Eligibility Requirements for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)

Under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP), candidates may qualify under one of the following categories:

• Express Entry Labour Market Stream
• Skilled Worker with Family Support
• Skilled Worker with Employer Support
• Business Applicants

Express Entry Labour Market Stream

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has developed and launched its Express Entry Labour Market Stream (EELMS). This stream allows the NBPNP to use the federal Express Entry immigration selection system to meet New Brunswick’s specific labour market and demographic needs.

This stream functions on an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Candidates may complete an EOI form and send it to the NBPNP, which receives forms from the 1st to the 15th of each month. Candidates are assigned a score based on the information provided, after which they are assessed according to the following criteria:

The highest ranked candidates are invited to apply to the NBPNP by email. Applicants to the NBPNP will, if nominated, be processed through the federal government’s Express Entry electronic immigration management system, which aims to process complete applications within six months of submission.

Minimum Requirements

In order to be eligible for the NBPNP - EELMS, candidates must:

• Be between the ages of 22 and 55;
• Demonstrate proficiency in each of the four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) equivalent to or greater than Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. Language test results must be no more than two years old and must come from a designated agency: IELTS (General Training Test only) for English; CELPIP (General test only) for English; or TEF for French; 
• Have a completed Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary educational credential (at least one academic year in length) OR a completed foreign educational credential from a recognized institution or authority. In the case of a foreign educational credential, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, issued by an organization designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC), is required;
  • If the applicant is being considered for provincial nomination under an occupation, he or she will require a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
• Have at least 12 months full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid skilled work experience in New Brunswick in the three years before the application is made, which cannot have been gained through self-employment or while the candidate was a full-time student (volunteer work, unpaid internships, co-op terms, etc. do not count) and which is in NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B;
• Sign and submit a Commitment to Live and Work in New Brunswick form; and 
• Show sufficient funds to support the settlement of themselves as well as all dependent family members. The required amount of funds varies depending on family size according to the following table:

Factor 1: Education

Candidates must have a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational credential OR a completed foreign educational credential from a recognized institution or authority AND an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report issued by an organization designated by IRCC.

An ECA is used to verify that a candidate's foreign degree, diploma, certificate (or other proof of credential) is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada. The ECA report will also indicate the authenticity of foreign educational credential(s).

* Degree program must be in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry, Optometry, Law, Chiropractic Medicine or Pharmacy. The occupation related to the degree must be NOC 2011 Skill Level A, and licensed by a provincial regulatory body. 

Factor 2: Language Ability in English and/or French

Candidates may earn up to 28 points for their skills in English and French. Points are given based on the candidate's abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Points may also be awarded for official second language capacity. If a candidate want to earn points for his or her skills in both English and French, her or she must provide language test results for each language at the same time. 

Results must come from one of the following designated testing agencies:

• English:
  • CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test only)
  • IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training test only)
• French:
  • TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

Calculate language points: candidates must meet the minimum level of CLB 7 (for the first official language in all four language areas). To get points for the second official language, candidates must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 (in all four language areas).

Factor 3: Work Experience

Work experience in Canada or abroad must be:

• At least one year (1,560 hours), full-time or an equal amount in part-time;
• Paid work (volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count);
• In the same occupation;
• Within the last 10 years before the application to NSOI and at application for permanent residence to IRCC; and
• In National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 skill level 0, A, or B..

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used to classify jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties, skills and work setting for different jobs.

Factor 4: Age

Candidates will earn points based on their age on the day that they are invited to apply for permanent residence by IRCC.

Factor 5: Arranged Employment in New Brunswick

A candidate will receive points if he or she has a valid offer of permanent employment from a New Brunswick employer. The job must be arranged before the candidate applies to come to New Brunswick as a federal skilled worker. 

A valid offer of employment must be:

• for permanent full-time work in New Brunswick; and
• in an occupation in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B of NOC.

The job must:

• have compensation in the form of salary and benefits package that meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates;
• be a position which has a shortage of qualified permanent residents or Canadian citizens to fill the position; and
• not contravene any existing bargaining unit agreements or be in any employment disputes.

