New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Immigrant Investor Program
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is an economic immigration pathway established in partnership between New Brunswick and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It aims to nominate skilled, educated, and experienced overseas talents to obtain Canadian permanent residency based on the province's labor market needs. New Brunswick, located on Canada's eastern Atlantic coast, is the only province in Canada where both English and French are official languages. With a French-speaking population of approximately 321% (TP3T) and a lower overall cost of living compared to most larger provinces, the NBPNP enjoys a unique advantage.
Key policy developments in 2026
On February 3, 2026, New Brunswick (NB) implemented significant reforms to the NBPNP, with the following key developments:
• Industry access has been significantly tightened: The accommodation and food services industry (NAICS 72) has completely stopped accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) applications, and invitations (ITAs) will no longer be issued to practitioners in this industry, regardless of whether it is the fast track or the skilled worker category.
• Specific occupations are completely restricted: A total of 14 specific occupations (including cashiers, retail sales supervisors, retail wholesale buyers, fish and seafood processing plant workers, etc.) will no longer accept EOIs, regardless of the employer's industry, outside of the original restricted industries.
• Major reforms to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): The AIP is shifting to a candidate pool model, suspending applications for new employer accreditation, limiting overseas applicants to the medical, education, and construction sectors, and requiring them to apply through provincial official recruitment programs.
• Limited extension of pilot program: The pilot program for graduates of private vocational colleges has been extended to the end of 2026, but only for current students enrolled in specific programs at Oulton College and Eastern College.
• Approval status cannot be withdrawn: Applicants who have received a provincial nomination certificate may not withdraw their nomination for the purpose of reapplying for another New Brunswick provincial immigration pathway.
📌 In 2025, the NBPNP issued 3,589 ITAs, with a total of 3,000 provincial nominee places allocated throughout the year. In 2026, NB's immigration strategy will be more cautious and focused, but the annual quota will remain relatively stable.
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The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is an economic immigration pathway established in partnership between New Brunswick and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It aims to nominate skilled, educated, and experienced overseas talents to obtain Canadian permanent residency based on the province's labor market needs. New Brunswick, located on Canada's eastern Atlantic coast, is the only province in Canada where both English and French are official languages. With a French-speaking population of approximately 321% (TP3T) and a lower overall cost of living compared to most larger provinces, the NBPNP enjoys a unique advantage.
Key policy developments in 2026
On February 3, 2026, New Brunswick (NB) implemented significant reforms to the NBPNP, with the following key developments:
• Industry access has been significantly tightened: The accommodation and food services industry (NAICS 72) has completely stopped accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) applications, and invitations (ITAs) will no longer be issued to practitioners in this industry, regardless of whether it is the fast track or the skilled worker category.
• Specific occupations are completely restricted: A total of 14 specific occupations (including cashiers, retail sales supervisors, retail wholesale buyers, fish and seafood processing plant workers, etc.) will no longer accept EOIs, regardless of the employer's industry, outside of the original restricted industries.
• Major reforms to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): The AIP is shifting to a candidate pool model, suspending applications for new employer accreditation, limiting overseas applicants to the medical, education, and construction sectors, and requiring them to apply through provincial official recruitment programs.
• Limited extension of pilot program: The pilot program for graduates of private vocational colleges has been extended to the end of 2026, but only for current students enrolled in specific programs at Oulton College and Eastern College.
• Approval status cannot be withdrawn: Applicants who have received a provincial nomination certificate may not withdraw their nomination for the purpose of reapplying for another New Brunswick provincial immigration pathway.
📌 In 2025, the NBPNP issued 3,589 ITAs, with a total of 3,000 provincial nominee places allocated throughout the year. In 2026, NB's immigration strategy will be more cautious and focused, but the annual quota will remain relatively stable.
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Eligibility & Requirements
Applicant requirements
The NBPNP has four core application pathways (plus a pilot program), each applicable to different applicant groups. Overall, the 2026 NBPNP emphasizes "relevance to the province" and "matching with in-demand industries," and those who receive provincial nominations will receive additional points in the federal Express Entry (EE) system (for applicants approved through the EE pathway).
1. Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker category is currently the largest NBPNP invitation stream, accounting for approximately 45% of all invitations in the March 2026 draw. This category has three core subcategories:
Subcategory Core Requirements for Residence/Work Visas
The New Brunswick (NB) Experience category requires applicants to have resided continuously in New Brunswick for at least 6 months prior to submitting their Expression of Interest (EOI); be currently employed by an NB employer in full-time, non-seasonal work (TEER 0/1/2/3 are all acceptable), and have the employer's willingness to support the application; and have worked for that employer for at least 6 months with a valid work permit and have legal status in Canada.
NB Graduates Category: Graduates who have completed studies qualifying them for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in NB; currently employed by an NB employer in a full-time, non-seasonal position (or hold a formal job offer); and have a valid or approved PGWP.
New Brunswick Priority Occupations: Occupations listed in the province's priority occupation list (e.g., healthcare, education, construction workers, professional positions, etc.) Hold a valid work permit or work authorization.
• Educational requirements: at least high school graduation or equivalent (overseas qualifications must be certified by ECA).
• Age requirement: 19–55 years old (applicable to all channels).
• Language requirements: TEER Level 0/1/2/3 positions require a minimum CLB 4 (English or French is acceptable), but the actual requirements are higher in the lottery – Fast Track related categories generally require CLB 7.
• Job offer requirements: You must hold a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in New Brunswick (some positions may have full-time but non-permanent positions, but specific conditions must be met).
⚠️ Under the 2026 occupational restrictions, applications will not be accepted for 14 occupations in the following skilled worker categories, regardless of the employer's industry: including cashier (NOC 65100), retail sales supervisor (NOC 62010), retail and wholesale purchasing agent (NOC 62101), retail and wholesale butcher (NOC 63201), freight clerk (NOC 14400), various frontline retail positions, and seafood processing positions.
2. Express Entry Stream Category
This pathway is linked to the federal Express Entry (EE) system, and applicants must first have a valid file in the federal EE pool. Upon successful provincial nomination, applicants will receive an additional 600 points in the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) system.
• General application requirements: You must be in the federal Express Entry pool and meet the basic eligibility requirements for one of the three federal programs (FSW skilled worker visa, FST skilled worker visa, or CEC experience visa).
• Employment in NB pathway: Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months; currently working full-time in a non-seasonal job at TEER level 0/1/2/3 (must have a valid work authorization).
• New Brunswick Priority Occupations and French-speaking Applicants Stream: Applicants in in-demand occupations or whose first language is French may receive a targeted invitation.
• Minimum language requirement: Meet the federal EE pool requirements (usually CLB 7 or above).
⚠️ Starting February 3, 2026, the Express Entry category will also completely exclude applicants from the NAICS 72 industry, and will also impose additional restrictions on 4 retail-related occupations.
3. Strategic Initiative Stream
The priority lane designed specifically for French speakers will suspend EOI acceptance for a full year starting in January 2025, and will resume the lottery in January 2026. It is the most French-speaking targeted pathway in the NBPNP.
• French language requirements: All four language skills must reach NCLC 5 (approximately equivalent to CLB 5 level).
• New Brunswick contact requirements (meeting any of the following conditions): Have lived in New Brunswick and completed at least one year of full-time study at Université de Moncton or CCNB; or have received a Letter of Interest from ImmigrationNB.
• Occupational scope: Applicants from all industries are eligible and are not subject to general occupational restrictions.
4. Business Immigration Stream
This category uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) scoring system and is open to overseas entrepreneurs, requiring them to have a certain level of net assets and investment capabilities.
Specific requirements for key information
Age requirement: 22–55 years old
Work experience: at least 3 years of experience as a business owner and manager (with shareholding of no less than 33.331% TP3T) or at least 5 years of senior management experience.
Minimum investment: CAD 150,000
Minimum net worth of CAD 600,000
Language requirement: CLB 5 (English or French)
Educational requirement: Associate's degree or above (or ECA degree certification)
Businesses must be established as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations (other partners in the shareholders must be permanent residents or citizens); and must be able to demonstrate that the business will bring significant economic benefits to New Brunswick.
Specific assessments of a company's economic benefits include: increasing high-value-added manufacturing/processing, enhancing R&D, developing new products/services, innovating in traditional industries, technology transfer, and filling gaps in local service markets.
