Why Apply for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)?

New Brunswick is a good option for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international grads looking to get permanent residency in Canada. The NBPNP program is designed to meet the job market needs in the province and support its economic goals.

• New Brunswick has a high job vacancy rate compared to the rest of Atlantic Canada.
• In 2024, the province issued more than 4,200 nominations for the Provincial Nominee Program.
• There are fast-track options for applicants through Express Entry.
• With an aging population, there is a growing need for young skilled workers.
• Those who qualify can include their dependents and later apply for permanent residency in Canada.

 

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What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)?

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is a way for people to get Canada PR or permanent residency through New Brunswick PNP. The program is designed to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can help boost the local economy and fill job gaps. There are different paths within the program for skilled workers, those with job offers, people with family in New Brunswick, and French speakers.

Some of the features of the New Brunswick Nominee Program are given below.

• Skilled Worker Stream: Aimed at people with skills and experience that are needed in New Brunswick.
• Express Entry Labour Market Stream: Works with the Canada Express Entry system to find and nominate candidates based on the specific needs of the province.
• Employer Support: Lets employers in New Brunswick nominate foreign workers for permanent residency if they have a job offer.
• Strategic Initiative Stream: Focuses on skilled workers who speak French and want to live and work in New Brunswick.
• Business Stream: Helps entrepreneurs who want to start businesses and contribute to the local economy.

 

Types of New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has different paths to bring in skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to the area. These paths include:

• Express Entry Stream
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Critical Worker Pilot
• Business Immigration Stream
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Express Entry Stream

The New Brunswick Express Entry stream is part of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and aims to bring in skilled workers who can support the local economy and meet job market needs. It uses the federal Express Entry system to make the immigration process smoother for those looking to settle in New Brunswick.

Here are some key points about the NBPNP Express Entry stream:

• Works with Federal Express Entry: This stream works alongside the federal Express Entry system, so if you get nominated by New Brunswick, you can then receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Expression of Interest (EOI) Model: Candidates need to submit an expression of interest to the NBPNP, and those chosen will be invited to apply for nomination.
• Selection Factors: While it follows the federal guidelines, the NBPNP has its own criteria for selection, including language skills (English or French), education, work experience, and age.
• Labor Market Focus: The stream prioritizes candidates who can help fill specific job shortages in the province.
• Extra Points for Nominations: If you get nominated by New Brunswick through this stream, you will earn an extra 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which boosts your chances of getting an ITA.

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Skilled Worker Stream

The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream is part of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and is set up for foreign workers who have got the skills, education, and experience needed to help out in the local economy. This program assists New Brunswick employers in hiring skilled workers from outside Canada to fill job gaps. To qualify, applicants need a real job offer from a New Brunswick employer, meet certain age and language standards, and show they can settle in the province.

Some of the primary aspects of the Skilled Worker Stream:

• Job Offer: You need a real job offer for a full-time, permanent role from a New Brunswick employer.
• Employer Requirements: The employer has to prove they really need to fill the position and that they have been trying to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

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Critical Worker Pilot

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is a five-year immigration program that aims to fill job gaps in the province by letting certain employers bring in foreign workers for key roles. This program is different because it allows employers to offer training in language and skills, plus help newcomers settle into life in New Brunswick. Candidates do not apply straight to the program; they do it through the participating employers.

The key features of the NBCWP include:

• Targeted Industries: The program zeroes in on fields that really need workers, like manufacturing, food production, farming, health care support, and truck driving.
• Employer-Driven: Employers are the main contact for candidates, and all applications go through them.
• Flexible Language Requirements: It is easier to meet language test requirements, so people with lower English or French skills might still qualify.
• Settlement Support: Employers must help newcomers adjust by providing support for things like housing, transport, and language training.
• 5-Year Pilot Program: This is a temporary program, and the government will regularly check how well it is doing.
• Employer Participation: At the start, six New Brunswick employers who are good at hiring and supporting newcomers are taking part.

 

Business Immigration Stream

The Business Immigration Stream in New Brunswick's Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is for experienced business owners looking to start and manage a business in New Brunswick while living there permanently. To apply, you need to show that you are dedicated to running the business and helping the local economy.

 

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a way for skilled foreign workers and international grads to get permanent residency in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is aimed at helping these provinces fill job gaps by letting certain employers hire qualified candidates from other countries.

The overview of the role of AIP in New Brunswick PNP is given below:

• It is a joint effort between the federal and provincial government to attract skilled immigrants who can meet local job needs. New Brunswick is actively involved in this program along with the other Atlantic provinces.
• New Brunswick has a list of designated employers who can take part in the AIP. These employers have to prove they need foreign workers and agree to help them settle in. There is also an Employer Portal to assist them in finding the right candidates.

