bgi said:
Nope: This information is not accurate. The criteria of the program is public so you cannot use an officer's answer to a question she or he may not understand correctly against the information on the web site: @ welcomenb.ca/ content/wel-bien/en/immigrating/content/HowToImmigrate/NBProvincialNomineeProgram/ExpressEntry/Eligibility.html
Based on the web site, all French speakers are considered a priority in the NBPNP-EELMS!! Just send your EOI and you will see!
Cheers !!
This information is based on the web conference and direct questions and answers.
Additional problem is here:
1. English version of website rules do state French as first language but without any further explanation. In the context of immigration it can also mean language chosen for the immigration as the first language for evaluation or the communication language.
2. French version of the same website does state French as the mother language (langue maternelle). That however puts limitation on only citizens of French speaking countries.
However I did ask explicitly the following question: My native language is not French, however I have passed french test on CBL lev. 7, can I put down EOI under Connections with new Brunswick.
Answer was - but language only is not enough, and the agent does not see any connection there.
Before it, there was the part in the presentation about Strategic initiative. Here is the slide picture of it. (It is in french).
Because there is not written anything about it on their webpage, many people have asked about it. And also first the agent was reluctant and was pointing to the website (where there is nothing). As the question was repeated she explained a bit.
It is supposed to be pilot program, the application is supposed to be different, you have to meet agent in person on some info session, only after that you can get permission to put down documents for EOI. After that they do pre-selection and after you are invited to make a compulsory trip to NB to meet an agent again there. And only after that you can get the nomination.