5. Pilot Program: Private Career College Graduate Pilot
This pilot program is specifically designed for graduates of certain private vocational colleges in New Brunswick who are enrolled in designated programs but are not eligible for the federal PGWP. The minimum language requirement is CLB 5. It is a five-year federal-provincial joint program. Currently, it is only valid for students already enrolled in related programs at Oulton College and Eastern College, and has been extended to the end of 2026.
In addition, there is a Critical Worker Pilot program designed to address the labor shortage in New Brunswick. Employers must meet certain requirements, and the program lasts for five years, but applicants must first obtain a job offer from an New Brunswick employer.
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The NBPNP has four core application pathways (plus a pilot program), each applicable to different applicant groups. Overall, the 2026 NBPNP emphasizes "relevance to the province" and "matching with in-demand industries," and those who receive provincial nominations will receive additional points in the federal Express Entry (EE) system (for applicants approved through the EE pathway).
1. Skilled Worker Stream
The Skilled Worker category is currently the largest NBPNP invitation stream, accounting for approximately 45% of all invitations in the March 2026 draw. This category has three core subcategories:
Subcategory Core Requirements for Residence/Work Visas
The New Brunswick (NB) Experience category requires applicants to have resided continuously in New Brunswick for at least 6 months prior to submitting their Expression of Interest (EOI); be currently employed by an NB employer in full-time, non-seasonal work (TEER 0/1/2/3 are all acceptable), and have the employer's willingness to support the application; and have worked for that employer for at least 6 months with a valid work permit and have legal status in Canada.
NB Graduates Category: Graduates who have completed studies qualifying them for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in NB; currently employed by an NB employer in a full-time, non-seasonal position (or hold a formal job offer); and have a valid or approved PGWP.
New Brunswick Priority Occupations: Occupations listed in the province's priority occupation list (e.g., healthcare, education, construction workers, professional positions, etc.) Hold a valid work permit or work authorization.
• Educational requirements: at least high school graduation or equivalent (overseas qualifications must be certified by ECA).
• Age requirement: 19–55 years old (applicable to all channels).
• Language requirements: TEER Level 0/1/2/3 positions require a minimum CLB 4 (English or French is acceptable), but the actual requirements are higher in the lottery – Fast Track related categories generally require CLB 7.
• Job offer requirements: You must hold a full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in New Brunswick (some positions may have full-time but non-permanent positions, but specific conditions must be met).
⚠️ Under the 2026 occupational restrictions, applications will not be accepted for 14 occupations in the following skilled worker categories, regardless of the employer's industry: including cashier (NOC 65100), retail sales supervisor (NOC 62010), retail and wholesale purchasing agent (NOC 62101), retail and wholesale butcher (NOC 63201), freight clerk (NOC 14400), various frontline retail positions, and seafood processing positions.
2. Express Entry Stream Category
This pathway is linked to the federal Express Entry (EE) system, and applicants must first have a valid file in the federal EE pool. Upon successful provincial nomination, applicants will receive an additional 600 points in the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) system.
• General application requirements: You must be in the federal Express Entry pool and meet the basic eligibility requirements for one of the three federal programs (FSW skilled worker visa, FST skilled worker visa, or CEC experience visa).
• Employment in NB pathway: Have lived in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months; currently working full-time in a non-seasonal job at TEER level 0/1/2/3 (must have a valid work authorization).
• New Brunswick Priority Occupations and French-speaking Applicants Stream: Applicants in in-demand occupations or whose first language is French may receive a targeted invitation.
• Minimum language requirement: Meet the federal EE pool requirements (usually CLB 7 or above).
⚠️ Starting February 3, 2026, the Express Entry category will also completely exclude applicants from the NAICS 72 industry, and will also impose additional restrictions on 4 retail-related occupations.
3. Strategic Initiative Stream
The priority lane designed specifically for French speakers will suspend EOI acceptance for a full year starting in January 2025, and will resume the lottery in January 2026. It is the most French-speaking targeted pathway in the NBPNP.
• French language requirements: All four language skills must reach NCLC 5 (approximately equivalent to CLB 5 level).
