Why Apply for the New Brunswick PNP (NB PNP)?

New Brunswick is a great place for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international grads who want to settle in Canada. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) helps eligible people get Canadian permanent residency while addressing important job shortages in the province. With specific immigration options, lower living costs, and more job openings, the NB PNP is a top choice for newcomers.

  • Getting nominated adds 600 extra CRS points in Express Entry.
  • There are streams for people with or without a job offer.
  • Key sectors include healthcare, IT, education, and trades.
  • There are programs that support francophone and bilingual candidates.
  • Find friendly communities, affordable housing, and a good quality of life in New Brunswick.

Why Apply for the NB PNP

What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program?

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) is a program designed to help the province bring in people who can meet its job market and economic needs. It works with the IRCC and offers several pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.

*Want to apply for NB PNP? Sign up with Y-Axis to assist you with the process.
 

Benefits of the NB PNP

Some of the benefits of applying for the NB PNP are as follows:

  • Path to Permanent Residency: The NB PNP provides a straightforward way for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs to get Canadian PR through provincial nomination.
  • Job Opportunities: New Brunswick is always looking for workers in areas like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and transportation, which means there are plenty of job openings for newcomers.
  • No Job Offer Needed for Some Streams: For certain streams like the Express Entry – NB Connection, eligible applicants can apply even if they don’t have a job offer.
  • Priority for French Speakers: Being a bilingual province, New Brunswick gives preference to French-speaking applicants to help support its French communities.
  • Affordable Living and Family-Friendly Areas: With affordable homes, safe neighbourhoods, and good schools, New Brunswick is a great place to settle down and raise a family.

NB PNP Immigration Streams

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) offers six pathways for foreign nationals to become permanent residents. These options focus on meeting the labor and economic needs of the province, helping skilled workers, entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and French speakers make New Brunswick their home.

The table below has the list of NB PNP streams:

Stream

Who is it for?

Skilled Worker: New Brunswick Experience

For people currently working full-time in New Brunswick for at least six months, with their employer’s support and a desire to settle here.

Skilled Worker: New Brunswick Graduates

For recent graduates from eligible New Brunswick schools who have a job offer in the province.

Skilled Worker: Priority Occupations

For individuals recruited by the government for jobs that are in demand in New Brunswick.

Express Entry Labour Market Stream

For candidates with an active federal Express Entry profile who have ties to New Brunswick, either through a job or interest, and who receive a nomination.

Critical Worker Pilot

A program aimed at attracting workers for intermediate-skilled jobs, offering extra support for settling in.

 Business Immigration Stream

For experienced entrepreneurs looking to start or run a qualifying business in New Brunswick, meeting certain investment and experience requirements.

 

NB PNP Immigration Streams

Eligibility Criteria for NB PNP

The eligibility criteria for NB PNP are as follows:

  • Age: Usually between 19 and 55 years
  • Education: You should have a post-secondary diploma, degree, or something similar
  • Work Experience: At least 1 year in a related job
  • Language: A minimum CLB score of 5 to 7, depending on the stream
  • Job Offer: Needed for some options
  • Intent to reside in NB: Plan to live and work in New Brunswick
  • Funds: Funds for settling (as per IRCC rules)
  • Express Entry profile: Valid Express Entry profile (if you're going for the Express Entry stream)

New Brunswick PNP score calculator

The New Brunswick PNP score calculator is a tool that looks at things like your age, education, work experience, language skills, and how well you can adapt. It helps figure out if you're eligible and how you rank for programs like the Express Entry Labour Market Stream and Business Immigration Stream.

