NB PNP requirements

Candidates under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) must meet the general requirements and the NB PNP requirements for each immigration stream.

The Express Entry Labour Market Stream

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

This stream operates under an expression of interest (EOI) model. Candidates may complete an EOI form and send it to the NBPNP, which accepts forms from the 1st to the 15th of each month. Candidates are scored on the information provided, then assessed against the following criteria:

• The highest scores
• Evidence of training and experience in a high-priority field identified by the province
• A demonstrated ability to become economically established in the province
• The ability to contribute positively to the provincial labour market

The highest-ranked candidates are invited by email to apply to the NBPNP. Candidates nominated by the NBPNP, if approved, are processed through the federal government’s Express Entry electronic immigration management system, with the aim of processing a complete application within six months of submission.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible for the NBPNP – EELMS, a candidate must:

• Be aged between 22 and 55.
• Demonstrate proficiency across all four language skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening) equal to or aboveCanadian Language Benchmark (CLB)7. Language test results must be no more than two years old and must come from a designated body:IELTS(General Training test only) for English;CELPIP(General test only) for English; orTEFfor French.
• Hold a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential (at least 1 year of study) or a completed foreign educational credential from a recognised institution or body. In the case of a foreign educational credential, anEducational Credential Assessment (ECA)report from an organisation designated byImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)is required.
• Where a candidate is being considered for a provincial nomination in an occupation, they will need a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer.
• Have at least 12 months of full-time paid work experience (or the part-time equivalent) in New Brunswick in the 3 years before the application, which may not be counted from self-employment or from periods when the candidate was a full-time student (volunteer work, unpaid internships, co-op placements, and so on do not count) and which is at skill typeNational Occupational Classification (NOC)0, level A or B.
• Sign and submit the Commitment to Live and Work in New Brunswick form.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the settlement of themselves and all dependent family members. The amount required varies with family size, as set out in the following table:

Number of family members	Amount required (CAD)
1	11,931
2	14,853
3	18,260
4	22,170
5	25,145
6	28,359
7 or more	31,574

Note:Evidence of sufficient settlement funds is not required where the candidate has a valid job offer in Canada, or where they are working or authorised to work in Canada.

Selection factor

Prospective candidates must score at least 67/100 points on the grid assessing education, language ability, work experience, age, adaptability factors and whether the candidate has a job offer from an employer in New Brunswick.

Selection factor	Maximum points
Education	25 points
English and/or French language ability	28 points
Work experience	15 points
Age	12 points
Arranged employment in New Brunswick	10 points
Adaptability	10 points
Total	100 points
Minimum score	67 points

Factor 1: Education

The candidate must hold a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a completed foreign educational credential from a recognised institution or body together with anEducational Credential Assessment (ECA)report from a body designated by IRCC.

The ECA report is used to verify that the candidate’s foreign degree, diploma or certificate is valid and equivalent to a completed Canadian credential. The ECA report also confirms the authenticity of the foreign educational credential.

Education	Points
Doctoral (PhD) level	25
A university degree at master’s level OR an entry-to-practice professional degree*	23
Two or more post-secondary credentials (at least one must be from a programme of at least three years)	22
A post-secondary credential for a programme of three years or more	21
A two-year post-secondary credential	19
A one-year post-secondary credential	15
A secondary education credential (also known as high school)	5
Below secondary	Not eligible

• The degree programme must be in the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, podiatry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine or pharmacy. The occupation related to the degree must be at NOC 2011 Skill Level A and licensed by a provincial regulatory body.

Factor 2: English or French language ability

Candidates may earn up to 28 points for English and French skills. Points are awarded on the basis of the candidate’s reading, writing, listening and speaking ability. Points may also be awarded for second official language ability. Where a candidate wishes to earn points for both English and French skills, they must provide language test results for each language at the same time.

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

English:

• CELPIP(General test only)
• IELTS(General Training test only)

French:

• TEF

Calculating the language score: the candidate must reach a minimum of CLB 7 (for the first official language across all four language areas). To receive points for the second official language, the candidate must reach a minimum of CLB 5 (across all 4 language skills).

First official language	Speaking	Nghe	Reading	Writing
CLB level 9 or above	6	6	6	6
CLB level 8	5	5	5	5
CLB level 7	4	4	4	4
Below CLB level 7	Not eligible to apply

Second official language	Points
At least CLB 5 across all 4 skills	4
CLB 4 or below in any skill	0

Factor 3: Work experience

Work experience in Canada or abroad must be:

• At least one year (1,560 hours), full-time or the part-time equivalent;
• Paid work (volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count);
• In the same occupation;
• Within the 10 years before the application to NSOI and at the time the permanent residence application is submitted to IRCC;
• AtNational Occupational Classification (NOC)2011 level 0, A or B. The NOC is the system used to classify jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes the duties, skills and work environment for different jobs.

