On March 5, 2025, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program announced the launch of two enhanced Canadian residency pathways. Through this immigration pathway of NBPNP, eligible candidates can submit their EOI (Expression of Interest). 

These new Canada PR pathways align with the express entry system. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program has officially started to accept applications under two new pathways. This article will provide complete details about the two new pathways. 

Overview of two enhanced program 

Both streams align with the national express entry process, accelerating gaining permanent residence in Canada.

• Employment in New Brunswick stream: This stream is aimed at people already working and living in the province on behalf of a New Brunswick employer. Individuals are required to have at least 12 months of continuous full-time employment experience within the province.
• New Brunswick interests pathway: This stream is for candidates who have been issued a Letter of Interest (LOI) from Immigration New Brunswick (ImmigrationNB) from their express entry profile. It suits skilled workers whose profiles align with New Brunswick's labour market demand.

These improved routes offer qualified workers a quicker path to permanent residency in Canada, enabling New Brunswick to continue to attract and retain the talent necessary for its economic development.

Significant changes to eligibility criteria 

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program has implemented several changes to its eligibility requirements: 

• Age Requirement: The minimum age of eligibility for applicants has been reduced from 22 to 19 years.
• Residency and Work Experience: For Employment in New Brunswick Pathway, applicants should have resided and worked full-time for a New Brunswick employer for a minimum of 12 consecutive month

Eligibility Requirements for each stream

To be eligible for these streams, applicants must satisfy specific eligibility requirements:

• New Brunswick employment pathway

Must have been residing in New Brunswick and employed full-time by a New Brunswick employer for at least 12 consecutive months.

• New Brunswick interests pathway

Must have been issued a Letter of Interest (LOI) from ImmigrationNB in their federal Express Entry profile. Must have had at least one year of uninterrupted full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last 10 years.

Standard eligibility requirements of two enhanced program

All candidates, regardless of the pathway, must;

• Have a valid express entry profile.
• Show proof of English or French proficiency at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 or more in all four language skills.
• Comply with the federal minimum evidence of funds requirement (unless exempt).
• Have secured a Canadian high school certificate or equivalent foreign qualification.
• Have plans to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
• Are aged 19-55 years old.
• Obtain a minimum of 67 points in New Brunswick's express entry selection grid.
• See to it that employment lies in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Which occupations are excluded from this program? 

Certain occupations are excluded from consideration for provincial nomination under this visa program: 

• Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC Code 12200)
• Administrative Assistant (NOC Code 13110) 
• Bakers (NOC Code 63202) 
• Cooks (NOC Code 63200)
• Food service supervisors (NOC Code 62020) 
• Food and restaurant service managers (NOC Code 60030) 
• Wholesale and retail trade managers (NOC Code 60020) 
• Retail sales supervisors (NOC Code 62010) 

The application process for New Brunswick's two enhanced pathway 

The Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests pathways application process is organised. Below is a step-by-step guide.

• Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile

First, Applicants must establish a valid Express Entry profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The profile must be kept active throughout the application process.

• Step 2: Determine Eligibility

Before applying, applicants should check the eligibility requirements for the particular stream they are applying under. The primary considerations are:

• Work experience
• Language ability (minimum CLB 7)
• Education qualifications
• Age (19 to 55)
• Evidence of intention to reside and work in New Brunswick

• Step 3: File an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Eligible applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) online portal. 

The EOI must include information about work experience, education, and connections to New Brunswick. It is not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and submitting one does not ensure selection.

• Step 4: Get an ITA (Invitation to Apply)

If chosen, the province will issue the applicant an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which includes a time limit for completing a provincial nomination application.

• Step 5: Make a Complete Application to NBPNP

Applicants are required to provide a complete application, which includes:

• Evidence of work experience
• Results of language test
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if necessary
• Evidence of intent to live in New Brunswick
• A non-refundable fee for the application is also required.

• Step 6: Receive a Provincial Nomination

Once the application has been approved, New Brunswick will send a provincial nomination. The applicant must confirm the nomination in their Express Entry profile, earning them an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

• Step 7: File for Permanent Residence with IRCC

With the extra CRS points, the applicant is more likely to be invited to apply for permanent residence in a future Express Entry draw. After receiving the ITA, the applicant must apply with IRCC within 60 days.

• Step 8: Get Permanent Residence Approval

Once the application is approved by IRCC, the candidate and their supporting family members (if any) will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Then, they can proceed to New Brunswick and become permanent residents again.

Conclusion 

New Brunswick's two new Express Entry streams provide skilled workers with a quicker pathway to permanent residency while addressing the province's economic requirements. With updated eligibility standards and an easy application process, these streams offer valuable opportunities to deserving candidates. 

With only limited nomination positions in 2025, applicants should ensure their submissions are strong and competitive. For those who wish to reside and work in New Brunswick, these streams offer an excellent opportunity to acquire Canadian permanent residency.

For details about the new enhanced programs under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or .