Selection factor

Points

Education

Maximum 25 points

Language Ability in English and/or French

Maximum 28 points

Work experience

Maximum 15 points

Age

Maximum 12 points

Arranged employment in Nova Scotia

Maximum 10 points

Adaptability

Maximum 10 points

Total

Maximum 100 points

Minimum points to qualify

67 Points

Requirements for New Brunswick PNP

Given below are the documents required for the NB PNP program:

  • A valid passport, including the biographic page and any pages with stamps or visas.
  • Completed and signed NB PNP application forms.
  • A job offer letter from a New Brunswick employer, if you have one.
  • An employment contract is signed by both you and your employer.
  • Proof of work experience, such as reference letters, pay stubs, or employment records.
  • Your educational credential,s like degrees, diplomas, certificates, and transcripts.
  • Language test results from IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada that meet the CLB requirements.
  • Proof of legal status in Canada if you're applying from within the country.
  • A resume or CV that shows your education and work history.
  • Proof of settlement funds, if it's needed for your application stream.
  • A police clearance certificate from each country where you've lived for more than six months.
  • A medical examination certificate, needed for the federal permanent residency stage.

Requirements for New Brunswick PNP

How to Apply for NB PNP?

You can follow the steps below to apply for the New Brunswick PNP:

Step 1: Figure out which NB PNP stream fits your background.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or register on the INB portal.

Step 3: If you're chosen, you'll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from New Brunswick.

Step 4: Send in your full application with all the necessary documents.

Step 5: Get your nomination certificate once it's approved.

Step 6: Apply for permanent residency through IRCC using your nomination.

Step 7: Complete your medical exams and biometrics, then wait for the final decision.

NB PNP Application Fees

The table below has details of the NB PNP application fees:

Stream

Application Fee (CAD)

Skilled Worker – NB Experience

$250

Skilled Worker – NB Graduates

$250

Skilled Worker – Priority Occupations

$250

Express Entry Labour Market Stream

$250

Critical Worker Pilot

$250

Business Immigration Stream

$2,000

NB PNP Processing Time

The processing time for the New Brunswick PNP varies depending on the stream you apply through. Generally, most applications are looked at within 6 to 12 months after you submit them.

Stream

Processing Time (from complete application)

Skilled Worker Streams (Experience, Graduates, Priority Occupations)

6–12 months on average

Express Entry Labour Market Stream

6 months

Critical Worker Pilot

 6–12 months

Business Immigration Stream

6–12 months

Strategic Initiative (Francophone)

6–12 months

Latest New Brunswick PNP Draws

Month No. of draws Total no. of Invitations
August 4 1052
July NA NA
June 3 608
May 1 52
April 2 477
March 1 498
February NA NA
January NA NA

In-Demand Occupations in New Brunswick

The table below has details of the top 10 occupations in New Brunswick:

Occupation

Estimated Annual Salary (CAD)

Senior Government Managers

$134,330

Human Resources Managers

$106,080

Secondary School Teachers

$104,000

Registered Nurses

$93,600

Business Data Analysts

$76,710

Licensed Practical Nurses

$62,400

Social Media Specialists

$60,990

Administrative Assistants

$51,210

Accounting Technicians

$50,960

Medical Laboratory Technologists

$71,240

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No.1 overseas Immigration consultant, providing unbiased and innovative immigration assistance for 25+ years.

Our team of experts will assist you with:

Looking for Inspiration

Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future

Sameer

Canada PR Visa

Sameer got Permanent Resident Visa for C

Read More...

Varun

Canada Work Permit Visa

Varun provided us with great Y-Axis Revi

Read More...

Virendra

Canada PR Visa

One of our client Virendra availing his

Read More...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is an immigration pathway run jointly by the provincial government of New Brunswick and the federal government of Canada. Its purpose is to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other qualified individuals who can contribute to the province’s economy and settle there permanently. Through this program, New Brunswick can nominate candidates with the education, work experience, and language ability needed to fill labour shortages. Once nominated, applicants can apply for permanent residence in Canada, making the NBPNP a vital route for newcomers who wish to live and work in the province.

How long does the New Brunswick PNP take?

Most NB PNP applications take about 6 to 12 months to process, depending on the stream, like Skilled Worker or Business Immigration. The timeline might change based on how many applications they have, specific stream criteria, and whether all your documents are in order. After getting the provincial nomination, you’ll need to go through the federal process with IRCC, which follows standard timelines.

How do I apply for the New Brunswick PNP?