Experience	Points
6 years or more	15
4-5 years	13
2-3 years	11
1 year	9
Less than 1 year	Not eligible

Factor 4: Age

Candidates receive points based on their age on the date they are invited by IRCC to apply for permanent residence.

Age	Points
Under 22	0
22-35	12
36	11
37	10
38	9
39	8
40	7
41	6
42	5
43	4
44	3
45	2
46	1
47 or over	0

Factor 5: Arranged employment in New Brunswick

Candidates receive points where they have a valid permanent job offer from a New Brunswick employer. The employment must be arranged before the candidate applies to New Brunswick as a federal skilled worker.

A valid job offer must:

• Be for full-time permanent work in New Brunswick;
• Be at NOC skill type 0, level A or B.

The job must:

• Offer remuneration in the form of a salary and benefits package meeting provincial labour standards and the prevailing wage;
• Be a position for which there is a shortage of permanent residents or Canadian citizens qualified to fill it;
• Not breach any existing bargaining unit agreement or be connected to any labour dispute.

A person may receive arranged employment points without a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In this case, the requirements include:

• The candidate is currently working in Canada on a work permit issued on the basis of a positive Service Canada LMIA relating to work at NOC skill type 0, level A or B;
• The work permit is valid at the time the permanent residence application is submitted;
• The candidate is currently working for the employer named on the work permit;
• The current employer has offered to employ the candidate on a full-time, non-seasonal, indefinite basis in an occupation at NOC skill type 0, level A or B in New Brunswick once a permanent resident visa is issued, where applicable.

Factor 6: Adaptability

The candidate must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in the province. They must also meet the federal criteria listed in the following table in order to receive points. Where the candidate has a spouse or common-law partner accompanying them in immigrating to Canada, that person may also earn adaptability points. Candidates cannot claim points for a spouse who is a permanent resident living in Canada or a Canadian citizen. Even where a candidate is eligible for points under several criteria, they may receive a maximum of only 10 points for adaptability.

Adaptability	Points
Previous work in New Brunswick The principal candidate has completed a minimum of one year of authorised full-time work in New Brunswick: – In an occupation at NOC skill type 0, level A or B – Worked on a valid work permit or while authorised to work in Canada.	10
Arranged employment (principal candidate only) The principal candidate has received points under Factor 5: Arranged employment.	5
Previous study in New Brunswick The principal candidate has completed at least two years of full-time study (on a programme of at least two years) at a secondary or post-secondary institution in New Brunswick. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of study a week, and the candidate must have maintained good academic standing (as defined by the institution) throughout the period of full-time study in New Brunswick.	5
Previous study in New Brunswick by a spouse or common-law partner The principal candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has completed at least two years of full-time study (on a programme of at least two years) at a secondary or post-secondary institution in New Brunswick. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of study a week, and the spouse or common-law partner must have maintained good academic standing (as defined by the institution) throughout the period of full-time study in New Brunswick.	5
Previous work in New Brunswick by a spouse or common-law partner The principal candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has completed a minimum of one year of authorised full-time work in New Brunswick.	5
A relative in New Brunswick The principal candidate or, where applicable, their spouse or common-law partner has a relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, resident in New Brunswick and aged 18 or over. The accepted types of relative are: – Parent – Grandparent – Sibling – Aunt/uncle – Niece/nephew	5
Language proficiency of a spouse or common-law partner – The language proficiency of the principal candidate’s spouse or common-law partner in English or French is at CLB 4 or above across all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). – To receive these points, the candidate must submit a copy of the language test results from a designated testing body with their application. The results must be no more than two years old as at the date the application is received.	5

Interview

Where required, the candidate may have to attend an in-person interview in New Brunswick. The candidate is notified if an interview is required.