A person can get arranged employment points without a new LMIA. The requirements in this case are:

• The applicant is currently working in Canada on a work permit that was issued based on a positive Service Canada LMIA with respect to employment in an occupation listed in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B of the NOC;
• the work permit is valid at the time the application for permanent residence is made;
• the applicant is currently working for an employer specified on the work permit; and
• the current employer has made an offer to employ the applicant on a full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate basis in a NOC Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B occupation in New Brunswick once a permanent resident visa, if any, is issued.

Factor 6: Adaptability

An applicant must demonstrate his or her genuine intention to settle in the province. In addition, he or she must meet federal criteria listed in the following table to gain points. If the applicant has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner who will also immigrate to Canada, he or she can earn points for adaptability, too. An applicant cannot claim points for a spouse who is a permanent resident living in Canada or a Canadian citizen. Even if an applicant qualifies for points under several criteria, he or she may only receive a maximum of 10 points for adaptability.

Interview

If required, an applicant may have to attend an in-person interview in New Brunswick. The applicant will be notified if such an interview is required.

When Not to Apply

Candidates should not apply if they:

• have an application in process under another immigration program in Canada;
• intend to work in an occupation that is a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level C or D;
• are not lawfully residing in their country of residence at the time an application is received at the NBPNP office (proof of lawful residence is required);
• have an unresolved humanitarian and compassionate claim in Canada;
• are failed humanitarian and compassionate claimants living in Canada;
• have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada;
• are failed refugee claimants living in Canada;
• are under a removal order in Canada;
• are prohibited from entering Canada;
• are engaged in full-time post-secondary education;
• are on a valid federal post-graduation work permit whose occupation falls under NOC skill level C or D;
• are live-in caregivers;
• are a seasonal, part-time or casual worker;
• are an individual whose job is not based in New Brunswick;
• intend to start a business and/or be self-employed in New Brunswick; or
• are unable to provide proof of required amount of funds.

Skilled Worker with Family Support 

This category targets individuals who have worked in New Brunswick and have close family ties to the province. Under this stream, the skilled worker applicant, or his or her spouse, must be sponsored by a family member in New Brunswick. In order to be eligible, the applicant must be related to the family supporter in one of the following ways:

• Non-dependent child
• Brother or sister
• Niece or nephew (children of brothers or sisters)
• Grandchild

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Family Support stream, candidates must:

• Be between 22 and 50 years of age;
• Have sufficient English or French ability to settle in New Brunswick and fulfil the job duties in their intended occupation. Language test results must be no more than two years old and must come from a designated testing agency;
  • English:
    • IELTS (General Training Test only)
    • CELPIP (General Test only)
  • French:
    • TEF 
• Have the education, qualifications, and/or licence/certification needed to perform the job duties in their intended occupation;
  • Applicants must have either a post-secondary academic degree requiring at minimum three years of full-time study, or a diploma in a specific trade requiring at minimum two years of full-time study.
• Have at least two years of continuous, full-time work experience in their intended occupation in New Brunswick, within the last five years;
• Have a job in one of the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill levels:
  • Skill levels 0, A or B
  • Skill level C, Category 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
  • Skill level D, Category 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
• Demonstrate an intent to live and work in New Brunswick and submit a Settlement Plan approved by an immigration Program Officer; and
• Have the funds to settle in New Brunswick.
  
  • A minimum of $10,000 CAD, and an additional $2,000 for each accompanying family member are required.

Minimum Requirements for Family Supporters

In order to be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Family Support stream, Family Supporters must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident, and reside full-time in New Brunswick;
• Be operating a business in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months at the date of receipt of the NBPNP application; or
• Have been working in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months at the date of receipt of the NBPNP application;
  • The job must be represented in one of the following NOC skill levels:
    • Skill levels 0, A, B
    • Skill level C, Category 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
• Be financially self-supporting;
• Participate in an interview with an official from the Population Growth Division;
• Assist the applicant with a settlement plan; and
• Support only one applicant at a time.

