New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
New Brunswick nominates skilled workers, French-speaking professionals, entrepreneurs, and international graduates who can contribute to the province's economy and commit to settling permanently. Immigration New Brunswick manages the NBPNP in partnership with IRCC, which retains final authority over all permanent residence decisions.
4
NBPNP Streams
2
Pilot Programs
$250
Processing Fee (most streams)
+600
CRS Boost (Express Entry)
What is the NBPNP?
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offers pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals who wish to live and work — or operate a business — in New Brunswick. ImmigrationNB selects and nominates candidates based on their skills, education, and work experience relative to the province's economic needs. IRCC makes the final decision on permanent residence.
The NBPNP operates alongside the federal Atlantic Immigration Program, a separate employer-driven pathway available exclusively in Canada's four Atlantic provinces. All applications are submitted through the Immigration New Brunswick online portal.
New Brunswick currently offers the following immigration pathways:
New Brunswick Skilled Worker — for foreign nationals employed — or holding a job offer — in a full-time, non-seasonal position with an eligible New Brunswick employer. Includes the NB Experience, NB Graduates, and NB Priority Occupations pathways.
New Brunswick Express Entry — for highly skilled candidates already in the federal Express Entry pool. A New Brunswick nomination adds 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply from IRCC.
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative — for French-speaking foreign nationals with eligible connections to the province — reflecting New Brunswick’s status as Canada’s only officially bilingual province.
New Brunswick Business Immigration — for experienced entrepreneurs ready to establish, purchase, and actively manage a business in New Brunswick permanently. Replaces the former Entrepreneurial Stream.
Pilot Programs — the Critical Worker Pilot (employer-driven, through participating employers only) and the Private Career College Graduate Pilot (for graduates not eligible for a PGWP).
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) — a federal, employer-driven pathway operated jointly with the four Atlantic provinces — separate from the NBPNP, using employer endorsement rather than provincial nomination.
Nomination certificates: once New Brunswick has issued a nomination certificate, it cannot be withdrawn in order to reapply under a different NBPNP stream. Nominees are expected to submit their permanent residence application to IRCC before the certificate expires.
What Sets New Brunswick Apart
New Brunswick's program has features you will not find in most provinces — particularly for French-speaking applicants and for employers hiring into persistent shortages.
Canada’s Only Bilingual Province
The Strategic Initiative stream is dedicated to French-speaking applicants, with three distinct pathways including one for remote workers.
+600 CRS Through Express Entry
A nomination through the NB Express Entry stream adds 600 CRS points to your federal profile, effectively guaranteeing an ITA.
Employer-Driven Pilots
The Critical Worker Pilot targets persistent labour shortages through a limited group of participating New Brunswick employers.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Designated New Brunswick employers can support skilled workers and international graduates for permanent residence without a provincial nomination.
NBPNP Streams & Pilot Programs
New Brunswick offers four nominee streams and two pilot programs. Use the navigator below to jump to any of them and review the pathways and eligibility within.
New Brunswick Skilled Worker
For foreign nationals who are currently employed — or have accepted a job offer — in a full-time, non-seasonal position with an eligible New Brunswick employer. The stream addresses labour shortages in roles employers have been unable to fill with Canadian citizens or permanent residents already in the province. It contains three pathways.
New Brunswick Experience
For workers already living and working in New Brunswick.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment | Full-time, non-seasonal position with an eligible New Brunswick employer willing to support your application |
| Experience with sponsor | Minimum 6 months with the supporting employer |
| Residency | Living in New Brunswick for the 6 months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest |
New Brunswick Graduates
For international graduates of New Brunswick institutions.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Completed a program eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at a Designated Learning Institution in New Brunswick |
| Employment | Working full-time in a non-seasonal position with an eligible New Brunswick employer, or holding an accepted offer for one |
New Brunswick Priority Occupations
For workers recruited through a Government of New Brunswick recruitment mission.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, non-seasonal offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer |
| Recruitment | The offer must result directly from a Government of New Brunswick–led recruitment mission |
| Occupation | The position must fall within the priority NOC codes listed in the stream guide |
| Work experience | Minimum 1 year of paid work experience related to the position |
This pathway is only available through a Government of New Brunswick–led recruitment mission — it cannot be accessed by applying directly.
Processing fee: $250 CAD, non-refundable — covers the principal applicant, spouse or partner, and dependent children.
New Brunswick Express Entry
For highly skilled foreign nationals already in the federal Express Entry pool who intend to settle in New Brunswick. The stream contains two pathways — one for candidates already working in the province, and one for candidates outside it who receive a letter of interest.
+600 CRS Points
A nomination through the New Brunswick Express Entry stream adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile — effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply from IRCC in the next draw.