When not to apply

Candidates should not apply if they:

• Have an application in process under another immigration programme in Canada
• Intend to work in an occupation at level C or D of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Are not lawfully resident in their country of residence at the time the application is received at the NBPNP office (proof of lawful residence is required)
• Have an unresolved humanitarian and compassionate claim in Canada
• Are unsuccessful humanitarian and compassionate claimants living in Canada
• Have an unresolved asylum claim in Canada
• Are failed asylum claimants living in Canada
• Are subject to a removal order in Canada
• Are inadmissible to Canada
• Are studying full-time at post-secondary level
• Hold a valid federal post-graduation work permit with an occupation at NOC skill level C or D
• Are a live-in caregiver
• Are a seasonal, part-time or temporary worker
• Are an individual whose job is not located in New Brunswick
• Intend to start a business and/or become self-employed in New Brunswick
• Are unable to provide evidence of the required 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 candidate or their spouse must be supported by a family member in New Brunswick. To be eligible, the candidate must be related to the family supporter in one of the following ways:

• Non-dependent child
• Sibling
• Niece/nephew (the child of a sibling)
• Grandchild

Minimum requirements for the candidate

To be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Family Support Stream, a candidate must:

• Be aged between 22 and 50;
• Have sufficient English or French ability to settle in New Brunswick and perform the job duties in the intended occupation. Language test results must be no more than two years old and must come from a designated testing body:
  • English:
    • IELTS (General Training test only)
    • CELPIP (General test only)
  • French:
    • TEF
• Hold the education, qualifications and/or licences/certifications needed to perform the job duties in the intended occupation;
  • The candidate must hold a post-secondary academic credential requiring at least three years of full-time study, or a credential in a specific field requiring at least two years of full-time study.
• Have at least two years of continuous full-time work experience in the intended occupation in New Brunswick, within the past five years;
• Have employment at one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels:
  • Skill level 0, A or B
  • Skill level C, categories 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
  • Skill level D, categories 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
• Demonstrate an intention to live and work in New Brunswick and submit a Settlement Plan approved by an Immigration Programme Officer;
• Have the financial resources to settle in New Brunswick.
  • A minimum of CAD 10,000 is required, plus a further CAD 2,000 for each accompanying family member.

Minimum requirements for the family supporter

To be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Family Support Stream, the family supporter must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident, and resident full-time in New Brunswick;
• Have been operating a business in New Brunswick for at least 12 continuous months as at the date the NBPNP application is received; or
• Have worked in New Brunswick for at least 12 continuous months as at the date the NBPNP application is received;
  • The employment must be at one of the following NOC skill levels:
    • Skill level 0, A, B
    • Skill level C, categories 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
• Be financially self-supporting;
• Attend an interview with an official from the Population Growth Division;
• Support the candidate with a settlement plan;
• Support only one candidate at a time.

When not to apply

Candidates should not apply where the family supporter:

• Has sponsored a family member in the past through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Family Sponsorship Programme and did not comply with the Sponsorship Agreement;
• Has supported a candidate in the past through the NBPNP where that family member did not live and work in New Brunswick;
• Is not complying with a court order for alimony or child support;
• Has been charged with or convicted of a violent offence and/or is in prison.

Skilled Worker with Employer Support

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

Minimum requirements for the candidate

To be eligible under the Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream, a candidate must:

• Be aged between 22 and 55;
• Have sufficient English or French ability to perform the job duties (at least at a basic level);
  • Candidates in semi-professional and low-skilled occupations (NOC levels C and D) must undergo mandatory testing at a designated testing body and may be required to submit the results with their application.
  • The designated testing bodies are:
    • English:
      • IELTS (General Training test only)
      • CELPIP (General test only)
    • French:
      • TEF
• Hold the education, qualifications and/or licences and certifications needed to perform the work in New Brunswick;
  • The candidate must have at least a secondary school qualification.
• Have received a genuine full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible New Brunswick employer;
  • The business must have been operating in the province for at least one year.
  • The candidate must demonstrate that they were interviewed and hired by the prospective employer.
  • The job must be at one of the following NOC skill levels:
    • Skill level 0, A, B
    • Skill level C, skill type 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
    • Skill level D, skill type 1, 3, 7, 8, 9
  • Candidates in occupations at level C or D must have worked for the same employer making the job offer for at least one year before applying.
• Demonstrate an intention to live and work in New Brunswick;
• Score a minimum of 50 points on the selection grid.

Minimum requirements for the employer

Employers must also demonstrate that:

• They are unable to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position offered;
• The job will provide a wage comparable to the industry and comply with provincial labour standards.

Selection factor

Where all the other eligibility criteria (set out above) are met, the candidate is assessed against five selection factors. To be eligible for the Skilled Worker with Employer Support Stream, a candidate must score a minimum of 50 points.

