers
- Early Childhood Education
- NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
Oulton College:
- Early Childhood Education / Educational Assistant
- NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
- NOC 43100 – Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
- Child and Youth Care
- NOC 42201 – Social and Community Service Workers
- Human Services Counsellor
- NOC 42201 – Social and Community Service Workers
2. Health
Eastern College:
- Medical Administrative Specialist
- NOC 13112 – Medical Administrative Assistants
- Personal Support Worker
- NOC 33102 – Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
- NOC 44101 – Home Support Workers, Housekeepers and Related Occupations
Oulton College:
- Medical Office Administration
- NOC 13112 – Medical Administrative Assistants
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- NOC 33101 – Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- NOC 32120 – Medical Laboratory Technologists
- Practical Nurse
- NOC 32101 – Licensed Practical Nurses
- Primary Care Paramedic
- NOC 32102 – Paramedics and Related Occupations
3. Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Eastern College:
- Application Development (Mobile Web)
- Video Game Development
- NOC 21230 – Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
- NOC 21233 – Web Designers
- NOC 21234 – Web Developers and Programmers
- IT Systems and Security Administrator
- Advanced Systems Management and Cybersecurity
- NOC 22220 – Computer Network Technicians
- NOC 22221 – User Support Technicians
Oulton College:
- Systems Management and Cybersecurity
- NOC 22220 – Computer Network Technicians
- NOC 22221 – User Support Technicians
4. Business Administration
Eastern College:
- Accounting and Payroll Administrator
- NOC 12200 – Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers
- NOC 13102 – Payroll Clerks
- NOC 14200 – Accounting and Related Clerks
- NOC 14201 – Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Clerks
Oulton College:
- Business Management and Entrepreneurship
- NOC 12200 – Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers
- NOC 13102 – Payroll Clerks
- NOC 14200 – Accounting and Related Clerks
- NOC 14201 – Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Clerks
5. Supply Chain and Logistics
Eastern College:
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- NOC 14400 – Shippers and Receivers
- NOC 12013 – Supply Chain, Tracking and Scheduling Coordination Occupations
- NOC 13201 – Production and Transportation Logistics Coordinators
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is an employer-driven immigration stream.
Employer Eligibility Requirements
- Must be in good standing with federal and provincial laws and immigration programs.
- Must have participated in an ONB international recruitment mission in the past two years.
- Must demonstrate past performance in immigration hiring.
- Must develop and maintain settlement, housing, and transportation plans for workers.
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
- Job Offer: Full-time, non-seasonal, with competitive wages from an eligible employer.
- Intent to Reside: Candidates must demonstrate genuine plans to settle in New Brunswick.
- Language: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in all abilities, or employer attestation if results are unavailable.
- Education: Minimum Canadian high school diploma or equivalent; ECA required for foreign credentials or employer attestation if unavailable.
- Work Experience: Minimum 1,560 hours over the last 5 years in a relevant NOC, or employer attestation if documentation is missing.
New Brunswick Business Immigration
The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NB BIS) is designed for experienced businesspeople ready to invest in and actively manage a business in New Brunswick.
Eligibility
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be 19 to 59 years old
- Score at least CLB 4 in all language skills
- Hold a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a verifiable personal net worth of at least $500,000 CAD ($300,000 if investing in agriculture)
- Own at least 33.3% of the proposed business
- Invest at least $150,000 CAD before taxes
- Demonstrate at least two years of business ownership or senior management experience in the last five years
- Submit a viable business plan
Business Requirements
Your business must:
- Be for-profit and generate income from goods/services
- Be a permanent establishment under Canadian law
- Create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or PR (not a relative)
- Be operated by you actively from within NB
- Comply with all NB and Canadian regulations
Investment Requirements
Eligible investments include:
- Business premises (max 25%)
- Office equipment and tools
- Equipment for manufacturing or production
- Initial inventory (max 50%)
- Operational costs (first 6 months)
- Professional services (max 4% or $10,000)
- Business vehicle (max 5% or $15,000)
Personal use purchases such as homes or luxury vehicles are not eligible.
Purchasing an Existing Business
You must prove:
- The business has operated under the same owner for 3+ years
- It’s owned by a Canadian citizen or PR
- It’s not in receivership or bankruptcy
- It will be bought at fair market value
- It has shown net profit in 2 of the last 3 years
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the main pathways to immigrate to New Brunswick?
New Brunswick offers six key immigration streams under its Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP): Express Entry, Skilled Worker, Strategic Initiative, Critical Worker Pilot, Private Career College Graduate Pilot, and Business Immigration. Each stream targets a different category of immigrants, from international students and skilled workers to entrepreneurs and francophones. The Atlantic Immigration Program is also available.
2. Do I need a job offer to apply to New Brunswick’s immigration streams?
It depends on the stream. Some streams – like the Employment in New Brunswick category under Express Entry and the Skilled Worker stream – require a full-time job offer. Others – like the New Brunswick Interests or Strategic Initiative – do not require a job offer but need other ties to the province, such as a family connection or an exploratory visit.
3. What language tests are accepted for New Brunswick immigration?
Accepted language tests include IELTS General, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada, and PTE Core. Most streams require a minimum score of CLB 4 to 7 depending on the pathway. In some cases, an employer attestation may substitute for test results if documentation is unavailable.
4. Can international graduates from private colleges in NB apply for permanent residence?
Yes. The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot offers a PR pathway for graduates from Eastern or Oulton College. You must complete an eligible program, secure a full-time job in a related occupation within 90 days of graduation, and meet language, education, and age requirements.
5. How much do I need to invest to immigrate through New Brunswick’s Business stream?
You need to invest at least $150,000 CAD (pre-tax) and own at least 33.3% of a business in New Brunswick. Your net worth must be at least $500,000 CAD – or $300,000 if investing in agriculture. You must also submit a viable business plan and create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