Employment in New Brunswick
For candidates actively employed in the province.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Current employment | Full-time, non-seasonal position with a New Brunswick employer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Prior NB employment | Full-time work for the past 12 months in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 — with the same or a different New Brunswick employer — while authorized to work in Canada |
| Residency | Living in New Brunswick for the past 12 months |
New Brunswick Interests
For Express Entry candidates outside New Brunswick who have demonstrated an interest in the province.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Express Entry profile | Active profile in the federal Express Entry pool |
| Letter of interest | Must have received a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB in your federal Express Entry profile |
Processing fee: $250 CAD, non-refundable.
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
For French-speaking foreign nationals with eligible connections to New Brunswick who wish to settle permanently. This stream reflects New Brunswick’s status as Canada’s only officially bilingual province and its goal of attracting and retaining Francophone immigrants. It contains three pathways.
Francophone Workers in New Brunswick
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment | Permanent, full-time, non-seasonal (year-round) position with an eligible New Brunswick employer, or an accepted offer for one |
| Residency or recruitment | Living in New Brunswick for at least 6 months, OR holding a job offer received through a Government of New Brunswick–led recruitment mission |
| Language | French-speaking |
New Brunswick Francophone Priorities
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Completed a program of study of at least 1 year at the Université de Moncton or the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), with physical presence in the province for the entire duration — OR received a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB |
| Language | French-speaking |
Francophones Working Remotely in New Brunswick
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residency | Living in New Brunswick for 12 months |
| Employment | Working remotely for a Canadian employer located outside Quebec for the entire 12-month period |
| Language | French-speaking |
Processing fee: $250 CAD, non-refundable.
New Brunswick Business Immigration
An economic pathway for experienced entrepreneurs ready to establish, purchase, and actively manage a business in New Brunswick permanently. The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream (NBBIS) replaces the former Entrepreneurial Stream, which is now closed.
After establishing and operating the business for 6 consecutive months and meeting the conditions of a Business Performance Agreement, the entrepreneur may request nomination for permanent residence.
Priority Selection Factors
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 to 59 |
| Language | Minimum CLB 4 in all four language abilities |
| Education | Minimum high school diploma |
| Personal net worth | At least $500,000 CAD ($300,000 CAD for farming applicants) |
| Business experience | Minimum 51% ownership in a private sector company with day-to-day involvement supervising 2 employees for 2 of the last 5 years — OR a senior management role in a for-profit company with day-to-day decision-making and supervision of 2 employees for 2 of the last 5 years |
| Business plan | Minimum $150,000 CAD in eligible investments and creation of at least 1 full-time job |
| Points threshold | Minimum 65 points under the NBBIS scoring grid |
Process: Submit Expression of Interest → receive Invitation to Apply → submit full application and pay the $2,000 fee → operate the business for at least 6 consecutive months and meet the Business Performance Agreement → submit a Request for Nomination → apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
After nomination, New Brunswick issues a letter of support for a temporary work permit, so the entrepreneur can move to the province and begin building the business while the permanent residence application is processed.
Processing fee: $2,000 CAD, non-refundable — covers the principal applicant, spouse or partner, and dependent children.
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
A five-year employer-driven pilot targeting labour shortages in specific sectors and regions across New Brunswick. It is designed to attract skilled workers for occupations that are persistently difficult to fill in the province.
This is an employer-driven stream. Applications are made through a participating employer only — the pilot does not accept direct applications from candidates.
Participating Employers
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Job offer | A genuine offer of full-time (non-seasonal), permanent (indeterminate) employment from a participating employer |
| Eligibility | Must meet all minimum eligibility requirements set out in the Critical Worker Pilot program guide |
| PR readiness | Must be Permanent Residence (PR) Ready — all required documents on hand |
| Application deadline | Complete electronic application within 45 calendar days of the Invitation to Apply |
Process: Accept a job offer from a participating employer → submit an Expression of Interest → receive an Invitation to Apply through the employer’s account → submit a complete application within 45 calendar days → pay the $250 fee → apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Employers are selected on a minimum three-year track record with provincial and federal economic immigration programs, plus a demonstrated ability to provide settlement supports, skills development, and language training. The pilot remains limited in scope and is not currently open to broader employer participation.
Processing fee: $250 CAD, non-refundable.
Private Career College Graduate Pilot Program
An immigration pathway for international graduates of select private career colleges in New Brunswick who are not eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit. It targets graduates of one- and two-year programs leading to careers in priority sectors.
Priority Sectors
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Graduated from an eligible private career college in New Brunswick (see the program guide for the list of eligible institutions) |
| Employment | A genuine offer of full-time, non-seasonal employment from a New Brunswick employer willing to support the application through the NBPNP process |
| Time limit | Must secure in-province, full-time employment in a priority occupation related to your field of study within 90 days of graduation |
| PR readiness | Must meet all minimum eligibility requirements and have all required documents available |
| Application deadline | Complete electronic application within 20 calendar days of the Invitation to Apply |
Process: Graduate from an eligible private career college → accept a qualifying job offer → submit an Expression of Interest → receive an Invitation to Apply (not automatic) → submit a complete application within 20 calendar days → pay the $250 fee → if nominated, submit a work permit application to IRCC before the study permit expires → apply for permanent residence.