When Not to Apply

Candidates should not apply if the Family Supporter has:

• Sponsored a family member, in the past, through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Family Sponsorship Program and failed to comply with the Sponsorship Agreement;
• Supported and Applicant, in the past, through the NBPNP where the family member is not living and working in New Brunswick;
• Defaulted on a Court Order for alimony or child support; or
• Been charged or convicted of a violent crime and/or are in prison.

Skilled Worker with Employer Support

This category facilitates immigration for workers who have received a full-time, permanent offer of employment from a New Brunswick employer.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

In order to be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream, candidates must:

• Be between 22 and 55 years of age;
• Have sufficient English or French to fulfill job duties (at minimum a basic level of proficiency);
  • Applicants in semi- and low-skilled occupations (NOC levels C and D) are required to undergo mandatory testing at a designated testing agency and may be asked to submit the results with their application. 
  • Designated testing agencies include:
    • English:
      • IELTS (General Training Test only)
      • CELPIP (General Test only)
    • French:
      • TEF
• Have the education, qualifications, and/or licenses and certification needed to perform the job in New Brunswick;
  • Applicants must have at least a high school level of education
• Receive a genuine full-time, permanent offer of employment from an eligible New Brunswick employer; 
  • The business must have been operating in the province for at least one year.
  • Applicants must demonstrate that they have been interviewed and hired by the future employer.
  • The job must be represented in one of the following NOC skill levels:
    • Skill levels O, A, B
    • Skill level C, Skill type 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
    • Skill level D, Skill type 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
  • Applicants in C or D level occupations must have already been working for the same employer issuing the job offer for at least one year prior to application.
• Demonstrate an intention to live and work in New Brunswick; and
• Score a minimum of 50 points on a selection grid.

Minimum Requirements for Employers

In addition, employers must prove that:

• They were unable to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position offered;
• The job will provide a comparable industry rate of pay and will comply with provincial employment standards

Selection Factors

If all other eligibility criteria (outlined above) are met, applicants will be assessed according to five selection factors. In order to qualify for the Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream, candidates must score a minimum of 50 points.

Factor 1: Age

Factor 2: Language

Factor 3: Education

Factor 4: Work Experience

Factor 5: Adaptability

When Not to Apply

Candidates should not apply if they:

• Have an application in process under another immigration program in Canada;
• Are not lawfully residing in their country of residence at the time an application is received at the NBPNP Office (proof of lawful residence is required);
• Have an unresolved humanitarian and compassionate claim in Canada;
• Are failed humanitarian and compassionate claimants living in Canada;
• Have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada;
• Are Failed refugee claimants living in Canada;
• Are under a removal order in Canada;
• Are prohibited from entering Canada;
• Are engaged in full-time post-secondary education;
• Are live-in caregivers; or
• Are seasonal workers.

Business Applicants

This category targets qualified business people who will own and actively manage a business that will contribute to New Brunswick’s economy.

Minimum Requirements

In order to be eligible as a Business Applicant, candidates must: 

• Be between 22 and 55 years of age;
• Hold at least a high school diploma;
• Demonstrate sufficient English and, or French language ability to actively manage a business in New Brunswick;
• Demonstrate an intention to live and operate a business in New Brunswick;
  • The applicant must assume a day-to-day management role in the business.
• Show relevant and proven management experience in three of the last five years;
• Provide a business plan, approved by a New Brunswick government official, that will show how the business will benefit New Brunswick;
• Have a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD;
• Have sufficient funds to establish the business, settle successfully, and support all dependent family members for up to two years;
• Submit a conditionally refundable deposit of $75,000 CAD and a signed copy of the Deposit Agreement prior to nomination;;
• Make at least one business trip to New Brunswick and demonstrate an understanding of the province's business environment;
• Meet with an NB PNP official for an interview following the business trip; and
• Score 50 points on a selection grid.

Selection Factors

If all other eligibility criteria (outlined above) are met and the business plan is approved, applicants will be assessed according to five selection factors. In order to qualify for the Business Applicant Stream, candidates must score a minimum of 50 points.