Some key points about the AIP in New Brunswick include:

• It is an employer-driven, meaning that designated employers find and recruit foreign workers for specific jobs.
• The program is aimed at skilled workers with experience as well as recent grads from recognized schools in Atlantic Canada.
• If applicants are successful, they can get permanent residency.
• The program offers settlement support to help newcomers adjust to their new lives.

 

Benefits of the New Brunswick PNP

Some of the benefits of the New Brunswick PNP are given below.

• You can get Canadian permanent residency.
• Getting a job offer can boost your job security.
• Family members can come along with you.
• You will have access to healthcare and education in the province.
• There are options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.

Eligibility Criteria for the NBPNP

The eligibility criteria for the NBPNP are given below.

• Age: Between 19 to 55 years
• Language: Must have a CLB level of 4 to 7, depending on the stream
• Education: Should be equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher
• Work Experience: 1 to 2 years of relevant experience is needed
• Connection to New Brunswick: You need a job offer, prior study or work experience, or an accepted Expression of Interest (EOI)

 

New Brunswick PNP Requirements

To apply for the New Brunswick PNP, you will need to gather a few important documents, including:

• A valid passport and ID
• Results from a language test like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Proof of settlement funds if needed
• A valid job offer if you are going through an employer-driven stream
• A business plan and financial proof if you are applying for the entrepreneur stream

 

New Brunswick PNP Application Process for UAE Residents

The application procedure to apply for the New Brunswick PNP is given below.

Step 1: Evaluate if you are eligible for the right stream based on your job offer and background.

Step 2: Register and send your Expression of Interest through the NBPNP portal or Express Entry, depending on which stream fits you.

Step 3: If chosen, the province will send you an Invitation to Apply.

Step 4: Get your application ready, include all necessary documents, and pay the fee.

Step 5: After you are nominated, submit your PR application to IRCC with your biometrics, medical records, and police checks.

New Brunswick PNP Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times of New Brunswick is given below.

Stream	Estimated Processing Time
Express Entry Stream	6–8 months (including PR application)
Skilled Worker Stream	8–12 months
Business Immigration Stream	12–18 months
Critical Worker Pilot	6–9 months

 

 

New Brunswick PNP Fees

Detailed information about the application fees for New Brunswick PNP are given below.

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)
Skilled Worker Stream	CAD 250
Business Immigration Stream	CAD 2,000
Federal PR Application Fee	CAD 1,365 (principal applicant)
Biometrics & Medical Exams	CAD 85–300

 

Can a Dependant Join Me Under the New Brunswick PNP?

Yes, dependants can be sponsored by you to come and join you in Canada through New Brunswick PNP. If you have a spouse, common-law partner, or children under 22, they can join you in your PR application. Just make sure to include them in your application and provide the necessary documents, like birth certificates and proof of your relationship.

 

Can I Transition to Permanent Residency After a NBPNP Visa?

Yes, you can apply for Canada PR after a NBPNP visa. When you get a nomination from the NBPNP, you can apply for permanent residency with IRCC. If your application gets the green light, you and your family will become permanent residents of Canada. If you were nominated through an Express Entry stream, you might find that your PR application gets processed quicker.

 

Recent New Brunswick PNP Draws

The recent draws for the New Brunswick PNP are given in the table below.

Draw Date(s)	Stream / Pathway	Occupational Categories Selected	Invitations Issued
June 17, 2025	NB Skilled Worker – Priority Occupations	Healthcare	12
June 16–17, 2025	NB Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates	All sectors	274
June 16, 2025	NB Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick	All sectors	297
June 16, 2025	NB Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Experience	Healthcare, Education & Social Services, Construction Trades	25
May 5, 2025	NB Skilled Worker – NB Experience & Graduates	Healthcare, Education & Social Services, Construction Trades	432
April 9, 2025	NB Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick	Healthcare, Education & Social Services, Construction Trades	45
April 7–8, 2025	NB Skilled Worker – NB Experience & Graduates	Multiple sectors including Healthcare, Education, Construction, IT, Transportation, Manufacturing, Professional Occupations (TEER 0–2)	432
March 5–6, 2025	NB Skilled Worker – NB Experience & Graduates	Healthcare, Education & Social Services, Construction Trades	498

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a top-notch immigration consultancy that focuses on helping clients with their specific needs. Our services include:

• Free eligibility check using the Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Helpful advice for Canada Immigration
• Coaching for CELPIP and IELTS
• Free career counselling—schedule your session now
• Full support for obtaining a Canada PR visa
• Job search assistance for opportunities in New Brunswick