• New Brunswick contact requirements (meeting any of the following conditions): Have lived in New Brunswick and completed at least one year of full-time study at Université de Moncton or CCNB; or have received a Letter of Interest from ImmigrationNB.
• Occupational scope: Applicants from all industries are eligible and are not subject to general occupational restrictions.
4. Business Immigration Stream
This category uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) scoring system and is open to overseas entrepreneurs, requiring them to have a certain level of net assets and investment capabilities.
Specific requirements for key information
Age requirement: 22–55 years old
Work experience: at least 3 years of experience as a business owner and manager (with shareholding of no less than 33.331% TP3T) or at least 5 years of senior management experience.
Minimum investment: CAD 150,000
Minimum net worth of CAD 600,000
Language requirement: CLB 5 (English or French)
Educational requirement: Associate's degree or above (or ECA degree certification)
Businesses must be established as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations (other partners in the shareholders must be permanent residents or citizens); and must be able to demonstrate that the business will bring significant economic benefits to New Brunswick.
Specific assessments of a company's economic benefits include: increasing high-value-added manufacturing/processing, enhancing R&D, developing new products/services, innovating in traditional industries, technology transfer, and filling gaps in local service markets.
5. Pilot Program: Private Career College Graduate Pilot
This pilot program is specifically designed for graduates of certain private vocational colleges in New Brunswick who are enrolled in designated programs but are not eligible for the federal PGWP. The minimum language requirement is CLB 5. It is a five-year federal-provincial joint program. Currently, it is only valid for students already enrolled in related programs at Oulton College and Eastern College, and has been extended to the end of 2026.
In addition, there is a Critical Worker Pilot program designed to address the labor shortage in New Brunswick. Employers must meet certain requirements, and the program lasts for five years, but applicants must first obtain a job offer from an New Brunswick employer.
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Application Process & Advice
suggestion
1. Avoid occupations related to accommodation, food and beverage, and retail. The 2026 policy imposed strict restrictions on NAICS 72 (Accommodation and Food Service) and related retail occupations; EOIs and ITAs are no longer accepted for these occupations. If your current occupation falls under these restrictions, it is recommended that you adjust your career path in advance or choose another province.
2. French-speaking applicants have a significant advantage. The Strategic Initiatives category is the only NBPNP pathway that is not industry-restricted and is open to all applicants on a merit-based invitation basis. Even with a significant reduction in Express Entry and Skilled Worker invitations in multiple rounds in 2026 (e.g., 189 invitations were issued in the March 2026 draw), it has maintained a high invitation share. Strong French proficiency greatly increases the chances of receiving an invitation—a natural policy trend in New Brunswick based on its bilingual province status.
3. Healthcare, education, and construction are the core priority industries for 2026. In the March 2026 lottery, the skilled worker category primarily targets four areas: healthcare, education, social and community services, construction trades, and professional positions. Under the AIP category, overseas applicants are also limited to applying through provincial programs in these three areas. The success rate for positions in these areas is significantly higher than in other industries.
4. Establishing practical connections in New Brunswick beforehand is crucial for receiving an invitation. Whether through study (completing a New Brunswick post-secondary institution course), work (accumulating at least 6 months of full-time experience in New Brunswick), or settlement (residing continuously in New Brunswick for at least 6 months), you can participate in the Expression of Interest (EOI) selection process through the Skilled Worker category's Experience Pathway or Graduate Pathway. The longer your local work experience and the more sufficient your residency period, the higher your chances of receiving a provincial nomination invitation.
5. Immigration policies are constantly changing, so early planning is crucial. The NBPNP suspended all skilled migration pathways in 2018, briefly reopened them in 2019 before tightening them again. A major policy adjustment was announced on February 3, 2026. It is essential to continuously monitor official immigration guidelines from the immigration department, rather than relying solely on information from third-party websites.
6. Cooperate with an immigration consultant to enhance application compliance. The NBPNP application involves precise matching of occupational NOC codes, review of employment letters, and verification of employer background. It is essential to hire a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) to assist in reducing the risk of refusal. Furthermore, once a provincial nomination certificate is obtained, the nomination cannot be withdrawn and a new application submitted through other channels; avoid any attempts to circumvent the rules.