Graduates who do not qualify for this pilot may still be eligible under the Atlantic Immigration Program if they hold a qualifying job offer from an AIP-designated employer.
Processing fee: $250 CAD, non-refundable — covers the principal applicant, spouse or partner, and dependent children.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal-provincial initiative operated jointly by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces. Unlike the NBPNP, it is a federal program with provincial endorsement, and it is always employer-driven. It helps designated New Brunswick employers attract and retain skilled foreign workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations, and international graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Employer Designation
New Brunswick employers must be designated by ImmigrationNB before they can use the AIP. Designation confirms the employer meets program requirements and can provide a settlement plan for the candidate.
Employer Endorsement of the Candidate
Once designated, the employer applies to ImmigrationNB for endorsement of a specific job offer and candidate. If endorsed, the candidate uses that endorsement to support a permanent residence application filed directly with IRCC.
AIP vs. NBPNP — Key Differences
| Feature | AIP | NBPNP |
|---|---|---|
| Federal or provincial | Federal (with provincial endorsement) | Provincial nomination |
| Employer-driven | Yes — always | Some streams only |
| Nomination certificate | No — endorsement instead | Yes |
| PR application | Directly to IRCC | Directly to IRCC |
| Express Entry | Not required | Required for the Express Entry stream |
| Provinces | All four Atlantic provinces | New Brunswick only |
How the NBPNP Works
The Skilled Worker, Express Entry, and Strategic Initiative streams all follow the same six-stage Expression of Interest process. The Business Immigration stream and the two pilots add their own steps, noted in each section above.
Prepare your Expression of Interest
Read the applicable stream guide and confirm you are PR Ready — all required documents on hand and every minimum eligibility requirement met before you begin.
Submit your EOI through the INB Portal
Create a candidate profile in the Immigration New Brunswick online portal and submit your Expression of Interest. Your profile then enters the candidate pool.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
ImmigrationNB reviews the candidate pool and issues Invitations to Apply based on immigration allocations, application volumes, and New Brunswick labour market needs. Receiving an ITA is not guaranteed.
Submit your full application
Once invited, submit a complete electronic application — all forms and supporting documents as PDFs — through your INB account within the stated deadline, and pay the applicable processing fee.
Receive a nomination decision
ImmigrationNB reviews your application and issues a nomination certificate if approved. The decision is final and at the sole discretion of the Government of New Brunswick.
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC before your nomination certificate expires, and maintain all conditions of your nomination while IRCC processes it. IRCC makes the final decision.
Key Timelines & Deadlines
| Stream | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker — NB Experience | 6 months with the supporting employer; 6 months NB residency before the EOI |
| Express Entry — Employment in NB | 12 months NB employment and 12 months residency |
| Strategic Initiative — remote workers | 12 months living in NB and working remotely |
| Business Immigration | Business operated 6 consecutive months before requesting nomination |
| Critical Worker Pilot | Application due within 45 calendar days of the ITA |
| Private Career College Pilot | Employment within 90 days of graduation; application within 20 calendar days of the ITA |
Government Fees
New Brunswick charges a provincial processing fee per application. These are separate from IRCC's permanent residence fees, which apply after nomination.
NBPNP Provincial Fees
| Program / Stream | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Stream | $250 |
| Express Entry Stream | $250 |
| Strategic Initiative | $250 |
| Critical Worker Pilot | $250 |
| Private Career College Graduate Pilot | $250 |
| Business Immigration Stream | $2,000 |
All provincial fees are non-refundable and cover the principal applicant, spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children.
IRCC Permanent Residence Fees (after NBPNP nomination)
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $1,525 |
| Spouse or common-law partner | $1,525 |
| Dependent child (per child) | $260 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal applicant) | $575 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (spouse/partner) | $575 |
Important:Government fees are payable directly to ImmigrationNB and IRCC respectively, and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by the relevant authority at any time. A complete itemized quote — including Asteco's professional fees, government fees, and applicable third-party costs — is provided before you commit to any service.
How Asteco Can Help
The NBPNP involves assessing multiple streams at once, navigating a candidate pool system where an invitation is never guaranteed, and coordinating two separate applications — provincial and federal. Our RCIC-regulated team manages every step.
Disclaimer: NBPNP stream criteria, processing fees, and pilot program details are established by the Government of New Brunswick and are subject to change at any time without notice. Receiving an Invitation to Apply is not guaranteed, and nomination decisions are at the sole discretion of the Government of New Brunswick. The Atlantic Immigration Program is administered by IRCC with provincial endorsement. The information on this page reflects NBPNP guidelines as published by the Government of New Brunswick as of July 2026. This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
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Information reflects NBPNP guidelines as published by the Government of New Brunswick as of July 2026. Program criteria and fees are subject to change at any time. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.