Starting March 5, 2025, New Brunswick is opening its doors for newcomers who wish to apply for permanent residence through two enhanced pathways under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). These two pathways, which are aligned with the Express Entry system, offer exciting opportunities for skilled workers who want to live and work in New Brunswick. However, with significant updates to eligibility criteria and specific exclusions for certain occupations, it’s crucial for candidates to understand the requirements and how they can apply.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Enhanced Pathways
As of March 5, 2025, eligible applicants can submit their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to the NBPNP under the two newly enhanced immigration pathways:
- The Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- The New Brunswick Interests Pathway
These pathways are designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the province’s labor market. However, both pathways now come with a set of changes to the eligibility conditions, including the lowering of the minimum eligible age and stricter work experience requirements for some candidates.
Key Updates to the NBPNP
The recent updates to the NBPNP reflect New Brunswick’s response to a reduction in its provincial nomination allocation for 2025. This year, the province received a total of 2,750 immigrant nominations, with 1,500 allocated to the NBPNP and the remaining 1,250 allocated to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). These changes come after cuts to the provincial nomination allocation, which means that the number of invitations extended may be more limited.
Here’s what you need to know about the two immigration pathways, eligibility, and the recent updates:
1. Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
This pathway is for individuals who have already established themselves in New Brunswick. To qualify for this pathway, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Work Experience: Applicants must have been living and working full-time in New Brunswick for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Age: Candidates must be between the ages of 19 and 55.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must have at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in either English or French.
- Express Entry Profile: A valid Express Entry profile is required for all applicants.
- Job Offer: The employment must be in a position that is categorized as National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants must meet the federal minimum proof of funds requirement unless exempt.
Updated Requirements for the Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- Residency Requirements: The minimum time candidates must have lived in New Brunswick has been increased. Additionally, candidates must have at least 12 consecutive months of full-time work experience with a New Brunswick employer.
- Exclusions: Some occupations will not be eligible under this pathway, including certain roles in hospitality, retail, and food services.
2. New Brunswick Interests Pathway
This pathway is for candidates who have received a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB through their federal Express Entry profile. In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements, candidates for the New Brunswick Interests Pathway must fulfill these specific conditions:
- Letter of Interest: Candidates must have received a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB through their Express Entry profile.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience within the past 10 years.
- Age and Language: Like the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, candidates must be aged 19-55 and meet the language proficiency requirements at CLB/NCLC level 7.
General Eligibility Requirements for Both Pathways
To be eligible for either pathway, candidates must meet the following common criteria:
- Valid Express Entry Profile: A valid Express Entry profile is required for both pathways.
- Language Proficiency: All candidates must meet at least CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language skills.
- Proof of Funds: Candidates must meet the federal minimum proof of funds unless exempted.
- Education: Applicants must have a Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Residency Intention: Applicants must intend to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
Candidates also need to score a minimum of 67 points on New Brunswick’s Express Entry selection grid, which assesses factors such as age, education, language skills, and work experience.
Excluded Occupations under NBPNP Pathways
As part of the new updates, New Brunswick has specified certain occupations that are excluded from eligibility for provincial nomination under these pathways. These excluded occupations include:
- Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC Code: 12200)
- Administrative Assistants (NOC Code: 13110)
- Bakers (NOC Code: 63202)
- Cooks (NOC Code: 63200)
- Food Service Supervisors (NOC Code: 62020)
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers (NOC Code: 60030)
- Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers (NOC Code: 60020)
- Retail Sales Supervisors (NOC Code: 62010)
Candidates in these professions will not be considered for nomination under the NBPNP pathways, regardless of their qualifications or experience.
Also Read: New Zealand’s 2nd Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) 2025: Everything You Need to Know
How to Apply for the NBPNP Pathways
Starting March 5, 2025, eligible candidates can submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to New Brunswick under either the Employment in New Brunswick or New Brunswick Interests pathways. It is important to note that the EOIs will not be processed on a first-come-first-served basis, meaning that candidates will be assessed based on their eligibility and other factors, such as labor market needs.
Once you submit an EOI, the province will assess your application and may invite you to apply for provincial nomination. If selected, you will receive a provincial nomination, which can then be used to apply for permanent residence through the federal Express Entry system.
Conclusion: A Pathway to a New Life in New Brunswick
The recent updates to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) offer significant opportunities for skilled workers looking to make a new life in Canada’s picturesque and economically vibrant province. With the opening of these two enhanced Express Entry-aligned pathways, New Brunswick is taking a proactive approach to meet its labor market needs while helping newcomers settle and thrive in the region.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the NBPNP pathways could be your gateway to permanent residence and a rewarding career in New Brunswick. Keep in mind the updated criteria and exclusions, and ensure that your application is thorough and complete to increase your chances of success.
Start your journey to permanent residency in New Brunswick today by submitting your Expression of Interest through the NBPNP!
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