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New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Application Process
⚠️ Note: The following process is for guidance only. All content is subject to the new New Brunswick provincial policy details for 2026. This is a provincial nominee program, which is completely different from the previously mentioned "business visa" category. Please do not confuse them.
Phase 1: Assessment of Eligible Projects
• Based on your language proficiency (French CLB 5 or above prioritizes entry into the Strategic Initiatives pathway), educational background (New Brunswick graduate/overseas degree), and strength of ties to New Brunswick (local work experience/length of stay/current employer), choose the pathway that will lead to the fastest invitation. For general overseas applicants, the preferred pathway is the New Brunswick Experience or Graduate pathway under the Skilled Worker category.
• Applicants in the Express Entry category should first register in the federal EE system and obtain a Job Seeker Validation Code before initiating the New Brunswick provincial nominee process.
Phase Two: Registering an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Log in to the Immigration New Brunswick online portal and fill in the complete EOI information.
• The system automatically scores applicants based on their overall circumstances (including occupation, language proficiency, education and employment background) and stores them in the EOI candidate pool (the pool is generally valid for 6 months; the 2026 policy clarifies that if an applicant's occupation is restricted and not considered, the EOI will not be processed).
• Only one EOI file can exist for the same applicant at a time; details under the employer sponsorship program must be agreed upon with the employer in advance.
⚠️ If any changes occur to your personal information after submitting your Expression of Interest (e.g., a change of employer), you must withdraw the original Expression of Interest and resubmit it. You cannot directly modify your existing profile.
Phase 3: Waiting for the ITA (Invitation to Apply)
• The NBPNP holds regular EOI draws (usually 1-2 times per month) to issue ITAs based on labor market priorities and applicant rankings. For reference, the January 2026 draw issued ITAs to 379 candidates (244 in the Skilled Workers category, 115 in the Strategic Initiatives category, and 20 in the Fast Track category); the February 2026 draw issued 326 ITAs; and the March 2026 draw issued 622 ITAs (279 in the Skilled Workers category, 189 in the Strategic Initiatives category, and 29 in the Fast Track category).
• Upon receiving the ITA, you must submit a complete provincial nomination application through the system within 45 days.
Once you relinquish your ITA, it cannot be reactivated, and your EOI will become invalid and need to be resubmitted. Please do not miss either round of invitations.
Phase 4: Submitting the formal provincial nomination application
• The list of documents to be submitted online includes, but is not limited to: passport and identity documents, educational qualification certificate (ECA), proof of work experience and employer support letter, language test scores (valid for two years), proof of settlement funds, criminal record check, and provincial nomination application fee.
• If the application falls within the occupational restrictions, additional employer industry codes and other supporting documents are required to prove that the application does not meet the restrictions.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application fees: The basic PNP fee is generally CAD 1,750 (including processing fees), plus a biometrics fee of CAD 85. Full payment must be made online upon submission.
Phase 5: Provincial Nomination Review and Results
The provincial government currently estimates the processing time to be 4–8 months (compared to the traditional processing time of approximately 6–10 months).
Upon approval, the applicant receives a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which includes a suggested deadline for applying for permanent residency. A federal permanent residency application can be submitted to IRCC at the same time as the provincial nomination is approved.
If rejected, the provincial immigration office will send a rejection letter stating the specific reasons. After receiving the letter, you can attempt a review by submitting supplementary materials or through the appeals mechanism (which is quite difficult), or withdraw your Expression of Interest (EOI) and resubmit it after completing the necessary revisions.
Phase Six: Federal Permanent Residency Application
Applicants who receive provincial nomination through Express Entry must accept an invitation to nominate through the federal Express Entry system (and receive 600 CRS points). Skilled worker applicants, on the other hand, submit a federal paper application through the non-Express Entry pathway.
• Submit permanent residency application materials as required by the Federal Immigration Service (including medical examination report, criminal record check, settlement funds, etc.). The federal processing time is usually 12–18 months (depending on the backlog of applications).
Phase 7: Landing and Settlement (First entry into Canada or date of landing)
• After your permanent residency is approved, land in New Brunswick to officially activate your permanent resident status. You can contact your local immigration settlement agency (such as the MCCA or the YMCA of Greater Saint John) before landing.