You can follow the below steps to apply for New Brunswick PNP:

Step 1: Identify which NBPNP stream best matches your profile (Skilled Worker, Express Entry–aligned, or Business stream).
Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements, including work experience, language proficiency, education, and settlement funds.
Step 3: If required for your chosen stream, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the official NBPNP portal
Step 4: Wait for an invitation from the province. If selected, you will be invited to submit a full application.
Step 5: Prepare and submit your complete application with supporting documents and pay the application fee.
Step 6: If approved, receive your provincial nomination certificate from New Brunswick.
Step 7: Use the nomination to apply for permanent residence with the federal government (IRCC).

 

When does the New Brunswick PNP open?

NB PNP is open all year, but some streams might open and close at different times. It is best to keep checking the official NB PNP website or sign up for government newsletters to stay updated on openings, deadlines, and invitations to apply.

Can international students apply for New Brunswick PNP?

Yes, recent grads from eligible New Brunswick schools can apply under the Skilled Worker – New Brunswick Graduates stream, as long as they have a valid Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and a full-time job offer in the province. They also need to meet the education, language, and settlement intent requirements.

 

Can I apply to New Brunswick PNP without a job offer?

Most streams need a job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick. The Express Entry Labour Market stream might accept applicants without an offer, but you need to have a strong link to the province, like previous work or study there or involvement in recruitment events.

Is there a New Brunswick PNP calculator?

Yes, there is a points calculator for the NB PNP, and the eligibility factors are based on specific criteria, like your age, education, work experience, language skills, and ties to the province. It is a good idea to review these requirements and consider getting a preliminary assessment from an immigration advisor.

What are the eligibility requirements for New Brunswick PNP?

The general eligibility requirements for the NB PNP are as follows:

  • A permanent job offer in New Brunswick (except for some Express Entry candidates)
  • Relevant work experience and education
  • Minimum language skills (CLB level can vary by stream)
  • Legal status in Canada if applying from within
  • Intent to settle in New Brunswick
  • For entrepreneurs: minimum investment, net worth, and business experience
  • For grads: valid PGWP and recognized diploma or degree
What are the fees for New Brunswick PNP?

There is a CAD $250 non-refundable fee for skilled-worker, Express Entry, and Critical Worker streams, while the Business Immigration Stream has an application fee of $2,000 that you pay when you submit your application.

What documents do I need for New Brunswick PNP?

You will need to submit the below documents to apply for NB PNP:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed NB PNP application forms
  • Job offer letter (if applicable)
  • Employment contract
  • Proof of work experience
  • Educational transcripts
  • Language test results
  • Legal status documents
  • Resume/CV
  • Proof of settlement funds
  • Police clearance
  • The PGWP, business plan, or proof of net worth (for business or graduate streams)
What are the eligibility requirements for the New Brunswick PNP?

Some of the most common requirements across most streams include:

  • Language proficiency: Proof of sufficient English or French ability through approved language tests.
  • Education: At least a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Higher education credentials can improve your chances.
  • Work experience: Relevant skilled work experience in an eligible occupation.
  • Settlement funds: Evidence that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family.
  • Intent to reside: Demonstrated commitment to live in New Brunswick, shown through a valid job offer, past visits, or family ties.
What are the age requirements for the New Brunswick PNP?

The age-related requirements for the New Brunswick PNP are as follows:

  • Minimum age: 19 years.
  • Maximum age: 55 years.

Applicants within this range are considered better able to contribute to the labour market. While age is important, other factors such as education, language ability, and work experience are also part of the overall assessment.

What education level is needed for the New Brunswick PNP?

Applicants to the NBPNP must meet specific educational requirements, which vary depending on the stream. At a minimum, candidates usually need a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential. If the education was completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required to confirm it matches Canadian standards. While secondary education is the baseline, higher education, such as college diplomas, university degrees, or trade certifications, greatly strengthens your application. In certain business or specialized streams, proof of professional qualifications or licenses may also be required. Education plays a key role in proving your readiness to contribute to New Brunswick’s economy.