Factor 1: Age

Factor 2: Language

Factor 3: Education

Factor 4: Business Experience

Applicants are assessed based on the number of years they have owned a business or worked as a senior manager in a business during the last five years as well as based on the type of management experience.

Factor 5: Adaptability

Business Trip

Applicants are required to take a business trip to New Brunswick, prior to submitting their application, in order to become better acquainted with the province's business environment. The trip must be a minimum of five full business days, not including travel days, interview days, and statutory holidays.

During the trip, applicants are required to conduct extensive research. It is recommended that candidates set up meetings with various business people and officials in New Brunswick to aid in this research.

Following the business trip, applicants are required to participate in an interview with an NBPNP official to discuss the findings of their trip including topics such as identification of business opportunities, labour requirements, competition, suppliers, market trends, taxes and financials, etc. 

The New Brunswick business trip and the interview with an NBPNP official must take place within one year of the date on the candidate's Notice of Interview.

Interview

After completing the business trip, applicants are required to attend an interview in New Brunswick with an NBPNP official. The purpose of this interview is to evaluate the applicant based on his/her:

• Ability to speak, listen, and understand English or French;
• Previous management experience;
• Understanding of business in New Brunswick;
• Overall suitability to become economically established in New Brunswick; and
• Other topics relevant to the immigration application.

Business Plan

Under the Business Applicants stream, all candidates are required to submit a business plan with their application. The business plan is a written document explaining how the business will operate.

Applicants have three options when considering a business in New Brunswick:

1. Purchase an existing business
2. Enter into a partnership with a New Brunswick entrepreneur
3. Start a new business

In order to qualify, the applicant must control a minimum percentage of equity in the business, equal to or greater than 33.33 percent.

Conditionally Refundable Deposit

In order to guarantee the applicant's intention to operate a business in New Brunswick, a deposit of $75,000 CAD is required. This deposit is refundable provided that:

• The applicant meets the requirements of the Deposit Agreement;
• The applicant and his/her dependent family members have been granted permanent resident status by IRCC;
• The applicant and his/her dependent family members are permanent residents of New Brunswick;
• The applicant establishes his/her business within two yeas of landing on Canada;
• The applicant's business is registered or incorporated;
• The applicant provides proof that a minimum $125,000 CAD business investment has been made; 
  • If the applicant can provide proof that a minimum $65,000 CAD business investment has been made, and all other requirements are met, a maximum of $30,000 CAD may be refunded to him/her.
• The applicant has assumed a day-to-day managerial role in the business;
• The applicant's business has been operating for one year; and
• If applicable, a partnership agreement has been finalized and signed by all parties involved.

If the applicant is unable to establish a business within two years of landing in Canada, he or she may make a written request to NBPNP for an extension. There is no guarantee, however, that the extension will be granted. In the event that the applicant fails to establish and operate an approved business within the first two years of landing in Canada, and no extension is requested or granted, the province of New Brunswick will retain the full deposit.

If the applicant is not granted a Permanent Resident Visa, the deposit will be refunded in full.

Business Investment

Applicants must be prepared to make a minimum business investment of $125,000 CAD in New Brunswick. Qualifying investments include:

• Purchase of land and/or building for business purposes;
• Moving costs for devices, equipment, and goods required for business operation;
• Purchase of manufacturing equipment;
• Purchase of office equipment, computers, and similar equipment;
• Expenses for marketing and promotions;
• Expenses for professional services in connection with establishing the business;
• Purchase of initial inventory; and/or
• Intellectual property.

When Not to Apply

Candidates should not apply if they:

• Have an application in process under another immigration program in Canada;
• Are not lawfully residing in their country of residence at the time an application is received at the NBPNP Office (proof of lawful residence is required);
• Have an unresolved humanitarian and compassionate claim in Canada;
• Are failed humanitarian and compassionate claimants living in Canada;
• Have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada;
• Are Failed refugee claimants living in Canada;
• Are under a removal order in Canada;
• Are prohibited from entering Canada;
• Are engaged in full-time post-secondary education;
• Are live-in caregivers; or
• Are seasonal workers.