• Provincial nominee certificate holders must have New Brunswick as their first choice of province. After landing, they should demonstrate their actual connection with the province as soon as possible (such as accommodation, utility bills, etc.). Otherwise, the immigration authorities may question their provincial nomination eligibility and revoke their permanent residency status.
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Finally, a reminder: The NBPNP is moving towards two main directions in 2026: "precise talent recruitment" and "labor market orientation." Regardless of which pathway you apply for, you must have genuine connections to New Brunswick (e.g., full-time employment or graduate qualifications) and rigorously self-assess your eligibility against the restricted occupation list before entering the pool. Overall, French-speaking individuals, healthcare professionals, and construction workers are in the most advantageous position through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. It is strongly recommended to consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) before submitting your application to avoid invalidating your application or missing opportunities due to unfamiliarity with EOI and ITA rules.
1. Avoid occupations related to accommodation, food and beverage, and retail. The 2026 policy imposed strict restrictions on NAICS 72 (Accommodation and Food Service) and related retail occupations; EOIs and ITAs are no longer accepted for these occupations. If your current occupation falls under these restrictions, it is recommended that you adjust your career path in advance or choose another province.
2. French-speaking applicants have a significant advantage. The Strategic Initiatives category is the only NBPNP pathway that is not industry-restricted and is open to all applicants on a merit-based invitation basis. Even with a significant reduction in Express Entry and Skilled Worker invitations in multiple rounds in 2026 (e.g., 189 invitations were issued in the March 2026 draw), it has maintained a high invitation share. Strong French proficiency greatly increases the chances of receiving an invitation—a natural policy trend in New Brunswick based on its bilingual province status.
3. Healthcare, education, and construction are the core priority industries for 2026. In the March 2026 lottery, the skilled worker category primarily targets four areas: healthcare, education, social and community services, construction trades, and professional positions. Under the AIP category, overseas applicants are also limited to applying through provincial programs in these three areas. The success rate for positions in these areas is significantly higher than in other industries.
4. Establishing practical connections in New Brunswick beforehand is crucial for receiving an invitation. Whether through study (completing a New Brunswick post-secondary institution course), work (accumulating at least 6 months of full-time experience in New Brunswick), or settlement (residing continuously in New Brunswick for at least 6 months), you can participate in the Expression of Interest (EOI) selection process through the Skilled Worker category's Experience Pathway or Graduate Pathway. The longer your local work experience and the more sufficient your residency period, the higher your chances of receiving a provincial nomination invitation.
5. Immigration policies are constantly changing, so early planning is crucial. The NBPNP suspended all skilled migration pathways in 2018, briefly reopened them in 2019 before tightening them again. A major policy adjustment was announced on February 3, 2026. It is essential to continuously monitor official immigration guidelines from the immigration department, rather than relying solely on information from third-party websites.
6. Cooperate with an immigration consultant to enhance application compliance. The NBPNP application involves precise matching of occupational NOC codes, review of employment letters, and verification of employer background. It is essential to hire a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) to assist in reducing the risk of refusal. Furthermore, once a provincial nomination certificate is obtained, the nomination cannot be withdrawn and a new application submitted through other channels; avoid any attempts to circumvent the rules.
---
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Application Process
⚠️ Note: The following process is for guidance only. All content is subject to the new New Brunswick provincial policy details for 2026. This is a provincial nominee program, which is completely different from the previously mentioned "business visa" category. Please do not confuse them.
Phase 1: Assessment of Eligible Projects
• Based on your language proficiency (French CLB 5 or above prioritizes entry into the Strategic Initiatives pathway), educational background (New Brunswick graduate/overseas degree), and strength of ties to New Brunswick (local work experience/length of stay/current employer), choose the pathway that will lead to the fastest invitation. For general overseas applicants, the preferred pathway is the New Brunswick Experience or Graduate pathway under the Skilled Worker category.
• Applicants in the Express Entry category should first register in the federal EE system and obtain a Job Seeker Validation Code before initiating the New Brunswick provincial nominee process.
Phase Two: Registering an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Log in to the Immigration New Brunswick online portal and fill in the complete EOI information.