Factor 1: Age

Age	Points
22-24	5
25-55	10

Factor 2: Language

Skill	Speaking ability	English	French
Advanced	A working command of the language with only occasional errors	9	9
Intermediate	An effective command of the language despite some errors and misunderstandings	7	7
Basic	Partial competence in familiar situations	4	4

Factor 3: Education

Level completed	Requirement	Points
Postgraduate education	A master’s degree awarded by the graduate school of a college or university, after completion of a bachelor’s degree	18
	A doctoral degree awarded on the basis of at least three years of postgraduate research and a thesis, after completion of a master’s degree	18
Post-secondary education	An academic degree awarded by a college or university to those completing an undergraduate programme requiring at least three years of full-time study, or	15
	A credential completed in a specific field requiring at least two years of full-time study	15
Secondary education	A secondary school diploma awarded after junior secondary school and before entry to college, university or other formal training	10

Factor 4: Work experience

Work experience (in the past 5 years)	Points
5 years	10
4 years	8
3 years	6
2 years	4
1 year	2

Factor 5: Adaptability

Adaptability (up to 10 points)	Points
Family in New Brunswick The candidate or their spouse/common-law partner has a son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew living in New Brunswick as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident	10
Education in New Brunswick – The candidate has completed at least one year of post-secondary education in New Brunswick – The candidate has completed at least two years of post-secondary education in New Brunswick	5 10
Employment in New Brunswick The candidate has worked at least one of the past five years in New Brunswick The candidate has worked at least two of the past five years in New Brunswick	10 15
Spousal employment in New Brunswick The candidate’s spouse/common-law partner has worked at least six months in the previous calendar year in New Brunswick	5
Labour market opinion – The candidate has a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), or – The employer demonstrates that they are unable to find a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident to perform the job duties AND they take part in recruitment activities with the NBPNP	10
Additional job skills The candidate is able to demonstrate successful employment in a second occupation, where that occupation is different from the intended occupation in New Brunswick. The occupation must be skilled and supported by a degree or trade certificate.	5

When not to apply

Candidates should not apply if they:

• Have an application in process under another immigration programme in Canada;
• Are not lawfully resident in their country of residence at the time the application is received at the NBPNP Office (proof of lawful residence is required);
• Have an unresolved humanitarian and compassionate claim in Canada;
• Are unsuccessful humanitarian and compassionate claimants living in Canada;
• Have an unresolved asylum claim in Canada;
• Are failed asylum claimants living in Canada;
• Are subject to a removal order in Canada;
• Are inadmissible to Canada;
• Are studying full-time at post-secondary level;
• Are a live-in caregiver;
• Are a seasonal worker.

Business Immigration

This category targets eligible entrepreneurs who will own and actively manage a business contributing to the New Brunswick economy.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible as a Business Candidate, a candidate must:

• Be aged between 22 and 55
• Have at least a secondary school qualification
• Demonstrate English or French ability sufficient to actively manage a business in New Brunswick
• Demonstrate an intention to live in and operate a business in New Brunswick
  • The candidate must take on a day-to-day management role in the business.
• Demonstrate relevant and proven management experience in three of the past five years
• Provide a business plan, approved by a New Brunswick government official, showing how the business will benefit New Brunswick
• Have personal assets of at least CAD 300,000
• Have sufficient financial resources to establish the business, settle successfully and support all dependent family members for up to two years
• Pay a conditionally refundable deposit of CAD 75,000 and a signed copy of the Deposit Agreement before being nominated
• Make at least one business trip to New Brunswick and demonstrate an understanding of the province’s business environment
• Meet an NBPNP official for an interview after the business trip
• Score 50 points on the selection grid

Selection factor

Where all the other eligibility criteria (set out above) are met and the business plan is approved, the candidate is assessed against five selection factors. To be eligible for the Business Candidate Stream, a candidate must score a minimum of 50 points.

Factor 1: Age

Age	Points
22-24	5
25-55	10

Factor 2: Language

Skill	Speaking ability	English	French
Advanced	A working command of the language with only occasional errors	9	9
Intermediate	An effective command of the language despite some errors and misunderstandings	7	7
Basic	Partial competence in familiar situations	4	4

Factor 3: Education

Level completed	Requirement	Points
Postgraduate education	A master’s degree awarded by the graduate school of a college or university, after completion of a bachelor’s degree	18
	A doctoral degree awarded on the basis of at least three years of postgraduate research and a thesis, after completion of a master’s degree	18
Post-secondary education	An academic degree awarded by a college or university to those completing an undergraduate programme requiring at least three years of full-time study, or	15
	A credential completed in a specific field requiring at least two years of full-time study	15
Secondary education	A secondary school diploma awarded after junior secondary school and before entry to college, university or other formal training	10

Factor 4: Business experience

Candidates are assessed on the number of years they have owned a business or worked as a senior manager in a business within the past five years, and on the type of management experience.

