the CanadaVisa Team - 18 January, 2017
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is experiencing delays in the processing of applications. The delays are attributed to a "significant number of applications," the province explained on its website.
The update added that the program continues "to prioritize applications from individuals who are working in New Brunswick or have a local job offer." Applicants who have an application currently in process are urged not to contact the province regarding the status of their application. Such inquiries will not be answered and will increase delays, the province explains. Finally, the update stated that all applicants would receive communication from the NBPNP once a decision is made on their application, although no time frame was given for this communication.
The NBPNP includes the Express Entry Labour Market Stream (EELMS), the Skilled Worker with Family Support Stream, the Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream, and the Business Applicants Stream (currently paused). The processing delays appear to apply to all these streams. Eligible individuals in the Express Entry pool may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under the EELMS, if they are also eligible for this stream. Successful applicants under this stream receive an enhanced provincial nomination certificate, and consequently an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent draw from the pool.
The remaining three categories operate independently of the Express Entry immigration selection system. The Skilled Worker with Family Support Stream targets individuals who have worked in New Brunswick and have close family ties to the province through a relative. Eligible individuals with an offer of full-time permanent employment from an employer in New Brunswick may apply for permanent resident status through the Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream. The Business Applicants Stream, which is not currently receiving applications, provided a route to permanent resident status for eligible individuals who intend to open and operate a business in New Brunswick.