• The system automatically scores applicants based on their overall circumstances (including occupation, language proficiency, education and employment background) and stores them in the EOI candidate pool (the pool is generally valid for 6 months; the 2026 policy clarifies that if an applicant's occupation is restricted and not considered, the EOI will not be processed).
• Only one EOI file can exist for the same applicant at a time; details under the employer sponsorship program must be agreed upon with the employer in advance.
⚠️ If any changes occur to your personal information after submitting your Expression of Interest (e.g., a change of employer), you must withdraw the original Expression of Interest and resubmit it. You cannot directly modify your existing profile.
Phase 3: Waiting for the ITA (Invitation to Apply)
• The NBPNP holds regular EOI draws (usually 1-2 times per month) to issue ITAs based on labor market priorities and applicant rankings. For reference, the January 2026 draw issued ITAs to 379 candidates (244 in the Skilled Workers category, 115 in the Strategic Initiatives category, and 20 in the Fast Track category); the February 2026 draw issued 326 ITAs; and the March 2026 draw issued 622 ITAs (279 in the Skilled Workers category, 189 in the Strategic Initiatives category, and 29 in the Fast Track category).
• Upon receiving the ITA, you must submit a complete provincial nomination application through the system within 45 days.
Once you relinquish your ITA, it cannot be reactivated, and your EOI will become invalid and need to be resubmitted. Please do not miss either round of invitations.
Phase 4: Submitting the formal provincial nomination application
• The list of documents to be submitted online includes, but is not limited to: passport and identity documents, educational qualification certificate (ECA), proof of work experience and employer support letter, language test scores (valid for two years), proof of settlement funds, criminal record check, and provincial nomination application fee.
• If the application falls within the occupational restrictions, additional employer industry codes and other supporting documents are required to prove that the application does not meet the restrictions.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application fees: The basic PNP fee is generally CAD 1,750 (including processing fees), plus a biometrics fee of CAD 85. Full payment must be made online upon submission.
Phase 5: Provincial Nomination Review and Results
The provincial government currently estimates the processing time to be 4–8 months (compared to the traditional processing time of approximately 6–10 months).
Upon approval, the applicant receives a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which includes a suggested deadline for applying for permanent residency. A federal permanent residency application can be submitted to IRCC at the same time as the provincial nomination is approved.
If rejected, the provincial immigration office will send a rejection letter stating the specific reasons. After receiving the letter, you can attempt a review by submitting supplementary materials or through the appeals mechanism (which is quite difficult), or withdraw your Expression of Interest (EOI) and resubmit it after completing the necessary revisions.
Phase Six: Federal Permanent Residency Application
Applicants who receive provincial nomination through Express Entry must accept an invitation to nominate through the federal Express Entry system (and receive 600 CRS points). Skilled worker applicants, on the other hand, submit a federal paper application through the non-Express Entry pathway.
• Submit permanent residency application materials as required by the Federal Immigration Service (including medical examination report, criminal record check, settlement funds, etc.). The federal processing time is usually 12–18 months (depending on the backlog of applications).
Phase 7: Landing and Settlement (First entry into Canada or date of landing)
• After your permanent residency is approved, land in New Brunswick to officially activate your permanent resident status. You can contact your local immigration settlement agency (such as the MCCA or the YMCA of Greater Saint John) before landing.
• Provincial nominee certificate holders must have New Brunswick as their first choice of province. After landing, they should demonstrate their actual connection with the province as soon as possible (such as accommodation, utility bills, etc.). Otherwise, the immigration authorities may question their provincial nomination eligibility and revoke their permanent residency status.
---
Finally, a reminder: The NBPNP is moving towards two main directions in 2026: "precise talent recruitment" and "labor market orientation." Regardless of which pathway you apply for, you must have genuine connections to New Brunswick (e.g., full-time employment or graduate qualifications) and rigorously self-assess your eligibility against the restricted occupation list before entering the pool. Overall, French-speaking individuals, healthcare professionals, and construction workers are in the most advantageous position through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program. It is strongly recommended to consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) before submitting your application to avoid invalidating your application or missing opportunities due to unfamiliarity with EOI and ITA rules.