Years of experience	Points
4 years	10
3 years	8
2 years	4

Management experience		Points
Main areas of responsibility	Finance Sales and marketing Human capital Operations	2 2 2 2
Full-time employees supervised	10 or more 9 or fewer	4 2
Decision-making authority	Business owner Senior manager	6 4

Factor 5: Adaptability

Adaptability (up to 25 points)	Points
Family living in New Brunswick The candidate or their spouse/common-law partner has a son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew living in New Brunswick as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident	10
Education in New Brunswick – The candidate has completed at least one year of post-secondary education in New Brunswick – The candidate has completed at least two years of post-secondary education in New Brunswick	5 10
Employment in New Brunswick – The candidate has worked at least one of the past five years in New Brunswick – The candidate has worked at least two of the past five years in New Brunswick	5 10
Spousal employment in New Brunswick The candidate’s spouse/common-law partner has worked at least six months in the previous calendar year in New Brunswick	5
Knowledge of business in New Brunswick The candidate demonstrates proven business knowledge at the interview, in the business plan and in other documents	1-10

Business trip

Candidates are required to make a business trip to New Brunswick before submitting an application, in order to become better acquainted with the province’s business environment. The trip must last a minimum of five full working days, excluding travel days, the interview day and statutory holidays.

During the trip, the candidate is required to carry out extensive research. It is recommended that candidates arrange meetings with a range of business people and officials in New Brunswick to support this research.

After the business trip, the candidate is required to attend an interview with an NBPNP official to discuss the findings of the trip, covering topics such as identifying the business opportunity, labour requirements, competition, suppliers, market trends, tax and finance, and so on.

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

Interview

After completing the business trip, the candidate is required to attend an interview in New Brunswick with an NBPNP official. The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate on:

• The ability to speak, listen to 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 relating to the immigration application.

The business plan

Under the Business Candidate 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.

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

• Purchase an existing business
• Enter a partnership with a New Brunswick entrepreneur
• Establish a new business

To be eligible, the candidate must control a minimum equity share in the business equal to or greater than 33.33 per cent.

Conditionally refundable deposit

To secure the candidate’s intention to operate a business in New Brunswick, a deposit of CAD 75,000 is required. This deposit may be refunded provided that:

• The candidate meets the requirements of the Deposit Agreement;
• The candidate and their dependent family members have been granted permanent resident status by IRCC;
• The candidate and their dependent family members are permanent residents of New Brunswick;
• The candidate establishes their business within two years of arriving in Canada;
• The candidate’s business is registered or incorporated;
• The candidate provides evidence that a business investment of at least CAD 125,000 has been made;
• Where the candidate is able to provide evidence that a business investment of at least CAD 65,000 has been made, and all the other requirements are met, up to CAD 30,000 may be refunded to them.
• The candidate has taken on a day-to-day management role in the business;
• The candidate’s business has been operating for one year;
• Where applicable, the partnership agreement has been completed and signed by all the parties involved.

Where a candidate is unable to establish the business within two years of arriving in Canada, they may send a written request to the NBPNP for an extension. However, there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted. Where a candidate is unable to establish and operate an approved business within the first two years of arriving in Canada, and no extension is requested or granted, the province of New Brunswick retains the entire deposit.

Where a candidate is not issued a Permanent Resident Visa, the deposit is refunded in full.

Business investment

The candidate must be prepared to make a business investment of at least CAD 125,000 in New Brunswick. Eligible investments include:

• The purchase of land and/or buildings for business purposes;
• Removal costs for the equipment, machinery and goods needed for the business operation;
• The purchase of production equipment;
• The purchase of office equipment, computers and similar equipment;
• Costs for marketing and promotion;
• Costs for professional services relating to establishing the business;
• The purchase of opening inventory;
• And/or intellectual property.

When not to apply

Candidates should not apply if they:

• Have an application in process under another immigration programme in Canada;
• Are not lawfully resident in their country of residence at the time the application is received at the NBPNP Office (proof of lawful residence is required);
• Have an unresolved humanitarian and compassionate claim in Canada;
• Are unsuccessful humanitarian and compassionate claimants living in Canada;
• Have an unresolved asylum claim in Canada;
• Are failed asylum claimants living in Canada;
• Are subject to a removal order in Canada;
• Are inadmissible to Canada;
• Are studying full-time at post-secondary level;
• Are a live-in caregiver;
• Are a seasonal worker.

Find out more about the requirements of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) on the provincial government website athere.